Cuttack: Days after Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (silver filigree) was accorded the GI tag, a Rs 2 crore Dola Bimana (palanquin) made of intricate gold filigree work has become the new attraction at this year’s Dola Jatra celebrations in Odisha’s Cuttack.
Conceptualised by Sri Sri Madan Mohan Jew Durga Puja Committee and funded by residents of Kathagada Sahi, the palanquin constructed with 2.5 kg gold, was put on display in front of the Madan Mohan Jew temple at Kathagada Sahi on Tuesday.
The five-foot-long palanquin with idols of Lord Krishna and Devi Radha installed inside it replaced the 80 kg silver Dola Bimana, which was used during Dola or Holi festival for last eight years. The deities, Lord Krishna and Devi Radha, will now be part of six Dola Melanas at Telenga Bazaar, Choudhury Bazaar, Kathagada Sahi, Darkhapatana and Chauliaganj. The festivities will continue till Dola Purnima.
According to sources, in December last year, residents of the area held meetings and decided to have a Dola Bimana made of 4 kg gold for Dola Jatra. They started collecting funds and roped in Cuttack Alisa Bazaar’s well-known filigree artist Pradip Kumar Prusty for the work. He was assisted by another five to six artists.
“Until now, 75 per cent of work has been completed. Of the estimated 4 kg gold, 2.5 kg has been used for construction of Dola Bimana at a cost of Rs 2 crore. It includes the wages of the artisans,” secretary of Kathagada Sahi Yubak Sangha Gagan Ojha told the media.
Work with the remaining 1.5 kg gold will be completed before next year’s Dola festival, he informed.
Cuttack police have ensured protection of the palanquin during the Dola Jatra, sources added.
