LUCKNOW: With just 10 days to go to Durga Puja, one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the city, preparations have begun albeit on a much lower scale than yesteryears.
Keeping Covid-19 in mind, the organisers have been busy chalking out plans for the festival which begins from October 11.
Sadbhavna Sankritik Samiti, popularly known as Sahara States Durga Puja, which has been famous for their grand temple-themed pandals, will have this year's decoration on the lines of Delhi’s ISKCON Temple, but at a different location.
With a limited number of people allowed at pandals, this year the puja will be organised at Durga Puja Park, Sector F, Jankipuram, with necessary safety protocols.
The pandal design will be similar to that of the ISKCON temple, along with the idol of the deity. No cultural programmes will be held.
“Last year due to the pandemic, we didn't organise puja. This time, we wanted to do something different. Artisans from Krishnanagar (West Bengal) are working day and night to complete the design on time. The theme is in continuation with our temple series that we began in 2015. We will also be dedicating this year’s Durga Puja to our Covid warriors,” said president Saurav Bandhopadhyay. At Shashwat Durga Puja in Vikasnagar visitors will be allowed to enter the pandal after getting themselves thermally checked via a sanitizing tunnel.
Aarogya Setu App is also a must for the visitors coming to the pandal. “The idol of Durga Maa will be made with clay and mud, devoid of any colours. Apart from Mahalaya, no cultural activities will be organised,” said secretary Sumeet Bhowmik.
At Bengali Club, one of the oldest Durga Puja in Lucknow, organisers will give a miss to the usual pomp and show. “Visarjan will be conducted as a private affair on club premises following Covid-19 protocols. All the pujas will be held with proper guidelines,” said president Arun Kumar Banerjee.
Like last year, Aliganj's Trans-Gomti Dussehra and Durga Puja committee will be organising the puja festivities at a hall, instead of its usual venue of Chandrashekhar Azad Park, sans general public. The puja will be open to committee members only. No prasad distribution or offering will be allowed.
Ravindrapalli Durga Puja and Milan Sangh Durga Puja (Aliganj) will also have a simple celebration with no cultural events.
