01The Devi of the city
The temple’s account says that the Devi was found in the sand of the Mahanadi bank by a priest who had a dream of her, and that the city’s people built her shrine there. She is worshipped as Chandi, a form of Mahishasuramardini, with four arms, seated on a lion. Cuttack, founded as a military camp, kataka, by the Ganga kings and capital of Odisha for centuries, holds her as its guardian; brides and new houses take her blessing first.
02Durga Puja and Kali Puja
Cuttack’s Durga Puja is known across eastern India for its pandals decked in silver filigree work, the city’s old craft, and the festival begins and ends with the Chandi temple. On Ashtami the Devi is worshipped as Mahishamardini, and the crowds stretch out to the river. Kali Puja and Navratri in Chaitra are the other great days. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busy days of the week, and the evening aarti is the best time for darshan.
Near the Mahanadi in central Cuttack, close to Barabati Stadium and the fort. Durga Puja evenings are the busiest.
