Devotees visiting the Bhatta Durgabari temple in the Bhatta Bazar area of Purnia are set to witness one of North Bihar's grandest Durga Puja spectacles this festive season. Renowned as a prominent cultural and spiritual landmark, the temple premises are being transformed with a unique, environmentally conscious pandal that celebrates traditional folk arts and regional craftsmanship. The ambitious installation is designed to serve as the premier centerpiece of the festive celebrations across the region.
Commemorating 111 Years of Heritage Celebrations
This edition of the festival carries immense historical significance for the organizers, as the Bhatta Durgabari puja committee completes 111 years of continuous celebrations. To mark the milestone, temple authorities conceptualized a sprawling eco-friendly pandal that pays tribute to enduring rural handicrafts. The initiative is structured to revive indigenous artistic practices and offer visitors an authentic cultural experience that reflects age-old craftsmanship.
30 Artisans from Assam, Tripura, and Kolkata Leading the Work
The creation of this grand architectural setup has been entrusted to a dedicated team of 30 specialized artisans brought in from Assam, Tripura, and Kolkata. The craftsmen have been laboring continuously for two months to bring the elaborate plans to life. The entire project is being executed at an estimated expenditure of 15 lakh rupees. Committee secretary Suchitra Kumar Ghosh, also known as Babu Da, alongside members Niranjan Kumar Datta, Champak Das, and other temple representatives, noted that the shrine conducts its sacred rituals strictly in accordance with classical Bengali puja traditions every year.
Eco-Friendly Architecture Utilizing 1 Lakh Bamboo Poles
The core structural design of the pandal centers around sustainability, utilizing approximately 1 lakh bamboo poles to erect the towering pavilion. The organizing committee strictly prohibited the use of plastic and paper throughout the installation to maintain an authentic eco-friendly footprint. The aesthetic detailing instead relies on natural bamboo work accented with reflective mirrors and intricate thread work, creating captivating textures across the structure.
Folk Motifs, Winnowing Fans, and Baskets on Display
The artistic ornamentation across the inner and outer facades incorporates traditional rural household crafts, including winnowing fans known as soop, woven baskets called daale, and decorative handmade visual depictions mounted on bamboo frameworks. Master craftsmen are meticulously carving and arranging these heritage elements to present a living tableau of folk art. Construction is advancing rapidly, with the committee projecting full completion by the third day of the festival, welcoming devotees to experience the pandal and seek blessings from Goddess Durga.
