Author: Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
Publication: The Hindu
Date: September 21, 2006
URL: http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/21/stories/2006092111280200.htm
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.
