Eco-Friendly Durga Puja in Dharmanagar Draws Spotlight
Dharmanagar, Sept 27: As the first beats of the dhak echo across Tripura, preparations for Durga Puja have reached fever pitch. From pandals to lighting, every organizing committee is racing against time to offer visitors an unforgettable festive experience.
In North Tripura, big-budget Pujas have long been synonymous with Dharmanagar, and one of the highlights this year is the 62nd edition of the Aponjon Club Durga Puja at Chandrapur.
With a budget of ₹21 lakh, Aponjon Club has chosen the theme “Pragyaloke Naisharaj” (Night Kingdom in the Light of Wisdom).
The central symbol of the theme is the owl —revered as a symbol of knowledge and also as the vahana (mount) of Goddess Lakshmi.
To bring the concept to life, a team of nearly a dozen skilled artisans from West Bengal is constructing a 42-foot-high pandal, entirely adorned with eco-friendly materials. Organizers say this green initiative will be a major attraction for visitors.
The pandal had been opened to the public from Panchami (September 27), and the organizers are confident that, as in previous years, the celebration will draw massive crowds not only from Tripura but also from neighboring Assam and other states.
“Even as enthusiasm among the devotees and pandal hoppers are already palpable, forecast of rains during the puja may dampen the spirit “, organizers expressed concern.
Aponjon Club is not only known for its grandeur during Durga Puja but also for its contributions to social causes throughout the year.
Despite financial challenges, the organizers remain determined to maintain the scale of the festivities. “Maa Durga comes only once a year. We cannot afford to compromise with the celebrations,” said a club member.
With preparations nearing completion, anticipation is running high in Dharmanagar. The 62nd year of Aponjon Club’s Puja promises to be yet another dazzling celebration, adding vibrancy and devotion to the town’s festive spirit.
Like the pandal hoppers, vendors and micro-traders are also expecting fair and enjoyable weather during the puja.
“In our lives, puja celebrations start after the puja is over as our celebration depends on earnings from selling Muri-chanachur-badam. With menacing cloud looming, all we can is praying to Maa Durga for rain-free puja days”, Malina Pal, a vendor said.
