Umerkote, 17th Oct 2025: Goddess Kali will be worshipped in Odisha’s urban villages this Diwali. Preparations for Kali Puja are in full swing in Umerkote, Nabarangpur district. As artisans work diligently on the idol, the preparations have now entered their final stage. The stage for the idol is being set up at the puja pandal, and the structure of the idol is nearly complete.
Like every year, this year too, Kali Puja will be held at the Kali Badi Padia in Ward No. 52 under Umerkote Municipality. A massive 42-foot idol of Goddess Kali will be worshipped at this location. The idol is almost ready.
The main sculptor, Jayadev Tarapadar from MPV 51 village in Malkangiri district, along with a team of nine artisans from MPV 82 village — Prakash Gain, Amar, Arjun, Prahlad, Utam, Sajal, Kacha, Keshav, and Kiran — are engaged in crafting the idol. According to the artisans, it takes about 12 to 13 days to complete the idol structure and an additional 2 days for painting, making it a total of 15 days for full completion, as per the chief sculptor Jayadev.
To ensure the puja is conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, a committee has been formed with key individuals from the area. The committee stated that this puja is only possible through the cooperation and support of the local people. They have also announced that this year’s celebration will be more grand than previous years.
The Kali Puja celebration will continue for nine days. To add more vibrancy to the festival, a mini fair (Mina Bazar) has been planned. Cultural programs for public entertainment and business stalls will be set up during the festival in Ward 52. Numerous vendors are expected to gather, turning the area into a bustling festive market.
Given all the arrangements, the committee expects a large turnout of devotees this year. Residents of Umerkote and surrounding areas are very excited to witness the 42-foot tall Kali idol. Devotees from nearby districts and even from the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh are expected to visit and participate in the grand celebration.
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