Special Correspondent
Silchar: The drizzles for the last 24 hours and the forecast for its continuation till Monday have no doubt dampened the spirit of the Puja organizers, but are not let down. Looking confident and also satisfied with the ongoing preparations for making the pandal of Bilpar Durgabari all attractive and well decorated, Kutu Kar, secretary of the Puja committee, said, “Ours is a big budget Puja which draws huge devotees and pandal hoppers and we want to maintain our tradition of divinity, sublimity and at the same time an air of mirth and joviality.” Relevant to mention, this is one of the well known destination of worshippers of Goddess Durga.
As in previous years, the stress of the committees is focused on artistic designs and decorations with particular focus on illuminations. The theme however varies, depending on the decision of the Puja committees and the availability of funds. Bilpar Durgabari has chosen the model of ice cream by using its own method of presentation without any imitation. Pankaj Paul, secretary of Mitali Sangha, another big budget Puja, said their committee has preferred to showcase ‘surgical strike’, much discussed and glorified, as the theme. He however declined to share details of showcasing it. But, this will pull crowd to win applause.
Another well known destination for pandal hoppers is South Bilpar. Preparations are afoot to give the final touches as Tamal Chakraborty, organizer said, “We want to hog the limelight by diffusing the spirit of tradition and modernity.” Pratham Palli of Tarapur is not lagging behind. Organizers and workers have joined hands together to present the structure of South Indian temple. This is also the theme of South Bilpar. There is distinct text and tenor behind the idea of South Indian temple, pointed out Sujit Deb, secretary. Shyama Prasad road Puja pandal of central town has made a place of distinction for maintaining the best of discipline and decorum. Himadri Das is happy with the preparations, though theme is their own creation.
Ankan Chakraborty, organizer, Madhya Shahar Sanskritik Samiti, is seen with his team workers making all out efforts to make the pandal well decorated and illuminated. Their only concern is low collections of fund to meet the escalating cost of materials. They have also chosen to present the model of a Hindu temple without any ostentations. So is the model adopted by Tarapur Motor Stands and Kali Mohan road Puja committee. Nilay Paul and Manas Purkayastha, organizers respectively, said, “We are worried if the rain plays spoilsport, all our hard work will go in vain.” The budget fixed by the committees ranges from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh.
All these big budget Puja committees with large size idols of Goddess Durga, her four children and the demon on feet, have engaged artistes from far off Siliguri, Coochbehar, Nadia and other places of West Bengal. Idols are being made inside the pandals and the organizers keep a close watch on the making. Apart from designs and artistry inside the pandals, illuminations form part of making the Puja more attractive. The only concern of the sensible persons of this town is about Puja turning into all mirth and jollity, giving a bye to sacredness and sublimity. One hopes it does not.