Dixit Nagar pandal a blend of different faiths, spirit supreme

Nagpur: In a short span of 14 years, the Dixit Nagar Bengali Durga Utsav has left an indelible impression on the devotees. Though located in the north-eastern part of Nagpur, Dixit Nagar Pandal has attracted devotees from every nook and corner of the city, with the footfall this time crossing the 20,000 mark.President Pradeep Mukherjee emphasizes that at its core, this utsav embodies the essence of communal harmony. “It’s not just a religious event but a collective mosaic of traditions, where traditional music, cultural performances and puja rituals merge seamlessly,” he says.While explaining the motto of universal brotherhood which the pandal follows, he says that that every soul which visits the pandal goes back with happy memories.Dixit Nagar Bengali Durga Utsav exemplifies unity in diversity, says its chairman Dr Aniruddha Banerjee. “This inclusive celebration unites people of all religions. Regardless of faith, devotees are embraced warmly. They enjoy communal meals and participate in cultural events that enrich the utsav’s vibrant atmosphere,” he says.The pandal lays special focus on cultural activities as it believes that “Durga Puja just not a religious occasion, but also a social and cultural platform for people to unite and be together.”Besides the rituals, the committee organized various cultural programmes comprising musical programme, dance, drama, etc on Shasthi, Saptami and Ashtami days. On Navami, top three winners of every contest was given prizes. “In a unique feature, on Navami evening (after 9pm) we take our members on a bus tour in which we visit most of the Durga pandals in the city. It’s sort of a night out for us,” says secretary Kamalendu Nag.On funds needed to run such an elaborate celebration, treasurer Byomkesh Biswas says, “When Maa is there, no amount is big.”Besides key members, others too work hard to ensure this Utsav stands as a beacon of unity in diversity.

Sushmita Sen visits Durga Puja pandal with daughter Alisah

Sushmita Sen and her daughter Alisah visited a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai. Sushmita looked stunning in a pink saree while Alisah wore a simple lehenga-choli set. Pictures and videos of the actor at the event went viral on social media. Sushmita will be seen in the upcoming action thriller series 'Aarya Season 3' which will be released on Disney+ Hotstar. The trailer of the series received a great response from fans, showing a more powerful and furious Aarya. 'Aarya' marked Sushmita Sen's comeback and digital debut.

6 Famous Durga Puja Pandals You Can Visit in Kolkata

Durga Puja, a significant festival among Bengali Hindus, is celebrated in West Bengal, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Assam. The festival involves grand processions, cultural events, and the installation of pandals with the idol of Goddess Durga. Some famous pandals in Kolkata include Suruchi Sangha, Mohammad Ali Park, Santosh Mitra Square, Ekdalia Evergreen Club, Tridhara Sammilani, and Bagbazar. The themes for the pandals in 2023 vary, with Santosh Mitra Square focusing on the Ram Mandir and Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsab breaking the social taboo around menstruation.

Hyderabads Durga Puja Pandals: A Confluence of Art, Tradition and AI

The Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Each pandal offers a unique glimpse into the region's traditions and art forms. The decorations, including the intricate daaker saaj and fusion of clay and terracotta, are meticulously handmade by local artists. The pandals feature various styles, such as the Dravidian-style pandal with a replica of a Vishnu temple from Tamil Nadu. The idols are crafted in the daaker saaj style, and the presence of women drummers and Shantal dancers adds to the spectacle. Overall, the Durga Puja pandals celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of Bengal.

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