The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi's Durga Puja to have authentic Bengali feel

An article from The Hindu about celebrating Durga Puja in Chittaranjan Park (AKA "Chitto Park" "Little Bengal") in Delhi, where my brother-in-law and his family lives:

Delhi's Durga Puja to have authentic Bengali feel

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

PICTURE OF DEVOTION: Artist Tapan Saha from Kolkata giving final touches to an idol of Goddess Durga in Delhi . Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma

NEW DELHI: Preparations for Durga Puja across the Capital are coming to an end. Hundreds of artisans from West Bengal who have been camping at Chittranjan Park in South Delhi for the past three months are now giving finishing touches to idols of various goddesses for the festivities that are due to start from September 28.

While the smaller idols are being brought by various Puja samitis from West Bengal, the larger ones are being made here in Delhi itself -- albeit with mud brought from the eastern State. Even the clothes that would adorn the deities and the decoration and jewellery they would wear are being specially brought from West Bengal.

At 12 different places

The chairman of the Chittaranjan Park Mela Ground Durga Puja Samiti, Virender Kasana, said Durga Puja in the colony would be celebrated at 12 different places and the preparations have been going on for about three months now.

"Even the music players are being called from West Bengal and waterproof Kolkata style pandals made of bamboo are being erected to provide the festival a very traditional look,'' he said.

With cultural events such as stage shows and film screenings due to be held daily during the festival that would run up to October 1, Mr. Kasana said about one lakh visitors are expected at the pandals each day.

For the devotees, bhog (prasad) of the Goddess would also be provided each night.

To facilitate easy movement for people during the period, many roads in the area would be closed for vehicular movement. A major cleanliness drive has also been launched under which all streetlights, roads and footpaths are being repaired, construction debris is being removed and water arrangements are being made for the visitors.

In view of the high threat perception, Mr. Kasana said a meeting has been held with the area Deputy Commissioner of Police. And for fire prevention, the Delhi Fire Service has been urged to make adequate arrangements in the form of providing fire tenders near the pandals. Use of gas cylinders within pandals has also been restricted and all pandals are being made with two wide entrances and exits with open spaces in between to minimise the impact of any mishap.

Let's pray that the festival season will pass peaceably. Last year, Delhi suffered 3 bomb blasts, including one at a busy market within walking distance of Chittaranjan Park.