Jaipur: From slices of historic Kolkata to the dense green forests of Sunderbans, Durga Puja pandals across Jaipur this year are showcasing a striking variety of themes, blending culture, creativity, and social messaging.Adding a patriotic note, one of the city’s puja committees has themed its celebration on Operation Sindoor, paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the soldiers martyred during subsequent India–Pakistan tensions. “Yes, our theme is based on Operation Sindoor. To depict this, we ordered a red-coloured idol. Red is the colour of vermillion, a symbol of married Hindu women’s strength. Even the pandal interiors will be red-themed,” said Dr S.K. Sarkar, pulmonologist and president of the Durga Puja organised inside Jai Club premises. In Murlipura, the organisers are recreating the forests of Sunderbans. The pandal is divided into three zones- grasses rising 25 feet in the first, 30 feet in the second, and 60 feet in the third, which represents the forest’s core. The idols of Goddess Durga and her children will be placed deep inside this core zone. “We have roped in artisans from Kolkata to design this unique theme. This is our third year, and we hope to win Jaipur residents’ hearts again. Our message is loud and clear – Please Save the Environment,” said Samir Dandapat, secretary of the puja committee. Meanwhile, in Vaishali Nagar, residents will be transported to Kolkata through a theme celebrating Bengal’s heritage. The venue already houses a Kali temple modeled on the iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata. “One can truly enjoy a glimpse of Kolkata with the fragrance of Bengal in our puja,” said Ashish Mukherjee, joint secretary of the committee. Although Durga Puja will formally be held from Sept 28 (Shasthi) to Oct 2 (Dashami), many pandals will open to the public earlier, with inaugurations scheduled for Friday and Saturday. On the opening day, all committees will host Anandamela — a food festival featuring delicacies from across India, adding flavour to the festive spirit.
Durga Puja pandals dazzle with themes ranging from patriotism to environment | Jaipur News
