Bhubaneswar, Oct. 16 -- Villages and towns across Odisha have come alive with festive activities ahead of Durga Puja. Among the prominent celebrations is the 519-year-old tradition at Laxmannath Garh in Jaleswar block of Balasore district. Here, Goddess Durga is worshipped following Bengali rituals and tantric rites.

Meanwhile, Shodasha Puja is underway at the shrine of Maa Bhattarika in Shashang village under Badamba block of Cuttack district. The 16-day worship draws devotees who visit the shrine to witness the goddess adorned in golden ornaments and worshipped in different forms.

Historical accounts state that Durga Puja at Laxmannath Garh began in 1508 under the supervision of Ramachandra Ghosh, the then Kanungo of Jaleswar. The tra...