Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: With Durga Puja around the corner, the capital city has begun buzzing with preparations as various puja committees gear up for the annual festivities. Among them, the Chandrasekharpur District Centre Owners’ Association Durga Puja Committee is making elaborate arrangements to mark the occasion.
This year, coinciding with the association’s silver jubilee celebrations, the committee is constructing an imposing pandal that will carry a message of communal harmony and religious unity. The entrance arch will feature symbols representing Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Messages promoting environmental protection, cleanliness and community service will also form part of the decorations.
The committee has been organising Durga Puja since 2008, with members of the three communities coming together to celebrate the festival and uphold the spirit of brotherhood. The association is entering its 19th year of Durga Puja celebrations, according to the organisers.
As part of this year’s special celebrations, a 60-foot-high and 50-foot-wide entrance arch reflecting the theme of religious harmony is being constructed. The idol of Goddess Durga will be installed within the pandal. The approach road to the mandap will feature LED-lit gates and colourful illumination.
A 15-foot clay idol of Goddess Durga and a 14-foot backdrop are currently under construction. The idol and related artwork are being prepared by Kendrapara-based artisan Prafulla Kumar Behera.
Giving priority to environmental protection, the organisers said eco-friendly colours will be used instead of chemical-based paints for the idol. The use of plastic will also be completely prohibited within the puja premises.
A series of cultural programmes are scheduled to be held from Sasthi to Dasami. The committee also plans to distribute dry prasad and saplings among devotees as part of its environmental and community initiatives.
On the occasion of immersion, the idol will be taken around the colony in a procession accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The procession will culminate at Club Town Ground, where the immersion ceremony will be held and devotees will bid farewell to Goddess Durga, the committee said.
