While the facade of the pandal at the Arambagh Durga Puja has been converted into the head of a buffalo that signifies the Mahishasura, its eco-friendly theme has cut costs by Rs 50 lakh. By Karan Bhardwaj
last year, if it was peace that infused the most expensive Durga Puja pandal at the Arambagh area with a towering lord Buddha’s sculpture at its entrance, this year it is the call to demolish the demon. The façade of the pandal has been converted to a head of a buffalo measuring 50 X 30 ft that signifies the Mahishasura. The severed head of Mahishasura represents annihilation of demonic and evil power from society — whether it was back in the age of Mahabharata or today’s tumultuous times. “It’s a call against all the bad practices. We urge to end the corruption, dowry, violence against women and other sporadic wickedness in society,” says Abhijit Bose, President of Arambagh Puja.
The pandal is eco-friendly this year. From the goddess’ idol to the murals and illustrations on the walls, everything is organic. “Even the sari of the idol is made up of mud though it looks like an original piece of garment. The entire decoration is done with thermocol and mud,” she said. Tapan Bose has done the art direction.
While Arambagh pandal was touted as the most expensive affair last year with a phenomenal budget of Rs 1 crore, the expense has been cut down drastically this year. “We have almost brought it down half, which is Rs 50 lakh. The idol itself costs around Rs 2.5 lakh,” he says. The organisers intend to reserve the celebrations when the country is going through turmoil. “We have just witnessed havoc in Jammu and Kashmir and others states continue to face floods. So we have restricted our budgets,” Bose says.
The cultural activities will be an extravaganza though. There will be artistes from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. While playback singer Babul Supriyo will inaugurate the Puja, Bengal’s Srikanto Acharya and Rathin Kisku will also perform besides some well-known bands such as Bhoomi.
“For years, Durga Puja has become one occasion for people to come out, celebrate, meet and greet, have food and go home. We wanted to redefine the concept of celebrations. So we started putting emphasis on social themes and bring cultural personalities to signify the importance of culture,” says Bose. Kolkata’s famed caterers will join Purani Dilli’s counterparts to serve tantalising food. Over a lakh people are expected to hit the pandal.