Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Devotees in the national capital, Delhi, have been immersed in devotion to Goddess Durga since last Saturday, marked by the bodhan (awakening) of Durga Devi on Panchami Tithi. Every year, the city celebrates Durga Puja with grandeur, and the heart of these festivities is Chittaranjan Park—fondly known as “Mini Kolkata.” This year is particularly special as the Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja Samity (Regd), B-Block, celebrates the Golden Jubilee of its Durga Puja.
Amit Kumar Roy, President of the Puja Samity, shared the emotional and inspiring journey of this iconic celebration. He noted that the Samity was founded in 1976, and among its original members, only Dr. Ananda Mukherjee, the Secretary of initial Pujo committee, is still alive today. His continued presence remains a guiding light for the Samity. From 1976 to 1992, the Puja was held in traditional kanat pandals. A turning point came in 1993, when then-President (now Chief Patron) Shri Swapan Sarkar and General Secretary, the late P. B. Shome, introduced Delhi’s first designer pandal—a replica of the Dakshineswar Temple—which received widespread media attention and drew lakhs of devotees.
Over the years, the Samity has recreated iconic structures from across India, including Belur Math (1994), Ram Mandir (1995), Durga Mandir atop Parvati Hill in Pune (1996), Somnath Temple (1997), and Laxmi Narayan Temple of Jaipur (1998). In 1999, the pandal housed a unique artistic vision of the Goddess, and in the Silver Jubilee year (2000), Delhi saw the first-ever worship of Naba Durga. Since then, elaborate replicas of zamindar palaces, Rajasthani temples, and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial have further elevated the experience. Despite the growing grandeur, Mr. Roy emphasized that the religious sanctity of the Puja has always remained at the core of the Samity’s efforts.
Recent themes have reflected national sentiments and milestones—2022 celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, 2023 showcased the New Parliament Building, and 2024 featured a recreation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. “Our philosophy is simple,” Mr. Roy said, “Never forget the past, concentrate on the present, and build for the future. Titles never mattered—we function as one big family, building for the next generation.”
This year, the Golden Jubilee theme is titled “A Tribute to the Sacred Soil”. The concept honors soil as the purest element from which life, wealth, and divinity emerge—and to which all return. In this spirit, everything—idols, clothing, ornaments, and even the pandal—is crafted from soil and natural bi-products.
The pandal design merges rustic village charm with subtle golden accents. Visitors are welcomed by mud-walled structures, bamboo installations, and golden “kulo” (winnowing fans). The entrance arch resembles an artisan’s hand shaping clay, setting the tone for a spiritual journey. Inside, a rotating dome mimics a potter’s wheel, with golden raindrops suspended from above. Floor textures reflect cracked earth and rice husk, while golden lighting creates a warm, immersive atmosphere.
At the center stands Maa Durga, sculpted entirely in natural clay without synthetic colors. Her ornaments bear real soil-gold textures, and she stands barefoot on a soil pedestal. Her serene eyes embody grounded divinity, and the entire idol emphasizes simplicity and authenticity. All decorative elements are biodegradable—crafted from jute, terracotta, dry hay, wood, and cow dung patties. The clay has been sourced from the banks of the Ganga and the homes of Kumortuli artisans in Kolkata. Earthen lamps, potter’s wheels, and murals of soil-coated palms symbolize sacred labor and creation.
The core message of this year’s Puja is:
“True divinity is not found in grandeur, but in simplicity. The gold of life lies in the hands that shape from soil.”
“To enrich the experience, a soulful audio-visual journey will guide visitors through the theme’s essence. Tribal rhythms, dhak beats, earthy vocals, and temple bells will blend with a poetic voiceover to narrate the spiritual meaning of the soil. Clay workshops for children and visitors will allow participants to sculpt miniature idols, fostering both creativity and reverence. A tribute panel will honor the lives and artistry of Kumors (idol-makers), and special campaigns will promote eco-friendly immersion and soil conservation.”
“The experience concludes with a powerful installation—a sculpture of clay hands forming a lotus that cradles a golden drop of water. This symbolizes the sacred connection between creation, divinity, and the earth.”
Rituals remain the soul of the celebration. Sixteen priests from Bengal’s Midnapore district and four Oriya Brahmins will conduct the sacred rites and prepare the Prasadi Bhog, which will be served in earthen plates and bowls, preserving ritual purity. The pandal’s structural and electrical works are being managed by Aristocrat Decorators and Events, led by Mr. Madan Bhanja and his team of skilled artisans from Bengal. The creative vision has been shaped by artist Mr. Manoj Deb and his wife Mrs. Shipra Deb, while interiors are executed by Mr. Shakti Chatterjee and his team. Traditional alpona art is being rendered by artists Mr. Bidhan Debnath and Mr. Biswajit Das, who have travelled from Kolkata for the occasion.
A special attraction this year is the Golden Jubilee Pavilion, which showcases the 50-year journey of the Samity’s Puja. It features a stunning Jute Devi Durga Family sculpture by 74-year-old master artist Mr. Manoranjan Mukherjee—a true labor of love, completed over six months. Roads and gates across B-Block are illuminated with vibrant Chandan Nagar Lightings, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
True to its ethos, the Samity continues to prioritize Puja, Prasad, and Bhog, keeping entertainment minimal but meaningful. This year’s celebration stands as a heartfelt tribute to tradition, craftsmanship, purity, and community spirit.
Talking about social activities of the samity, Mr Roy said, “We have appointed permanent gardeners to maintain and beautify Maa Sarada Park, B-Block, in close coordination with the municipal corporation. The park serves as the venue for our annual celebrations of Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, and Saraswati Puja. Throughout the year, we also offer our premises to dance and music teachers for conducting training sessions with their students. Additionally, we organize medical camps from time to time,”.
He warmly invited all devotees, artists, and well-wishers to partake in this soulful celebration—an offering to the sacred soil that births us, nurtures us, and ultimately embraces us once more.
Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja Samity (Regd), B-Block, celebrates the Golden Jubilee of its Durga Puja.
Read : সাশ্রয় নিউজ শারদীয়া সংখ্যা ১৪৩২ | Sasraya News Durga Puja Issue 1432
