From the Tirupati Temple's Inner Mirror to Rajasthan's Shish Mahal, from royal queens in palaces to Buddhist temples inspired by London museums, the northern suburb of Barrackpore is intoxicated with Durga Puja celebrations featuring an eclectic array of themes. A spirited competition to outdo one another is in full swing.
For the past few years, Barrackpore has carved a niche for itself on the suburban Durga Puja map with its themed celebrations. This year, the Barrackpore Madhya Nonachandanpukur Residents' Association has chosen the Tirupati Temple as its theme. A pandal resembling Tirupati's architecture is being meticulously crafted using plywood and fiberglass. Even the idol of Goddess Durga has been sculpted in the Tirupati style. The interior ceiling of the pandal will be adorned with an enormous chandelier, complemented by a mesmerizing play of lights.
In its 38th year, the Barrackpore Evergreen Club's theme is 'Inner Mirror.' Upon entering the pandal, visitors will be greeted by an eye-catching installation featuring terracotta tiles depicting various professions, washermen, farmers, potters, and more. A large mirror stands before the traditional mother goddess idol. The pandal has been intricately constructed using countless spools of thread, plywood, bamboo, and buttons. The exterior walls boast an impressive 25,000 mirrors. Among Barrackpore's premier Pujas, Royal Park's celebration stands out. Their theme revolves around Rajasthan's Shish Mahal.
The entire pandal is being fashioned out of glass, with the exterior embellished with colorful baskets. Celebrating its 77th year, the Barrackpore Mandalpara Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee's theme is 'Queen in the Royal Palace.'
The Puja pandal is being constructed in the style of Rajasthani Rajputana architecture. Sentries stand guard at the main entrance of the pandal. A grand chandelier, reminiscent of those found in the inner chambers of royal palaces, graces the space. Here, the goddess assumes the form of a queen. Near Barrackpore's Chiriamor, adjacent to the Hindi High School grounds, Yuvashakti Manasa's pandal is being modeled after a London museum.
The pandal showcases images and models of animals that have already become extinct or are on the brink of extinction. Puja organizer Suprabhat Ghosh states, 'It is our duty to protect nature along with endangered animals. Through this year's theme, we've conveyed a message of maintaining social equilibrium.'
One of Barrackpore's most ancient Pujas, Shibtala Barowari, is crafting its pandal in the style of a Buddhist temple. In its 112th year, their pandal is being constructed using countless plastic bottles and spoons. Organizer Robin Dutta says, 'Alongside the main pandal, the traditional mother goddess idol will be a particular attraction.' The rush to view the pandals has already begun from the day of Mahalaya.
