Flavours of Gujarat in pandal

KOLKATA: Gujarat will come alive in all its vibrant cultural colours at the Suruchi Sangha Puja in New Alipore this year.
The organisers of the puja, always known for their innovative themes, have chosen to showcase seven different cultures from Gujarat for puja revellers. The main attraction will be a replica of bhunga, a mud and bamboo hut, which withstood the fury of a devastating earthquake.Mirrors line the ceiling and walls of the hut that will house the idol. The mud and glass work is based on Hodka designs — a style of craftsmanship and embroidery practiced for 300 years in a cluster of villages in Gujarat's Banni area.
The metal idol itself is being prepared on the directions of an artist from Saurashtra. The outer walls of the pandal will be decorated with various designs on wooden frames. Artists from the Sankheda region have been roped in to work on these intricate works of art. Apart from this, various forms of art like terracotta by tribals from the Sabarkanta region will be showcased.
"It is amazing how Gujarat has overcome natural calamities like devastating earthquakes and communal tensions. Despite all odds, Gujarat is surging ahead. It is our attempt to pay tribute to the never dying spirit of the people of Gujarat," said Suruchi Sangha president Aroop Biswas.
During the five-day Puja festivities, artists will hold workshops on various art and craft like that of the Dhordos from the Gujarat Pakistan border and artists from Ludia.
A stage has been set up by the side of the pandal where folk artists from Gujarat will regale the puja crowd throughout the night.
Suruchi Sangha has already brought in 25 artists from different parts of Gujarat for the construction of structures and creating the work of art.
Civil engineer Raja Sarkar, a club member, has been providing technical support.
So, if you are planning a visit to Gujarat any time soon, don't forget to stop by the Suruchi Sangha pandal. You will get a taste of what to expect — right from the main entrance, where the gates will be decorated with colourful bandhni designs by artists from Banni.