Jagdalpur Welcomes Kantara Themed Durga Pandal Crafted Entirely From Bamboo Ahead of Navratri Santoshi Ward in Bastar's Jagdalpur is celebrating its 28th annual Durga Puja with a special pandal styled after the movie Kantara, built using extensive bamboo artistry. 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. What this means for you Visitors and devotees in Jagdalpur will have the opportunity to experience a unique, theme-based cultural display during the Navratri and Dussehra celebrations. • In Jagdalpur and Bastar: Local residents and travellers arriving for Dussehra will have a notable new attraction to visit in Santoshi Ward. Those interested in viewing the intricate bamboo architecture can plan their visit during the evening hours to see the full illumination setup. • Festival Crowds and Commute: Footfall in the Santoshi Ward neighbourhood is anticipated to rise considerably over the festival period. Visitors are advised to schedule their visits keeping possible peak-hour rush in mind. • Eco-Friendly Craft Inspiration: The use of bamboo provides an encouraging precedent for other community groups to explore creative, natural materials for festival decor. This demonstrates how unique artistic themes can be realized effectively. • Budget Planning: Executing a distinct cinematic theme within an estimated cost of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh offers a practical reference point for other regional cultural committees looking to innovate on modest budgets. Why this happened The creation of this distinctive pandal stems from the organizing committee's effort to introduce innovative thematic art seen in larger regional centres to local festival celebrations. • Inspiration from Regional Success: Organizers observed the widespread acclaim and massive crowd engagement received by Kantara-themed setups in cities like Durg and Raipur. This motivated them to bring a similar creative concept to Jagdalpur. • Milestone Celebration: With Santoshi Ward marking 28 consecutive years of Durga idol installations, the committee sought a fresh approach to stand out. To execute this vision, specialized artisans were brought in from Kolkata. • Adoption of Bamboo Material: To authentically capture the rustic aesthetic associated with the film's backdrop, the builders chose bamboo as the primary construction medium, marking an unprecedented scale of bamboo usage in local pandal design. Questions & Answers 1. Where in Jagdalpur is the Kantara-themed Durga pandal located? The themed pandal is situated in Santoshi Ward in Jagdalpur, Bastar district. 2. How long has Santoshi Ward been organizing Durga Puja celebrations? The local committee and residents have been organizing Durga Puja continuously for the past 28 years. 3. What is the key architectural feature of this pandal? The entire facade of the pandal is crafted from bamboo, marking the first time bamboo has been used on such a large scale for a pandal in Jagdalpur. 4. What is the estimated cost of constructing the pandal? The total construction, including lighting and illumination expenses, is estimated at between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh. 5. Who built the pandal and how long did the construction take? Artisan Shankar and his team from Kolkata constructed the pandal over a period of approximately 12 days. https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/bastar-ke-jagdalpur-men-kantara-philma-ki-tarja-para-saja-anokha-durga-pandal-bansa-ki-karigari-bani-mukhya-akarshana-45883 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.