US Consul General Melinda Pavek Joins The Festive Celebrations At A Pandal In North Kolkata Depicting The Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple was built in independent India with the financial support of the local residents of the region. All the ruins were removed, and the temple was given a new look.

Somnath Temple Themed Puja Pandal In Kolkata

Melinda Pavek, Consul General of the United States Of America joined the festive celebrations at Ahiritola Sarbojonin Durgotsav. Also present for the occasion was Mr Prabir Mitra, who is the Chairman of Ahiritola Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity, Mr Sanjay Chandra, who is the Organising Secretary at Ahiritola Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity, and others. (Image Source: PR Handout)

The US Consul General engaged in the rituals of applying ‘Alta’ at the feet of the Goddess and set 'Trishul' in the hands of the goddess and participated in the ‘Dhunuchi’ dance. (Image Source: PR Handout)

“It is a rare and happy opportunity for us to have the Hon’ble US Consul General, Ms Melinda Pavek in our pandal. Our theme for this year is Avinashwar and designed with utmost care by Mr Nabakumar Pal and the theme - maker Mr Debojyoti Jana”, said Mr Shamik Kumar Saha, General Secretary, Ahiritola Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

The theme of this year's puja of the Ahiritola Sarbojonin Durgotsab Samity is “Avinashwar” ie the one who does not perish and the Mandap is inspired by the Somnath temple in Gujarat. (Image Source: PR Handout)

The pavilion is decorated with 108 names of Shiva and hymns of Shiva. Somnath is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Somnath is Shiva, whom we know as Swayambhu or Aja ie, the unborn, eternal, immortal or imperishable. Again this "imperishable" word applies to the Somnath temple as well. In various ancient Sanskrit literature and scriptures this is mentioned as Somnath Kshetra, Prabhas Kshetra or Prabhas Tirtha. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Melinda Pavek thoroughly enjoyed herself as she walked along the pandal, engaged in rituals and was keen to know about the tradition and culture of Durga Puja. (Image Source: PR Handout)