Durga Puja 2021: Importance of trees to COVID-19, pandals deck up in colourful & significant themes

Durga Puja 2021: Importance of trees to COVID-19, pandals deck up in colourful & significant themes | PICS

To mark 200 years of Bengal Renaissance, Babubagan Sarbojanin Durgotsava Committee has designed its Durga puja pandal as a library in South Kolkata, displaying prominent figures & books related to the movement. We want to motivate the younger generation to read these books. We've dedicated a shelf to each prominent figure. More than 200 workers worked on this pandal for 2 months & it cost around Rs 30 lakhs: Sujata Gupta, Treasurer, Babubagan Sarbojanin Durgotsava Committee in Kolkata

In the wake of COVID 2nd wave-induced oxygen crisis, a tree-themed pandal has been set up in Birbhum, West Bengal. "Second wave taught us the importance of oxygen whose main source is trees. This is why our theme plays around nature this time," said Pinaki Lal, Pandal owner. "People should not take oxygen for granted and the importance of trees, nature, likewise," Pinaki Lal added

Kolkata-based 'Naktala Udayan Sangha' club has themed its Durga Puja pandal as ‘Cholchitra' (migration). "We have largely focused on partition and its aftermath; recreated a train with refugees to depict the tragedy of displacement," Samrat Nandi, club member.

"Visitors can get a glimpse of the idol without having to enter the mandap which will make social distancing easier. The theme explores migrant crisis around the world and displacement effect on families," Nandi added.

A Durga Puja pandal is themed on 'Mayer Chowa' (Mother's touch) depicting mothers' role in our lives, likening it to the Goddess. "From household chores to looking after children, we've tried portraying a mother's multi-faceted personality," said Sujit Roy, Pandal Secy.

We have used 'Shakha Pola' (traditional Bengali bangle) as a decorative piece. It's worn by married Bengali women. Through this theme, we want to convey that both Maa and Durga Maa protect their children in times of distress and COVID: Sujit Roy Secretary, Pandal Secy.

A Durga puja pandal in South Kolkata has been designed on the theme of 'Khela Hobe.' "Khela Hobe slogan is famous all over India. We chose this theme to motivate children & the youth to play outdoor games instead of mobile games," says artist Soumen Ghosh

Sreebhumi Sporting Club Pandal depicting Dubai's Burj Khalifa. The organisers went to Dubai to get an idea of the iconic Burj Khalifa Tower. "It is not possible for everyone to visit Dubai. So, to give a glimpse  iconic Burj Khalifa tower, we turned our Pandal into most attractive tourist destinations of the world," said an organisers

A theme-based pandal in North 24 Parganas has installed an idol of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The pandal is situated in Nazrul Park Unnayan Samithi Baguihati of North 24 Parganas. The idol has 10 hands depicting the ten schemes undertaken by Mamata Banerjee. Amid controversies, according to puja organiser, their theme is to feature Mamata Banerjee's contribution for the betterment of life in the state

Following the moto of Mamata Banerjee, the puja organisers also carrying out relief works for the locality- free oxygen cylinder, clothes and foods to poors. The puja organisers also follow covid-19 guidelines. They are restricting people to enter the puja pandals. The pandal-hoppers can check the website of Nazrul Park Unnayan Smiti and Biswa Bangla for the entire coverage.

Regarding pandal hopping amid Covid-19 pandemic, Sukanya said, "We are visiting pandals following the guidelines. You could not stop Kolkatans to visit pandals, but like Sreebhumi Sporting Club, every puja organisers take necessary covid-19 precautions. Thanks to the government also for the arrangements."

In the pandal of Sreevumi Sporting Club, the idol of Maa Durga is dressed in 45 kg gold jewellery.