Pandal Samiti to follow ‘Clean India Campaign’
Kadru Durga Puja Samiti, marking its Golden Jubilee this year, is making a replica of Chaitanya Jain Temple by cleaning the surroundings. Interestingly, their plan of following the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) during the puja days and creating a venue like that seen at Rajgir makes them different from other pandals.
Railways platform with rail lines, a small pond with fishes and a small temple are made on mountains similar to the original scenario. A stage specifically for carrying the day and night Jagran on Navami as well as for the cultural activities of children is made here.
Secretary of the Samiti Akhilesh Kumar Jha said the members wanted to create pandal within their collected budget of Rs 8 lakh. “We always organise a homely puja. It is due to this reason that we called pandal artisans from Bokaro and the idols are made at Hinoo in Ek Chala giving a touch of bengali look to the entire puja rituals,” Samiti member Akash Kumar said.
Unlike other pandals, the artisans began the construction work from September 5. “Creating Rajgir Chaitanya Jain Temple is not a time taking process with orange coloured cloth pieces. We will complete the construction by Wednesday. However, the idols will be unveiled on Tuesday on the occasion of Shasthi,” said artisan Anil Mahto.
The team of 12 artisans headed by Umesh Chandra Mahto is working day and night for the completion of their work. “It is for the first time we are organising Jagran during night hours as well since we have complete five decades of performing durga puja,” Akash said.
Besides, the efforts made by the locals here, the members have pledged to maintain the cleanliness of the vicinity atleast during the puja days. Akhilesh said the special initiative is taken following the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Vendors who are to display their stalls for the fair organised here have been instructed to maintain atleast a gap few metres from the pandal and its decorated ground.
“If we maintain the sanitation and hygiene around the pandal it will not only contribute to our Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but also make the Golden Jubilee a historic moment,” he mentioned. Adolescent boys of the Samiti were seen supervising the artists and painters. “The swings put up for the fair will attract children. Also, the mountain and stage will give them chances to explore the pandal,” said teenager Amit.
