Durga Puja Pandals across the country are busy disseminating social messages. While pandals in Delhi are experimenting with theme based pandals this year, bars and restaurants in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore are ready with flavours of Bengal in everyone’s plate.
Arambagh Puja Samiti in Delhi, through Abanindranath Tagore’s 1935 painting ‘Bharat Mata’, focuses on the plight of orphans. The theme of the pandal is inspired by Tagore’s 1935 painting ‘Bharat Mata’ that depicts a saffron-clad Mother India.
The main attraction of the pandal is a 40 feet tall replica of ‘Bharat Mata’ surrounded with children on both sides who are supposedly orphans.
“We want to draw the attention of the Government and private bodies to the fact that this crucial issue is a reality in India,” said Abhijit Bose, Executive Chairman, Arambagh Puja Samiti.
Saying that even in 70 years, the plight of children has not changed he said, “Even after 70 years of independence, the plight of the orphans has not changed. India is developing, but there is this section of orphan children, whom as a country we have failed miserably.”
With Arambagh Puja receiving high footfall every year, Bose added that they wanted to use the celebrations as a platform to sensitise people about the issue.
While Arambagh focuses on the plight of orphans in the independent India, Matri Mandir Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti has brought the piousness of Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu to Delhi.
“The design and architecture of the temples are a venerable illustration of balance in grandeur and simplicity, reflecting Jain values of honesty and frugality. This year we will try and replicate this architectural marvel with utmost sincerity,” said Debashis Saha, Chief Coordinator, Matri Mandir Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti.
This Durga Puja, the restaurants will be bringing delicacies to tickle the taste buds of the people.
Monkey Bars franchises in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata have come up with special menus for the Durga Puja, and will serve lip-smacking delicacies found on the streets of the city of joy.
In the same way, Madhumita Pyne who runs ‘Insomniac Cook’, a home delivery outlet in Mumbai, has decided to deliver authentic Bengali delights.
Apart from that, the people will be able to taste various drinks like ‘Piara Peara’, ‘Puchka Caipiroshka’, and Thaanda Chaa at various eateries.