Festive fervour has gripped Jagdalpur in the Bastar district as preparations for the Navratri celebrations reach their final stages across various localities. While shrines throughout the city are getting ready to install idols of Goddess Durga tomorrow, one particular venue in Santoshi Ward has captured widespread public attention. The organizing committee has constructed a distinct pandal inspired by the rustic aesthetic of the cinematic set from the film Kantara, which is expected to draw substantial crowds throughout the upcoming Dussehra festivities.
A 28 Year Tradition Takes a New Direction
The annual Durga Puja celebration in Santoshi Ward carries a rich history spanning nearly three decades. Local residents and committee organizers have been continuously installing the idol of Goddess Durga here for the past 28 years. Explaining the inspiration behind this year's creative deviation, committee member Raghu Naidu noted that similar Kantara-themed pandal designs had previously generated immense appreciation and attracted vast gatherings in Durg and Raipur. Seeking to bring a fresh cultural experience to Jagdalpur, the organizers decided to replicate that visually distinctive concept in their own neighbourhood.
Extensive Bamboo Craftsmanship and Budget
The defining architectural highlight of this themed structure lies in its facade, which has been crafted entirely out of bamboo. This marks the very first time in Jagdalpur that a festival pandal has incorporated bamboo work on such an extensive and elaborate scale. The overall construction and decorative arrangements represent an investment ranging between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh, a sum that accounts for the comprehensive illumination and electrical setup designed to highlight the structure during evening hours.
Twelve Days of Dedicated Crafting by Kolkata Artisans
To bring this intricate design to life, skilled craftsmen were brought in from West Bengal. Shankar, a seasoned pandal builder from Kolkata, shared that his team has been actively working on the site for roughly 12 days. Taking into account the local committee's desire for a distinct and standout visual presentation, the artisans focused on utilizing natural bamboo materials to successfully recreate the traditional textures associated with the Kantara aesthetic.
