Dwarka Bangia Samaj sets up royal pandal for 20th Durga Puja celebrations

This year, as we come back to the glory of festivals, the Durga puja celebrations are expected to be bigger and better. With a huge pandal in sector 6 park, Dwarka Bangia Samaj is welcoming visitors to their 20th Durga puja celebrations.

Right as you enter, a huge stage will catch your attention. An LED screen, lights and music have been arranged for community events. A 14 feet and 22 ft wide idol of ‘Durga Thakur’ has been placed on the right. The 20 feet structure behind the Durga idol gives depth to the entire spectacle. As gathered, the beautiful idol was designed by a renowned artist Lakhikanth Pal.

Bangia Samaj has called artists from Kolkata to create an authentic 'Daaker Saaj' themed pandal. They have used jute and bamboo which makes it different from all. A temple-like look has been given to the entrance. Sandeep Modak Joint secretary says, “Besides arranging for entertainment, we make sure to have a traditional setup. ‘Daaker Saaj’ is the traditional theme we are following this year with our idol."

'Daaker Saaj' is an age-old Bengali theme common across temple which also has an interesting story attached to it. 'Daaker saaj' was a method employed to decorate the pandals of the wealthy. It was simply a silver foil used in the decoration of the Durga Pandal. In those times, silver foil with silver sequins was not available in India hence it had to be imported from Germany. Importing increased the cost of the material, and as a result, only the rich could afford it. This foil arrived in Bengal through postal services. Hence, getting the name, 'Daaker saaj'

Apart from this, lights have been brought here from Chandannagar (a city in west Bengal famous for its light makers). These lights have been set right at the entrance.

As we know, durga puja is a complete experience. If we talk about cultural programmes, a programme on woman empowerment was performed by 50 children on October 2, 2022. Moreover, Bollywood playback singer Monali Thakur also paid a visit to the pandal. Akriti Kakkar will be live on Navami, 4th October.

A Dhaki group has been called from Bengal, for traditional concerts. Navami will be a grand celebration with ‘Dhunuchi naach’ by the committee members. Finally, ‘Dashmi’, October 5 would see ‘Sindoor Khela’ where the married ladies will put vermillion to each other.

Although the preparations started a month ago, the recent rain created many problems. Abhijit Banerjee general secretary of Dwarka Bangia samaj says, “Due to the rain, we had to make many immediate changes in the plan. We have to invest in wooden flooring and electricity had to be taken care of. Nevertheless, the wooden flooring sure has made the pandal comfortable for visitors."

With a higher footfall expected, arrangements have been made for stricter security. Sandeep Modak says, “We have tied up with Delhi Police and hired some personal agencies for ensuring security. They have placed guards all around the pandal. Moreover, we have ensured fogging to check mosquitoes in the pandal."