Floating 'Naglok' Pandal in Guwahati Stuns Devotees
Bishnupur High School celebrates 75 years with a stunning eco-friendly floating Naglok themed Durga Puja pandal in Guwahati.
The city of Guwahati has witnessed a breathtaking spectacle this year as the Bishnupur High School Puja committee unveiled a unique floating Durga Puja pandal. Designed around the mystical theme of 'Naglok' (the realm of serpents), the installation has become a massive draw for devotees and tourists alike, starting from the auspicious occasion of Maha Shashti.
Celebrating a Diamond Jubilee Milestone
This year's celebration is particularly special as the Bishnupur High School Puja marks its 75th anniversary. To commemorate this historic milestone, the organizing committee decided to move beyond traditional structures and construct a pandal right on the lake, offering a serene and otherworldly experience for visitors.
A Journey into the Realm of Serpents
To ensure everyone can experience the beauty of the floating shrine, the committee has arranged several boats to ferry devotees inside the pandal. The journey begins with a striking entrance featuring a Shivling positioned beneath a cascading waterfall, setting a spiritual tone for the visit.
As visitors venture deeper into the pandal, they are greeted by an intricate and beautiful sculpture of Naag Devtas, bringing the 'Naglok' theme to life with artistic precision.
Eco-Friendly Artistry and Grand Scale
Sustainability was a core priority for the organizers. Manoj Acharya, a representative of the Bishnupur High School Puja Celebration Committee, highlighted that the structure is entirely eco-friendly, utilizing bamboo and other sustainable materials.
The artistic vision was brought to life by a local artist named Pappu, who is the son of the renowned Padma Shri awardee artist Nuruddin Ahmed. The project was executed with a total budget of Rs 25 lakh.
Key Highlights of the Pandal:
- Theme: Naglok (The World of Serpents).
- Unique Feature: Floating structure on a lake accessible by boats.
- Eco-conscious: Built using bamboo and eco-friendly materials.
- Budget: Rs 25 lakh.
- Expected Footfall: Over 4 lakh devotees.
The Spirit of Durgotsava
Durga Puja, also celebrated as Sharodotsava or Durgotsava, remains one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to mythology, this is the period when the Goddess descends to her earthly abode to shower blessings upon her devotees.