As the autumn leaves fall and the festive spirit awakens, the Durga Puja fervor sweeps across every corner of Assam. Pandu Rest Camp Kalibari Durga Puja, however, is stepping into the spotlight for its remarkable 75th-year celebration, the Platinum Jubilee.
President Ranendra Kumar Sen and Secretary Tapas Naha pulled out all the stops for this milestone event, allocated a whopping 40 lakh rupees for the grand celebration. What’s more, renowned Siliguri potter Nilu Pal brought the Goddess to life with an idol that received a three lakh rupee makeover.
In a twist that’s sure to leave the attendees in awe, Bhaskar Haldar from West Bengal crafted an enchanting aquarium within the pandal with vibrant fishes. Special, eye-catching fishes are specially brought in for this aquatic spectacle.
Adding a touch of brilliance to the entire setup, West Bengal lighting artist Bapi Bhaskar will illuminate the worship area with dazzling lights, creating a breathtaking ambiance.
The festivities kicked off on October 15 with the enshrinement of Goddess Durga and the worship of Shailputri Devi. Aparajita Puja on October 24 marks the dedication of the Mother’s idol. On Ashtami day, the celebration will reach its peak with Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja, which will be complemented by evening Aarti and Chandipath every day.
The grand Sunday evening Puja initiation on October 15 was graced by the presence of Maharaja Swami Atmasudhananda Maharaj from Ulubari Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Also present were Bangladesh High Commissioner Ruhul Amin, Jalukbari Police Station and C Ritujyoti Nath. Tapesh Bhattacharya, Ashok Bharali, Editor Tapas Naha and other members. Maharaj Swami Atmashudhananda Maharaj gave a short speech and made aarti. Bangladesh High Commissioner unveiled the souvenir and said in a short speech that 32 thousand Durga Pujas will be held in Bangladesh this time. He is very happy to attend Durga Puja on foreign soil. Shiben Banerjee’s students performed music on the occasion.
Just like previous years, the temple precinct hosted a delightful fair offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Safety measures are paramount, with the entire temple area under the watchful eye of CCTV cameras. Private security has also been arranged to ensure the convenience and well-being of all pilgrims.
This Platinum Jubilee celebration promised to be a Durga Puja like no other, weaving tradition and innovation into a spectacular tapestry of culture, spirituality, and community. Don’t miss this extraordinary event!