The most-awaited Bengali festival is here, and the COVID-19 pandemic has not dampened the festive spirits.
People have come up with innovative ideas and solutions — from virtual pandals to idols that pay tribute to migrant workers — to celebrate Durga Puja this year.
Meanwhile, providing partial relief, the Calcutta High Court has allowed entry of up to 45 people at a time to the pandals in Bengal.
Large idols of Goddess Durga, flowers, colors, drum beats, sanskrit scripture and delicious food — Durga Puja is one of India’s widely celebrated festivals, especially in West Bengal. Millions of people visit Kolkata every year to attend the four-day festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil.
This year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the lives of millions and how they celebrate festivals. However, coronavirus scare could not dampen the festive spirits of people — especially those living in Bengal.
Artists in West Bengal work for months to prepare idols of Goddess Durga with ten arms. Durga Puja committees set up huge pandals to install the idols and host thousands of people to celebrate the festival.
With the ongoing COVID-19, the Calcutta High Court had earlier declared these pandals a no-entry zone fearing spread. However, the court today allowed entry of upto 45 people in the pandals.
Nonetheless, Artists and Durga Puja organisers have come up with innovative ideas — from virtual pandals to idols giving a tribute to migrant workers — to celebrate the four day long festival. Some of the pandals have also decided not to have a single visitor to prevent the spread.
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Barisha Club Durga Puja in Behala has installed an idol of Ma Durga as a female migrant worker with her children — Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik and Ganesh.
IANS
With this installation, the club aims at paying tribute to the resilience of the thousands of migrant workers who walked for miles and across states to reach home amid lockdown.
Safdarjung Matri Mandir, an old puja committee in New Delhi, has decided to install 'Coronasur' instead of Mahishasura in its toned-down Durga Puja this year.
BCCL
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The puja committee has decided to do away with the tradition of a tall idol this year. In fact, it has unanimously decided against the installation of an idol itself. Instead a 20 feet tall poster of goddess Durga will be installed.
BCCL
Keshtopur Prafulla Kanan Durga Puja committee in Kolkata has installed a life-size idol of Bollywood actor Sonu Sood who helped migrant workers return home during the lockdown.
IANS
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On the other hand, Delhi is preparing for a virtual Durga Puja this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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