The devastating scene of Uttarakhand in June 2013 will be showcased at Durga Puja Pandal being made at Kokar. As about 26 artists of Chandannagar (near Kolkata) are making a replica of the flooded condition of Uttrakhand wherein the drowned lord Shiva’s statue, people screaming for help, buildings falling in the floods like toys, forces personnel carrying out rescue works will be seen with thermacol and lightning effects.
“Most of the places affected by the floods are India’s prominent religious areas including Kedarnath. We were touched by the sufferings so thought of making a resemblance of the entire disaster. We have brought a big image of lord Shiva similar to the one which was almost drowned in the flood. Our artisans are connecting electricity wires in the thermacol houses, hotels and helicopters to give the scary effect,” Kokar Durga Puja Committee President Chanchal Chatterjee said.
Interestingly, various kinds of mechanical lights would give the entrance of the pandal the same ambience that was felt last year during the floods at several parts of Uttrakhand. “Around 200 litres water will replace the flooded area. Transformers drenched in these floods are also being put up,” Chatterjee said.
On Monday, labourers were seen digging paths in front of the pandal for putting up the yet to completed ‘Flood Scene’. “One can see people screaming to save them out of the water. Plastic vehicles of government, military and para military forces will be seen moving around the flooded areas. We began the work on this concept last month and are aiming to complete by September 29,” Chandannagar’s artisan Nirmani Bhattacharya said.
Huge crowd is witnessed at Kokar Pandal from Shosti to Dashami. Committee members like always are seeking help of the colony residents who will be helping as volunteers. Chatterjee said that the rush is always managed by the locals. “There would be about 11 gates around the Pandal. The moment you enter the pandal, you will see sudden changes in your physique. Special mirrors will be pasted inside the pandal wherein devotees may see their face and body changing. It will be funny,” he added.
The Committee will mark its 63 years of establishment this year. Asked on why Chatterjee missed the recent floods of Jammu and Kashmir he said the decision on the pandal format was taken before that. “Troubles are almost same. Whatever happened at Uttrakhand is happening at Jammu and Kashmir. We hope none of our states are hampered by such floods,” an artist of the Pedal said.
like every year, a fair will also be organized at Kokar ground during the puja season to entertain children and residents coming from far off areas.