Patna's Kainchi Dham Replica Draws Devotees

A replica of the famous Kainchi Dham temple from Nainital, Uttarakhand, has been meticulously constructed in Mithapur, Patna, for the 11th Durga Puja celebration. This temple-inspired pandal, featuring sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati alongside an idol of Goddess Durga, offers devotees a spiritual connection to the shrine associated with Neem Karoli Baba. The 40-foot-tall pandal is a collaborative effort by a 20-member team, with artisans traveling from Asansol and an 18-foot idol crafted by a West Bengal-based artist.

Beyond the impressive architecture, the celebration includes a nine-day 'bhandara' (community feast) organized by the Dr Dharmendra Friends' Club, with daily servings expected to exceed 5,000 people. A special selfie point inspired by the film Hanuman Ansh, featuring Neem Karoli Baba, is also anticipated to be a major draw for visitors. To foster community spirit, a quiz competition for approximately 200 children is scheduled for Saptami and Ashtami, with gifts for all participants and special felicitations for the top ten. The committee has allocated a budget of around Rs 15 lakh for this event, aiming to blend faith, extensive community participation, and service. The pandal is set to open its doors to the public on Saptami at 4pm, extending the festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood with elaborate lighting.