Durga Puja Pandal in Hazaribag Features Army Headquarters, Op Sindoor and Disneyland Fair

Hazaribag: This year’s Durga Puja at Matwari Gandhi Maidan is set to be a grand affair as the organisers have planned a pandal themed on India’s recent operation against Pakistan. The Shiv Shakti Durga Puja Committee is constructing the pandal with a replica of the Army headquarters in New Delhi, models of missiles, fighter planes and other weapons used in ‘Operation Sindoor’.Dozens of artisans have been working for the last two months on the 80-feet-high and 140-feet-wide structure. The secretary of the committee, Rinku Verma, said, “The pandal, equipped with modern lighting and sound effects, is expected to be completed by the fifth day of Navratria.”He added, “Every year, we try to present something new. This time, apart from devotion, we also wanted to show patriotism.” The estimated cost of the pandal is around Rs 20 lakh.

The Durga idol is being crafted by renowned artist Anil Prithvi, known for his detailed and eye-catching sculptures.To add a cultural and entertainment dimension, the committee is also hosting a Disneyland-themed fair at the Gandhi Maidan. The fair, which started on September 8, will continue through the festival days with swings, games, and food stalls included for children and adults alike.Residents say the twin attractions — the Army headquarters-themed pandal and the Disneyland fair — are likely to draw huge crowds from across the district and beyond.

“This will not just be about worship, but also about community participation. We expect people from far-off places to visit,” said Shanu Goswami, the media in-charge of the committee.Every year, the Matwari Gandhi Maidan puja pandal draws hordes of crowds. Once the pandal opens this year, around 50,000 people are expected to visit daily, except on Navami and Dashmi, when the number is expected to cross the one-lakh mark.Verma said other than their 100 volunteers, a large number of policemen will be deployed, alongside members of scouts and guides, to ensure smooth celebrations.