The enchanting spirit of Durga Puja is sweeping through the heart of the national capital, igniting fervor as the city indulges itself in festivities. There are several things that make this year’s puja better, bigger and brighter with the most crucial being zero fear of COVID pandemic. The second year of no pandemic has made the worshippers come in big numbers for enjoying the festivities. In the national capital this year, there is a vibrant tapestry of diverse themes for the pandals – from traditional ‘Rajbari’ to new Parliament building to the revered Mundeshwari Devi Temple.
“The excitement does seem high this year,” said Tamojit Chakrabarty, Secretary of Delhi’s Bangiya Parishad (Paschim Vihar). The parishad is organising its 39th edition of the Pujo. “There are numerous cultural events that are scheduled to take place this time. Artists like singing reality show winner Padma Palash Halder, Bharatnatyam dancer Drabin Chatterjee, singer Prantik Sur, among others will be live here with us,” Chakrabarty excitedly revealed.
The excitement is not all about the events alone. “The participation from the sponsor’s end is also positively overwhelming. Brands like ZEE, Panasonic, Nestle and Volkswagen among others have responded generously,” he further said. Chakrabarty’s traditional ‘Rajbari’-themed pandal this time also has on-ground medical support from Fortis Hospital along with an ambulance.
Spiritual, patriotic celebrations
In Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park, a Puja pandal is set to replicate the recently inaugurated Parliament building, an architectural marvel. Inside this splendid pandal, visitors will be greeted by immersive 3D portrayals of valiant freedom fighters and cherished national emblems, an artistic tribute to India’s rich heritage.
Meanwhile, the Mela Ground in CR Park is poised to transport devotees to the tranquil world of Buddha, with a pandal devoted to this profound spiritual figure. The serenity and wisdom embodied by Buddha will permeate the atmosphere, offering a unique and spiritual perspective to the festivities. In another corner of the neighborhood, the K Block Park is poised to transform into a virtual pilgrimage site, mirroring the magnificent Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Bihar. The intricate detailing and reverence of this temple replica will undoubtedly leave a profound impression on the visitors.
Interesting themes, interested workers
Speaking about the various themes of puja pandals, Pankaj Purkaith, a pandal maker in CR Park, said that there is more enthusiasm amongst workers when they receive orders of interesting themes.
“There is more enthusiasm to work when we get interesting themes. For example, we are making this Central Vista-themed puja pandal in Chittaranjan Park’s B Block. The Kali mandir in K Block will have a ‘Rajbari’ (palace) themed pandal this year. This time we have taken orders for 10 pandals and workers are a little stressed out as we have to finish the work in a week,” Purkaith told PTI.
“For theme-based pandals, it takes at least two months. A total of 80 to 90 pandal makers are working day and night to complete the work on time,” he added.
Adventure awaits at this pandal
Heading to the Ghaziabad grocery market ground, organizers have embarked on a unique journey. Their pandal is meticulously themed around a forest, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. The lush, green ambience will beckon visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the natural world, a refreshing departure from the usual themes.
The diverse themes adorning the Puja pandals are a testament to the dynamism and creativity of the artisans. Pankaj Purkaith, a pandal maker, emphasizes the enthusiasm that novel themes bring to the artists’ work. Each pandal, intricately themed, represents a labor of love and creativity, spanning two months of tireless effort by a dedicated workforce of 80 to 90 artisans. The celebration of divine feminine energy will dazzle the city till October 24.
