Ganjam (Odisha): Unfazed by the havoc created by the massive cyclone, people of coastal region of Odisha have soaked themselves in Dussehra festivities in an attempt to put their lives back on track.
Special prayers were organised in Durga puja pandals on the 10th day of festival.
Markets reopened on Sunday in nearly all major towns and district of the state, which bore the burnt of the cyclonic fury on Saturday night.
In Chhatarpur village, locals have re-erected as many as 10 Durga puja pandals which were flattened by the lashing rains and winds.
Shops selling flowers and puja items have reopened around late afternoon in towns of Ganjam district like Berhampur and Gopalpur and their adjoining villages.
"It's the victory of good over evil that we celebrate on Durga Puja. The sheer indomitable will of human strength is bringing back the crowds to the pandals," Mamuni Jena, a local priest and resident of Gopalpur, told PTI.
At a number of places, the district administration was seen helping local puja committees in getting the pandals back in shape.
Incidentally, all such pandals are running on diesel generator sets as there is no electricity in these areas for the last two days.
The district authorities, however, could not confirm if the traditional "Ravana Dahan" would be organised at any place of the district.
A senior official said the impact of the cyclone has not being as devastating as earlier times and this has helped puja committees stand back on their feet quickly.
