Bhubaneswar: This year, city pujas opt for green theme

BHUBANESWAR: With Durga Puja less than a fortnight away, several community pujas have decided to go green to help the environment. While many pandals are saying no to plastic items, some have decided to plant trees as part of the celebrations.
The Nayapalli Durga Puja Committee has come forward to celebrate a pollution-free puja and is not using any plastic or chemical in the construction of the mandap. "We are creating a replica of Rajasthan's Padmavati Palace by using biodegradable items like sea shells and conches," said Naba Kishore Behera, adviser to the committee.
Another committee that has been promoting an eco-friendly puja is Old Town's Hatasahi Puja. It has asked all the devotees to bring prasad and other offerings to the goddess on metal plates, bamboo baskets or cloth bags instead of polythene packets. "This year, we have also decided to distribute saplings among all the members of our committee," said Rajendra Samartha, secretary of the puja committee.
Additionally, this year, many committees have decided against playing loud music and are creating awareness about traffic rules as well as environment protection. "Durga Puja is the perfect platform to spread social messages and sensitise people to the challenges facing the environment. We have opted to go for traditional bands instead of playing DJ music," said Santosh Kumar Singh, president, Baragada Netaji Yubak Sangha.
With over 150 pujas in the city, there is an abundance of other themes that are both varied and attractive. For instance, the Jharpada Durga Puja Samiti, whose pandals are known for their opulence, has come up with a Disneyland theme. "The light decorations and Ravana Podi are the other major attractions," said president Sikhar Charan Jena.
The Old Station Bazaar Durga Puja Committee, organiser of one of the city's oldest pujas, will be recreating the mesmerising stone work of the Ellora caves. "Every year, we try to do something innovative. Our artists have done amazing work and, this time, the beautiful Ellora caves will leave people spellbound," said Deepak Jena, the committee's secretary.
The Saheed Nagar Puja Committee are making a gold crown for the goddess and a huge tableau that is 70 feet wide and 120 feet high. The tableau will be a recreation of a famous palace in Lucknow. "Over 100 volunteers will be assisting the visitors and catering to their needs. Like every year, the cultural programmes will be the major crowd-puller," said secretary of the committee, Narayan Mohapatra.