Draped in the finest silken attire and adorned with dazzling jewelry, the 15 foot high idol of Maa Durga with lethal weapons and piercing glance looks both enchanting and powerful.  And when viewed through the misty fumes rising from the “Aartis” reverentially circled around her to the rhythmic beatings of the gongs and cymbals, she presents an awesome mystique of feminine divinity that transports the onlooker to a transcendental plane.  The intensity of this elevating experience stayed with me long after I left the Pujo Pandal organised in our locality this Dussera.

The Durga Puja Pandal organized every year by the Prantic Cultural Society is a religious, cultural and artistic extravaganza that showcases the rich tapestry of the Bengali culture spurn around the religious and devotional fervour of Navaratri. Along with the traditional pujas amidst chants and the rituals, the Pandal offers a wide variety of musical and dance events that is an audio-visual treat to the hundreds visiting the Pandal every day. It not only gives a kaleidoscopic view of the current Bengali cultural trends but also gives a stage for budding talents and aspiring performers. But the most striking aspect of this annual event is the construct of the Pandal itself, that is both a designer’s delight and an artist’s challenge. Always theme based, it gives expression, in solid forms, to the intricate imagination of a creative mind and embraces in itself the structure, the story and the message in an integral whole that leaves one visiting the Pandal spellbound. And it is the Handicrafts of Bengal that formed the theme of this year’s Pandal and it is a riot of colours and craftsmanship that is on display everywhere at the event.

The entire display of theme is fashioned in Bamboo Caskets that are richly embellished with sea shells, paper cuttings and other handicraft designs that bring into life myriad stories, from the yore to the epic. Be it the various forms of the Goddess that are crafted exquisitely in innumerable bamboo caskets in many sizes, shapes and designs or the picturisation of the ten forms of Vishnu detailing the characters of each Avathar, the thought and the effort that has gone into the making of each one of them is truly mindboggling! Add to that the external decoration of various themes in the form of arches, towers and reliefs, all in bamboo caskets, and you have an amazing display of craftsmanship in an expansive spread.

These structural magic on mere bamboos are erected by artisans from the East Midnapore of Bengal who have worked tirelessly, day and night, for over a month to bring into life a monumental expression of art. All the materials used for the construction were transported from Bengal to Delhi and meticulously crafted, piece by piece, at the venue site. They are then detailed and embellished with sophistication to breathe life to the hundreds of characters that are on display at the venue for the thousands visiting the Pandal to bask and marvel at the unparalleled artistry of these craftsmen! Their construct become mansions fit to be the abode of the Goddess while the artists themselves remain unknown!

Along with the beautiful handicraft structure of the site, the Pandal also is a foodie’s delight with a variety of cuisine on sale at its many counters. And as one relishes the delicacies of Bengal, the aroma of dosas and parathas emanate from other stalls. And if that is not enough to make a memorable evening, the traditional Bengali attires of many visitors are by themselves a treat to watch!

It’s the events like the Durga Puja that make us aware of the rich and diverse culture of our nation and as one learns more about the traditions, food, dress and way of life of others, the strands of nationhood is further strengthened!  

Happy Durga Pujo!  

  Yours

Narayanan