Hooghly, 03 November (H.S.): Pandua, popularly known as the ‘Kali Nagari’ of Hooghly district, is gearing up for Kali Puja with elaborate preparations. This year, visitors can look forward to a vibrant mix of innovative themes, impressive pandal decorations and spectacular lighting arrangements. With competition among puja organisers growing, several committees are keeping the details of their decorations under wraps to maintain an element of surprise.

Over the past few years, Pandua has emerged as a prominent destination for theme-based Kali Puja celebrations. This year, too, organisers are preparing distinctive concepts ranging from architectural replicas to artistic and symbolic presentations.

One of Pandua’s major budget pujas, Pragati Sangha, is recreating the famous Somnath Temple of Gujarat. The pandal is being constructed at an approximate height of 60 feet and a width of 100 feet. Various materials, including fibre, are being used to recreate the temple's architectural appearance. A modern-style idol of Goddess Kali, measuring around 28 feet in height, will be installed inside the pandal. Artists from Shantipur have been engaged for the lighting arrangements, which are also expected to be a major attraction. The organisers are additionally planning a special attraction but have chosen not to reveal its details yet.

Puja organisers Himadri Roy and Surajit Saha said that the pandal, idol and illumination would offer a memorable experience to visitors, along with a special surprise.

Meanwhile, Chandan Smriti Sangha has chosen the theme ‘Bird Sanctuary’. The pandal will highlight disappearing bird species and their natural habitats. Different types of nests and models of birds will be displayed throughout the structure. The idol of Goddess Kali will be presented in the form of the ‘Goddess of Birds’. Made of clay, the idol will be decorated in keeping with the theme. Special lighting arrangements will further enhance the presentation.

Puja organiser Anudyuti Chakraborty said the committee was making every effort to maintain the reputation of one of Pandua’s popular Kali Puja celebrations.

Another major attraction will be the Tarun Sangha puja organised by Pandua Madhyapara Byabsayee Samiti, which is celebrating its 66th year. Its theme this year is ‘Aahwan’. The committee plans to create a distinctive pandal using intricate thread weaving, featuring numerous elephant models. Using the elephant as a mythological symbol, the organisers are planning an artistic and symbolic presentation.

Unlike the traditional fierce appearance, Goddess Kali will be portrayed in a calm and serene form through a clay idol. Special lighting arrangements woven into the thread-based decoration will create a distinctive ambience inside the pandal.

Puja organiser Bikash Sharma said the decorations and illumination would make the festive night even more captivating for visitors.

With architectural grandeur, artistic interpretations of nature and mythological symbolism, Pandua is preparing to welcome visitors with a diverse range of themes and colourful celebrations this Kali Puja.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey