Guwahati, 15 October (HS): Durga Puja celebrations are gathering momentum in the Pandu-Maligaon railway township of Guwahati, with the Pandu New Colony Jaihind Club preparing an elaborate pandal inspired by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to mark its 80th Durga Puja this year.

The pandal is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh and is nearing completion. A specialised team from West Bengal, led by Biplab Sinha (Kalu) of Rajdeep Decorators, is executing the project.

A 17-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga, crafted by renowned sculptor Bappi, will be installed inside the pandal. Special three-dimensional (3D) lighting arrangements by Bapan Dey are also being made to enhance the visual appeal of the structure and the idol.

The club has constituted a committee to oversee the celebrations, with Kallol Chakraborty as president, Raja De as vice-president and Utpal Das as secretary.

According to club officials, several cultural programmes will be organised during the Puja celebrations. The club will also distribute clothes among poor and underprivileged people. Prasad will be distributed among visitors on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash