The countdown to Durga Puja has already begun, and with just a few months remaining, the excitement for one of Bengal’s most cherished festivals is building up. The Durga Puja celebrations in Shrirampur’s RMS field kick off with a traditional ritual known as the Ratha Yatra’s Ghoti Pujo, a significant event marking the start of the festivities. This particular puja is widely recognised as Kalyan Bandyopadhay’s puja, named after the prominent TMC MP and lawyer from Shrirampur.
Each year, this puja is known for its distinctive and impressive pandal decorations. In past years, the organizers have captivated attendees with elaborate replicas of Malaysia’s iconic Twin Towers and majestic temples from Gujarat. This year promises to be equally spectacular, as the committee plans to astonish visitors with a pandal designed to resemble the renowned Swaminarayan Temple in London.
The construction of the large pandal has already begun, with a framework made of bamboo. The building materials include bamboo, wood, and plywood, with the entire structure covered in fibre. Inside the pandal, there will be statues of Lakshmi, Narayan, and Ganesh, along with an impressive 30-foot chandelier crafted entirely from fibre.
The work on the pandal started immediately after the Ratha Yatra. Babai Basak, the builder behind the project, emphasizes the deep significance of the term “Swaminarayan.” He explains that Narayan embodies 33 crore deities, which is why any puja at the start involves worshipping Narayan and Ganesh. The goal is also to foster a sense of unity and connection among the people.
To ensure the smooth and secure operation of the festival, the organisers have arranged for approximately 500 volunteers and police personnel to be present. The pandal will be thoroughly monitored with CCTV cameras installed both inside and outside. The total budget allocated for this grand celebration is around Rs 70 lakh, underscoring the scale and importance of the event.
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