New Delhi: Durga Puja preparations are in full swing in West Bengal capital Kolkata. Pandals based on different themes are being erected at almost every corner of the city. Communities involved in making the pandals bring new puja themes every year which are unique and innovative.
The Sree Bhoomi Sports Club is known for its themed pandals and this year they chose 'Vatican City' as the theme. The club which is located in Bidhannar in the capital city is celebrating its Golden Jubilee as well.
Speaking to ANI, Sujit Bose, the Independent Charge of Fire and Emergency Services of West Bengal and President of Sree Bhoomi Sporting Club said, "Sree Bhoomi Sporting Club, which is celebrating its 50th year this time has the theme of Vatican City's St. Peters Basilica".
He further added that many people often wish that they could travel to the Vatican City in Rome but only a few are lucky enough to do so. However, the club's pandal will help them fulfil their wish.
"It took 60 days to make this pandal. More than 100 artisans have made this pandal together. Last year we made Burj Khalifa. All arrangements have been made for crowd management," he told ANI.
Durga Puja is an important festival for the Hindu community, especially for the Bengali Hindus.
Pandals are set all around the country for the week-long celebration dedicated to each form of Goddess Durga. The puja, an auspicious event, symbolises the victory of good over evil as it commemorates the Hindu goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasur. It falls on the Ashwin month, which is usually between October and September and is also called Durgotsava or Sharodotsava.
Devotees dress in new garments, chant aartis, visit temples, hand out sweets, clean their homes, and some may even fast to express gratitude to the Goddess during this festival.
This year, Durga Puja will begin on October 1 and will end on October 5.