The upcoming Durga Puja festivities have bridged cultural divides, bringing individuals collectively who’re planning a wide range of programmes and participating in them. Round 250 pandals will probably be arrange throughout town.
This yr, there are lots of new pandals with distinctive themes. “For idols, we’re utilizing eco-friendly supplies akin to wooden, bamboo, conch shells, and crimson coral,” mentioned Tapan Dutta, President of Jayamahal Cultural Affiliation, which has been in Bengaluru for the final 70 years.
Giant crowds
In areas akin to J.P. Nagar, Whitefield, Electronics Metropolis, Ulsoor, and Sarjapur, pandals are anticipated to draw 4,000 to five,000 individuals from the seventh to the ultimate day of Dasara. The most well-liked pandal put up by the R.T. Nagar Socio-Cultural Belief at Palace Grounds is predicted to see a footfall of 40,000-50,000 individuals each day.
“Sculptors and painters are coming from Kumartuli in Kolkata to make the idols in affiliation with R.T. Nagar Socio-Cultural Belief. Dhak (ritual drums) gamers are coming as effectively,” mentioned Rudra Shankar Roy, patron and adviser to many Durga pujas round Bengaluru.
Cultural unity
“We’ve got a cosmopolitan tradition for the puja in Bengaluru, as non-Bengalis additionally be part of within the conventional Dhunuchi Naach (a dance executed by carrying containers wherein incense is burnt). Individuals from all religions, castes, and cultures distribute bhog, and all people will get collectively to have fun Goddess Durga,” mentioned Roy.
“The tradition is homely, indiscriminate, and other people from different cultures could make their choices the best way they’re used to,” Arnab Mukherjee, Membership President, Sanskritik Bengali Affiliation, J.P. Nagar.
Between 800 and a couple of,000 plates of bhog per day are made. They’re distributed to not simply devotees but in addition orphanages and associations for the specially-abled. There will probably be performances from famend artists coming from Kolkata, in addition to native artists. The people music band Bhoomi can be coming to carry out in pandals throughout town.
Competitions
“Yearly, we get famend artists to carry out at our venue,” mentioned Subhashish Bhattacharya, treasurer and core committee member at Electronics Metropolis Cultural Affiliation. “Apart from that, locals may carry out and attend competitions for drawing, singing, and dancing. We encourage plenty of college youngsters to carry out,” he mentioned.
Moreover, there will probably be dandiya and garba dance occasions held, which is able to see about 400-500 contributors yearly across the pandals. “Durga Puja just isn’t solely a spiritual competition however an artwork kind that has developed over a few years,” mentioned Dutta. “So we wish to invite individuals from all cultures to affix within the celebrations with us.”
Revealed – October 04, 2024 10:42 pm IST