by Chandan Pal
Dhanbad: The Shri Shri Durga Puja Committee of Saraidhela, located in the Kolakusma Gram Panchayat, is taking a sustainable approach this year by creating an eco-friendly puja pandal and idol using seashells from Digha and jute.
Prem Mandal, the committee secretary, reported that 45 artists from Kathi in Purba Midnapur district, West Bengal, have been diligently working for the past 45 days to design this unique Durga Puja setup, utilizing 1.5 tons of seashells alongside jute materials. The lighting decorations are being provided by Gokul Chandra Decorators from the same district.
The total cost for the pandal and its decorations is approximately Rs 25 lakh. The pandal will be inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Madhavi Mishra on October 9.
Mandal noted that their puja is renowned for its elaborate and creative pandals, which have included themes like the Titanic ship and the Lotus Temple, drawing considerable attention each year. During the festivities, around 150 to 200 volunteers will manage the crowd, as the event attracts thousands of visitors annually.
