The spiritual aura of Odisha’s world-famous Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is set to enchant devotees in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar this Durga Puja 2025, with spectacular pandals being constructed in Bhopal and Patna that recreate the grandeur of the 12th-century shrine. In Patna, the Boring Road Durga Puja Samiti Vyapar Mandal is constructing a grand 60-foot pandal spread across 3,300 sq. feet, modeled after the iconic Jagannath Temple. The project, costing around ₹12 lakh, is being brought to life by skilled artisans from West Bengal who are also crafting the idols to be installed inside the pandal.

Samiti president Umesh Singh personally visited Puri with a camera to study the contours, detailing, and architectural grandeur of the Jagannath Temple before finalizing the theme. He confirmed that construction has been ongoing for over a month and is nearing completion, ensuring that Patna’s residents will get a true glimpse of Odisha’s temple heritage during the Puja festivities. Meanwhile, in Bhopal, the Bittan Market ground has become the hub of Durga Puja celebrations with a massive 105-foot pandal spanning 36,000 sq. feet. The structure, designed as a replica of the Jagannath Temple, houses beautifully crafted idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, symbolizing Odisha’s divine traditions.

This ambitious project, which forms the centrepiece of a larger initiative showcasing replicas of iconic temples from across India, is being executed at a cost of nearly ₹1.25 crore. To maintain authenticity in rituals and traditions, the Samiti has roped in six pandits from Puri, ensuring that the worship follows the original Jagannath customs. Convener Hari Om Khatik revealed that about 62 artisans from Kolkata are engaged in the intricate construction work, with nearly 95% of the project already completed. The grandeur and scale of the pandal are expected to make it one of the main attractions in Bhopal during this Navratri.

Both in Patna and Bhopal, these replicas not only highlight the architectural magnificence of the Puri Jagannath Temple but also serve as a bridge connecting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage with devotees across India. With artisans, priests, and local committees working tirelessly, these pandals promise to draw massive crowds and add a divine aura to this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.