Kolkata, September 26
This year, Chetla Agrani Club has created its Durga Puja pandal inspired by the theme "Amrit Kumbher Shondhane" (In Search of the Nectar). The pandal prominently depicts the scene of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with a huge Shivalinga installed at its centre, creatively constructed using over three crore Rudraksha beads.
According to the organisers, this concept pays tribute not only to the Maha Kumbh Mela but also to Bengali author Samaresh Basu's novel, Amrit Kumbher Shondhane. Several artists from Allahabad and Varanasi are performing live with the damru and tasha.
Chetla Agrani is a prominent Puja in the city, widely known as Kolkata's mayor, Firhad Hakim's Puja, who is the chief patron. The pandal this year is themed "in search of Amritakumbha."
Shatabdi Das, a Member of the Chetla Agrani Durga Puja Committee, while talking to ANI, said that this year's Durga pandal has taken inspiration from Samudra Manthan. "This year's theme is Amrit Kumbher Shondhane, which means in search of nectar. In the mandap. We have depicted the scene of Samudra Manthan, which shows how, on Mandara Mountain, the Samudra Manthan occurred between the gods and demons to acquire the Amrita. Durga is in her Brahmanacharini form. We have decorated the entire pandal using 3 crore rudraksha. Scenes of Shiv killing the three ausur are also depicted here," she said.
Shatabdi expressed hope for a large crowd visiting the pandal and said, "The pandal opened today, and we are waiting for people to come here in large numbers."
She also highlighted the safety arrangements and said, "We have arranged a fire extinguisher and first aid. There is an arrangement of two wheelchairs for senior citizens. Two more exit doors are also added to avoid any problems. CSC people are here for electricity."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who's visited Chetla Agrani for years, I appreciate how they blend traditional themes with creative execution. The safety arrangements mentioned show good planning. Hope other pandals follow similar precautions.
Visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja was the most incredible cultural experience of my life! The artistry and devotion in these pandals is breathtaking. The Samudra Manthan theme sounds particularly fascinating with its mythological significance.
While the theme is beautiful, I hope the 3 crore rudraksha beads were sourced sustainably. Sometimes in our enthusiasm for grand displays, we forget environmental impact. Otherwise, the concept sounds amazing!
The connection to Samaresh Basu's novel adds such literary depth to the theme! Durga as Brahmanacharini form is perfect for the 'search for nectar' concept. Kolkata's intellectual touch to religious festivals is what makes them special. â¤ï¸
The scale of Indian festivals never ceases to amaze me. Three crore of anything is unimaginable! The cultural richness and attention to detail in these celebrations is truly world-class.
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