As a Guinean student at KIIT University and an active Local Guide in Bhubaneswar, I’m currently on a 10-day religious holiday break. Being the only active Local Guide in the city right now, I’ve decided to use this time to explore some of Odisha’s most spectacular Durga Puja pandals and share these cultural treasures with the Google Maps community!
Today’s Temple Trail:
ISKCON Temple, Unit 8, D.A.V Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wR7qAN67VTePrr9SA
My first stop was the ISKCON temple, where I was immediately struck by the architectural grandeur. The temple’s design features intricate carvings and a warm golden glow that creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The attention to detail in every pillar and arch demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship.
Trinnath Temple, Badyut Marg Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jzmuM6d8TNK7TkKMA
Next, I visited Trinnath Temple, where the vibrant orange and red hues of the pandal facade captured my attention. The structure resembles a magnificent fort with multiple domes and traditional architectural elements. The colorful decorations and elaborate designs showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. The pandal also featured impressive height with multi-tiered structures that truly stand out in the cityscape.
Hanuman Mandir, Patia, Nandankanan Road 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/e9Fj6dWzpFxGJEFn7
This was undoubtedly the highlight of my day - one of Bhubaneswar’s finest Durga Puja celebrations! The architectural masterpiece left me speechless:
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Exterior Excellence: The temple’s golden sandstone-colored exterior radiates magnificence, especially under evening lights. The multi-tiered structure with ornate shikhara (temple spires) showcases traditional Odishan temple architecture at its finest.
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Intricate Craftsmanship: Every surface is adorned with detailed carvings depicting deities, floral patterns, and geometric designs. The precision and artistry are simply extraordinary.
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Interior Splendor: The ceiling features a breathtaking circular dome with concentric rings of carved arches, each meticulously detailed. The warm golden lighting enhances the sacred atmosphere.
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Cultural Authenticity: The blend of traditional architectural elements with festive decorations creates an authentic spiritual experience.
What Makes This Experience Special:
As an international student from West Africa experiencing Durga Puja for the first time, I’m amazed by the devotion, artistry, and community spirit that goes into these celebrations. The architectural diversity - from ISKCON’s serene elegance to Trinnath’s vibrant colors to Hanuman Mandir’s unparalleled grandeur - showcases Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry.
Each pandal tells a story of faith, tradition, and artistic excellence. The craftsmanship is incomparable, with every detail meticulously planned and executed.
I’ll continue documenting my Durga Puja journey throughout these 10 days and sharing more hidden gems of Bhubaneswar with the Local Guides community!
@NandKK, @ChinonsoOnukwugha, @christophesubilia, @cuicani, @Shaunak, @SholaIB, @Laurent, @Bapt, @K.K.Sharma, @NareshDarji, @Trishatishu, @Yulochka @Yannick_S @Trishatishu @TusharSuradkar @TravellerG @Globe_trotter_Ish @LuisMGonzalez @egiden
How about you ?
#DurgaPuja #Bhubaneswar #Odisha #LocalGuides #ISKCONTemple #TrinnathTemple #HanumanMandir #CulturalHeritage #OdishaTourism #KIIT #FestivalOfIndia #localguidesfr #indianlocalguides
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