For decades, the Azad Hind Club’s Durga Puja in the charming enclave of Pandu, Guwahati, has been an enchanting spectacle. This year, the Puja marks its 71st year, with a fresh generation breathing new life into this grand tradition, promising captivating surprises that promise to mesmerize all who attend. The pièce de résistance of this year’s celebration is the radiant revelation that adorns the divine Mother Durga herself – a resplendent diamond crown worth crores.
The opening of this remarkable Puja took place on the auspicious day of Panchami, graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Geo Company Chairman, Chitra Karmakar, CEO Gopal Karmakar, the venerable Swami Varunananda Maharaj, President of Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Kamal Dey of Jalukbari Mandal, and Councellor Kallol Chakraborty.
The ethereal diamond crown, which adorns the divine Mother, has been generously sponsored by MD Gopal Karmakar and Director Chitra Karmakar of Geo Gems and Diamond Company, promising to elevate this year’s Puja to unprecedented heights.
A crowning jewel in this year’s festivities is the awe-inspiring, 23-foot-tall idol of Maa Durga, adorned with precious cloth and a resplendent diamond crown that glistens under the divine radiance. The enchanting idol, crafted in its most authentic form by the talented Kolkata artist Diptrekh Bhad, is valued at an estimated rupees twenty thousand, a true testament to the opulence and grandeur of this year’s Puja.
The Puja pandals themselves have been meticulously designed in the theme of Akashbani, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Local lighting maestro Manik Das has orchestrated a mesmerizing symphony of lights to illuminate the entire area, casting the celebrations in a captivating glow.
The Puja commenced on the auspicious fifth day with the resounding recitation of Chandi, a sacred invocation that set the tone for the days to come. The entire Durga Mandap is under the watchful gaze of CCTV cameras and has been fortified by a dedicated private security team, ensuring a sense of tranquility and security for all attendees.
In keeping with tradition, daily prasad offerings and evening aarti ceremonies bring a sense of spiritual fulfillment to the devotees. As the Puja draws to a close on the tenth day, a grand procession will be held, culminating in the solemn dedication of the Ma Durga idol, a moment of spiritual culmination and bliss.
Azad Hind Club’s Durga Puja in Pandu, Guwahati, has transcended its historical roots to become a radiant beacon of spiritual devotion and opulence, drawing devotees and visitors from far and wide. This year’s brilliant revelation of the million-dollar diamond crown adds a touch of unparalleled magnificence to an already glorious celebration, inviting all to revel in the divine splendor.
