One of the most prominent and sought after puja pandals of the City, the Bharatiya Nav Yuvak Sangh aka Bakri Bazaar puja pandal is set to mesmerize pandal hoppers again this festive season. The pandal known for its incredible designs has been attracting devotees not just from the Capital city but also from the areas around Ranchi. Setting a fine example of modern architecture woven with traditional gaiety, this year the Bakri Bazaar puja pandal is being primed up on the theme of a fictional temple. Special effects with attractive LED lights have been combined with the theme to give it a more realistic look.
At the entry gate, an owl- the vahan (vehicle) of Goddess Lakshmi will be placed symbolizing prosperity. While the exterior walls of the pandal will be multi- coloured, the interiors will have tableaus displaying farmers, social workers and soldiers with figurines made of clay. In a bid to protect the environment, the pandal structure and the figures of all the deities are being made of eco friendly materials. While the idols are being made of clay and adorned with herbal colours, the pandal is being made using jute bags and plywood. “Using biodegradable materials like fibre and plywood, artists from Bengal are involved in carving out the structure with intricate designs. As per the fictional theme, in the imaginary temple, the residents of Ranchi will also witness Buddhist followers worshipping Goddess Durga which will be a great source of attraction,” said Vice President Ravi Rohatgi, Bharatiya Nav Yuvak Sangh Puja Pandal Samiti.
Being decked up since 1958, this is the 62nd year when Duga Puja celebrations will be held in a grand way at this venue in the city. This year the pandal will be open to visitors from Panchami- October 3. “Initially the puja celebrations were done at a very small scale. But over the years it has become one of the most popular puja pandals of the city attracting numerous visitors,” added Rohatgi.
Being made as the tallest puja pandal in the City, the entire structure will be 85 feet high and 170 feet broad. The budget for the whole event has been fixed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh along with the idols of the deities which are being prepared at a whopping cost of Rs 2.5 lakh. Entertainment zone, fun rides and food stalls will be the other attractions at the pandal. According to the Bharatiya Nav Yuvak Sangh committee members, at the food stalls it is always ensured that pure ingredients are used. For the senior citizens proper seating arrangement is also being made at premises. Provision for drinking water, coffee counters and mouth watering delicacies are also done.
To ensure safety about 28 CCTV cameras are being installed around the entire area. Private security guards and women personnel will also be displayed. The committee has also urged RMC to ensure proper garbage collection twice a day.
