Noida: The organising committee of Balaka Durgotsav, an association for organising festivals, lifted curtains of Durga puja pandal in Sector 61, Noida. With this, goddess Durga's idol is on display, where devotees have started offering prayers.
According to Anuj Chakaraburty, an active volunteer of the association, the pandal was made open for all. They were busy in preparation before the curtain was lifted.
He informed that Swami Shantatmananda Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Paharganj, New Delhi was invited to throw open the festival. He performed the rituals and offered prayers to goddess Durga while pandal curtains were being lifted.
To mark the opening of the festival, the committee organised Durga Sohai, a dance recital by Manjari Maiti on the occasion. Sobujer Obhijan – a show by children was also held. It was directed by director Soma Mondal.
Ravindra Abhee paid tributes to the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi by singing his songs on the occasion. Several other artists were also called for bhajan and cultural folk songs recitation.