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Bengal Artisans Craft 80-Ft Temple Replica for Durga Puja
17 Oct
Summary
- An 80-ft Khajuraho temple replica made from Bengal's hogla leaves.
- The pandal features a 21-ft golden Durga idol by a West Bengal artisan.
- Intricate lighting displays recreate Jagannath Puri and other themes.
This year, Patna's Dak Bungalow Chauraha Durga Puja pandal presents an impressive 80-ft replica of Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho temple. Crafted using handcrafted decorations from 'hogla' leaves sourced from Bengal, the pandal is a significant attraction for visitors. This marks the 63rd year of the Navyuvak Sangh Shri Durga Puja Samiti Trust's celebration.
The 55-ft-wide structure, a project planned six months in advance, was transported from Kolkata. Eighteen artisans from Medinipur, West Bengal, led by Bappa Barik, were responsible for its intricate decorations. They utilized processed and shaped 'hogla patta' leaves, a material dried, varnished, and cut into decorative elements.
The centerpiece is a 21-ft 'Ashirwaadi' form Goddess Durga idol, adorned with gold ornaments, crafted by Jagannath Pal, an artisan with over three decades of experience in Patna. The traditional 'chalchitra' has been sculpted to complement the deity's theme.
After dusk, the pandal transforms with lighting by Bhola Electronics of Chandannagar, West Bengal, estimated to use six to seven lakh lamps. Attractions include a Jagannath Puri temple recreation, a peacock gate, and a mechanical Shiv temple. The puja has an estimated budget of Rs 45 lakh, with organizers anticipating 30-40 lakh visitors and implementing CCTV cameras and LED screens for crowd management.
