Berhampur: With different puja organising committees coming up with new concepts of pandals and idols, a youths’ assocition has put up the images of President Droupadi Murmu and Odishs Chief Minister Naveen Patanik along with the idol of Lord Ganesh on its pandal in Berhampur city of Ganjam district.
Due to its out of box idea of decoration for Ganesh Puja this year, the pandal of Ashok Nagar Youths’ Association has become a major attraction in the city. The pandal decoration made with contemporary theme and suitable lighting has been drawing hundreds of people every evening.
The Association has also presented various important incidents related to the relationship between President Murmu and the Chief Minister. The pictures from Murmu tying rakhi to Naveen to her swearing in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan have found display at the pandal.
Speaking on the novel idea, corporator of Ward 32 of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Surendra Kumar Maharana said the Ashok Nagar Youths’ Association has been coming out with contemporary concepts sending across a message to the society.
“Odisha is the land of rich culture and mutual love and respect. The relation between the President and the chief minister is a reflection of it. They are true reflections of brother-sister relation even in public life. Since the day Murmu tied rakhi on the wrists of Naveen, the chief minister has played the role of a responsible brother. When Murmu sought his help in her election, Naveen mobilised all his resources and made all possible to efforts to see her occupy the highest constitutional position of the country,” said Maharana.
The Association president, A Santosh Patra, said since community celebration of Ganesh Puja was banned for the last two years due to COVID pandemic, they have made a grand arrangement this year. The association has installed Ganesh idol with a height of 9 ft and 9 inch on the pandal.
“We selected this theme as Droupadi Murumu has made all Odias proud for being elected as first tribal woman President of the country, while Naveen Patnaik has successfully remained in the office of chief minister for 25 years continuously,” he added.
