Construction of the Durga Puja pandal has begun at Allen Park
Mishra, a resident of the Park Street area, said the idea of organising a puja in the locality had been on his mind since he first contested the 2015 civic elections.
We are creating history,” he said. Mishra said the Durga Puja is not intended to replace or interfere with the Christmas celebrations. We want everyone to follow their traditions, while ensuring that our Bengali and Sanatani culture is also represented,” he said. Mishra said the puja committee is reaching out to prominent citizens, businessmen, academics and retired professionals in the locality to serve as patrons.
The puja committee includes BJP general secretary Navin Mishra (also co-in charge of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Bengal and a member of CM Suvendu Adhikari’s team of election agents) as secretary and BJP spokesperson Shankudeb Panda as president. After that, there has been no Durga Puja in Park Street. “We have no objection to anyone celebrating their festival. Christmas should be celebrated beautifully. Park Street has its own charm during Christmas. “We want the puja to be free of political pressure and not inconvenience common people. It should be a celebration in which everyone can participate,” he added.
Sanatani Sangha Prepares for Upcoming Rituals in Park Street
The Sanatani Sangha has commenced construction of a pandal, with plans to hold a bhoomi pujan next week. Unlike some other traditions, the Sanatani practices do not include a ‘khuti puja’, but instead emphasize the sacred bhoomi pujan ritual.
Organizers aim to attract visitors to Park Street for a series of events running from Chaturthi to Dashami. Mishra, a representative of the Sangha, highlighted the intention to create a vibrant atmosphere akin to the Ganga aarti in Varanasi. Families from nearby districts are encouraged to attend, enjoy cultural programs, partake in prasad, and witness the evening aarti. The goal is to present a grand spectacle while adhering to traditional customs.