GUWAHATI: Nothing can compare to Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. But this time in Guwahati, the Puja committees across the city have lined up a deck full of themes that one must take a bow and experience.
With the explosion of themes and the entry of artists, the pandals and the idols are cast from various things.
The result? Guwahati turns into a virtual walk-through gallery.
With the preparations on full swing in the city, the denizens are getting the vibe of what this Durga Puja will showcase.
It has always been amazing to see how craftsmen shape the fantastic pandals (temporary marquees housing Maa Durga and her family) with bamboo, canvas and colored cloth.
Let us now tell you about a few places which are expecting large number of footfalls.
1. Baahubali's Mahishmati kingdom-themed Durga Puja pandal
The Bimala Nagar Durga Puja committee is working day and night to build a huge Mahishmati kingdom-themed pandal for the upcoming Durga Puja.
The very popular film, Baahubali was set in the Mahishmati kingdom.
The artisans working for the pandal are from Kolkata. The majestic Mahishmati kingdom pandal will be of 80 feet in height and 55-60 feet in width.
2. 'Abhi-Neel Waterfall' theme at Lakhimandir Durga Puja pandal
This year, 'Abhi-Neel Waterfall' artwork will feature in the golden jubilee celebrations of Lakhimandir Durga Puja in Beltola.
The waterfall which is under construction is around 25 feet in height and around 200 feet in length.
As many as 20 artists under the supervision of Akhil Sinha are associated with the work.
3. 'Bharat Mata' at Bishnupur
The idol of the Bharat Mata is 78-foot-tall, with a map of India of the same height, as the backdrop. The total expense of this theme puja is Rs. 34 lakh.
The concept of the pandal also reflects our country’s internal demons which have been trying to prevent India’s development. Terrorism and corruption are examples of those demons.
The artists are Manjit Kalita and Jhoti Shankar.
4. 'Krishna Mandir of Vrindavan' at Latasil
The Latasil Durga Puja Committee will be designing the main mandap like the Krishna Mandir located in Vrindavan.
This will be the 39th Durga Puja at the Latasil playground. The puja organised in 2015 drew huge crowds with the mandap designed as a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.
