Bhubaneswar: Strong winds and heavy rain associated with Cyclone 'Arnab' severely damaged a Laxmi Puja pandal at Damana playground under Chandrasekharpur police limits in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The decorative structure collapsed, while an 80-foot idol of Goddess Laxmi was also damaged. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

The pandal was set up by the North Bhubaneswar Yuva Sangha Gajalaxmi Puja Committee for the annual festival. A light gate near the playground also collapsed, while the puja committee's office beside the pandal was damaged.

Following the incident, a team from Chandrasekharpur police station and officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) reached the site to assess the situation. The puja committee used earthmoving equipment and a crane to remove the collapsed structure and clear the debris.

According to committee members, the incident occurred at around 11.30 am when strong winds battered the area. The pandal gradually collapsed, causing damage to the idol and other structures at the puja venue. The committee had organised the festival on a grand scale, with the immersion of the idol scheduled for October 31.