The Sharadiya Durga Puja and Navaratri celebrations have commenced at the Pandu College Gate Sanatan Temple in Maligaon, with the traditional grandeur. The inauguration ceremony was held on the evening of October 2nd, marked by spiritual and auspicious rituals. The event was graced by Swami Madhavananda Maharaj from the Art of Living, former Vice-Chancellor of Rabindranath University Dr. Amolendu Chakraborty, former principal of Pandu College Dr. Bibhas Das Purkayastha, and social worker Bibhas Mazumdar, among other notable personalities from the local community.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was a musical performance by local artists, delivering the message of Goddess Durga’s arrival, which filled the audience with spiritual excitement. A special dance drama, depicting a significant event from RG Kar Medical College, added an artistic touch to the evening’s festivities.
This year, the Durga Puja committee has allocated a budget of approximately 12 lakh rupees for the celebrations. The idol has been crafted by Guwahati’s skilled sculptor, Nirmal Pal, while Sanjib Dey has designed the elaborate pandal. Lighting arrangements, costing around 90,000 rupees, have been handled by Nimai Banik. The daily schedule includes cultural and devotional programs every evening, aimed at captivating the devotees. In addition, provisions have been made for prasad distribution for all attendees.
Key events include Kumari Puja on October 10th, followed by the immersion of the idol on Sunday, October 13th. The celebrations, involving around five thousand local families, continue to uphold the temple’s deep-rooted tradition. Security will be maintained with volunteers and CCTV surveillance, and all government-mandated guidelines will be strictly followed throughout the festivities.
