Fruits of the jungles and shrubs are usually used for pickles, spices, chutney, medicines and household materials but Rajasthan Mitra Mandal has used it for its Pandal decoration this year. Following the eco-friendly concept, Maa Durga, her children and the demon idols here are made of jute threads. Even their dresses, hair and accessories are made of these threads.
Every year, the committee builds its pandal on the park near Ranchi lake. The pandal here is made on unique eco-friendly concept.
“We have not used paint or cloth anywhere in the pandal or idol making. Entire design was planned by 40 hired artisans from Digha at Midnapore district. It is a time-taking effort to paste the dried wild fruits like amra, arjan seeds, bel and kendua on plywood. The thread weaving in the shape of the idols also require patience. Our artisans are working on the lay-out of the pandal for past three and half months,” committee’s organizer Ramesh Sharma said.
Around 20 quintal herbal fruits found in Odisha and Jharkhand were dried and used for the pandal. Interestingly, even the characters displayed inside the pandal as decoration items on the walls are made of jute. “Our main purpose is to save the park from any kind of pollution. We are planting plants of Ayurveda in the park boundary so that visitors do not spit or throw wastes in those areas,” added Sharma.
Notably, for past few years, Rajasthan Mitra Mandal is known among the best pandals of the State capital. “We perform the puja rituals in a grand manner so that manner neither the pandal or idols are affected,” committee member Aman Purohit said.
Denizens who regularly visit the pandal during Durga Puja feel it is a peaceful shelter within the city where one can rest and enjoy as well. “I have been visiting Rajasthan Mitra Mandal pandal since my college days in 2006. It is always attractive. The park gives a chance to sit and take rest,” Mayuree Kiran, a resident of Kanke said.
Similarly, Sumona Nandi, a teacher of Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School who makes sure to visit the pandal with her son said, “Station Road, Durga Bati, Kokar and Rajasthan Mitra Mandal are a must for my pandal hopping.”