With only three weeks remaining for the Durga Puja, the preparations are going on in full swing in the state capital. The pandals have started taking shape, but this time the celebrations are going to be in a simpler way, as the organizers are cutting down the expenses due to price hike and inflation.
This year the people of the city will miss the glittering events which once used to be the main attraction of the Mela.A blend of artistry and tradition is what revelers can expect at the Durga Puja of Sangram Club, Kutchery Chowk, who are organising the puja for the last 45 years. They are planning to use plywood in a major quantity for the preparation of the pandal this time. “Thermocol, Plywood, Fiber and Glass are the things from which the pandal will be made. The pandal will be the replica of a temple for which the artisans have come from Kolkata.” said Ajay Kumar Gupta, coordinator of the Sangram Club.
A 20ft idol of Goddess Durga will sit pretty inside the pandal which will be 60ft in height and 55ft in breadth. When the members of the club were asked about the budget for this year’s Durga Puja, they replied that it is Rs 7 lakh, which was the same last year too.
“This year our budget has remained the same as last year while the costs have gone up, so this year the puja is going to be organized in a simpler way then before” said Santosh Gupta, President of the Sangram Club.
He further added, “One of the other reasons for not organizing the Durga Puja in a lavishing manner is that, it has led us into losses in previous years.”
“The Durga Puja organised at the Kutchery Chowk has lost its charm for the past few years as entertainment factors like the Electric show is missing which once used to be eye catching event for people of the city” said Raj Malhotra, a student of St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi.