Siliguri, Oct. 15 -- Durga Puja pandals across Siliguri have been witnessing a steady influx of visitors since Chaturthi, with several prominent pujas attracting attention for their unique themes and artistic presentations. Among them, Amatala Yuba Samiti, Dadabhai Sporting Club and Subrata Sangha have emerged as major attractions.
Amatala Yuba Samiti in Ashram Para, Ward 14, is celebrating its 75th year with the theme "Kalponik: Maa Rajrajeshwari in Shaiba Dham." For the first time, the pandal showcases nine forms of Goddess Durga together. Created with clay by local artisans, the pandal seeks to highlight Bengal's traditional pottery craftsmanship.
The nine forms depicted are Chandraghanta, Brahmacharini, Shailaputri, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Intricate clay artwork has also been used to decorate the entire pandal.
"We chose this theme to offer visitors something new on the occasion of our 75th year. The entire pandal has been created by local artisans. Crowds have been witnessed since the first day and we expect more visitors in the coming days," said Dhananjay Paul, Secretary of the puja committee.
Meanwhile, Dadabhai Sporting Club, one of Siliguri's prominent pujas, is celebrating its 45th year with the theme "Pratha".
The pandal highlights social customs and practices that the organisers believe need to be abolished. Through the theme, the club has portrayed issues such as violence against women, women being expected to remain veiled and restrictions imposed on women after marriage that can drastically change their lives. The organisers have sought to send a message against such social evils.
"Through the theme, we want to convey the message that harmful social practices should end. The pandal has been receiving visitors since its inauguration and we hope to earn people's love and support and secure the top
position this year as well," said Ravi Shankar Chakraborty, Secretary of the puja committee.
Another major attraction is Subrata Sangha in Deshbandhu Para. In its 69th year, the puja has adopted the theme "Adishakti", depicting the primordial divine feminine power regarded as the source of creation and all other forms of energy. The pandal draws inspiration from ancient temples carved out of mountains and traditional mythological methods of worship.
A nearly 20-foot-tall idol of Lord Shiva stands at the entrance, while Goddess Durga has been portrayed as Adishakti. Around 20 artisans from Medinipur have created the pandal. Keeping environmental concerns in mind, the entire structure has been decorated using eco-friendly materials.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.