Bhubaneswar: The Durga Puja pandal at Nayapalli here has been popular for its unique concepts and decorations over the years.
And this year too, the pandal is drawing the crowds with its theme. “We have recreated the Padmavati palace of Rajasthan with nature-friendly items. The height of the pandal is 80 feet and width is 120 ft. As many as 55 artisans from Kolkata constructed this pandal in 45 days,” informed Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti president Pabitra Mohan Behera.
“We have used nature-friendly items, including organic waste and fruit debris gathered from forests, for both the pandal and deities,” he added.
The 18-foot-high idol of Goddess Durga was crafted by 11 artisans from Kolkata and it took them in 22 days, he informed, adding that the height of the Medha (backdrop) is 25 feet.
“The eyes of the idols have been decorated with gold for the first time and Goddess Durga is wearing a silver crown,” said Behera.
“We have been organising cultural function for four days. The Bhajan Samaroha will be organised on Sasthi and Ashtami. Melody nights will be organised on Saptami, Navami and Dasami. Besides, Ramleela will also be organised,” he said.
“For the safety and convenience of the visitors, we have deployed 100 male volunteers and 50 female volunteers at the pandal and parking places. Around 50 transgenders are also present to help the people,” said Behera.
30 CCTV cameras have been installed for security purposes, he added.
A different path has been earmarked for senior citizens and differently-abled people.
A Meena Bazar and many food stalls have also been set up near the pandal.
“Ravana Podi will be held in a field in front of the pandal on Dasami. We are following the guidelines issued by the Commissionerate Police while using crackers,” he said.
“We have been organising Durga Puja here since the last 32 years,” said Behera.
Last year, the organisers had re-created Italy’s Piazza Venezia, the central hub of its capital Rome.
