The city of Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh is now home to what is claimed to be the largest Durga Puja pandal in the state. The pandal, built on the Arpa River bank, covers an area of 2 lakh square feet and features a striking 25-foot idol of Goddess Durga. The Adarsh Durgotsav Samiti of Gondpara Subhash Nagar is the organizing body.
The committee is commemorating its 50th year of establishment. To celebrate this milestone, they’ve erected an opulent pandal on the Arpa River bank, inspired by Rajasthani architecture. The eve of Navratri witnessed a ‘Jagrata’ event with a performance by the popular singer Dukalu Yadav, drawing large participation. The first day of Navratri saw the ‘Chunari Yatra’ and the subsequent installation of the idol.
According to the organizers, this Durga Puja pandal is the biggest in Chhattisgarh. This year’s Navratri celebrations have been planned to mirror the scale of a ‘Mahakumbh.’ The Arpa River bank has been adorned to host the festivities. A fair is also running concurrently.
The ten-day event will feature darshan of the Durga idol, live performances by renowned artists, devotional music, and cultural showcases. The committee has incorporated Rajasthani art and a palace-like structure into this year’s setup, spreading across 2 lakh square feet. The interior of the pandal is decorated with tableaux and temple-like designs reflecting Chhattisgarhi culture, pulling in crowds of visitors.