Mangalabaag Puja Pandal

Located just 2 km away from the Ranihaat Puja Pandal, is the Mangalabaag Puja Pandal. Although it is a member of gold bandwagon, the pandal does not yet have a silver backdrop. Instead, the backdrop is a glowing celebration of 'zari' craftsmanship of Cuttack, an art form that is central to the Muslim community in the city. In fact, a majority of 'zari' backdrops that are used by the Durga Puja committees in their pandals are prepared by Muslim artisans. This is also why, people call Cuttack the land of bhaichara (brotherhood). As far as the Mangalabaag pandal is concerned, the design of the 20-ft-high backdrop is changed every year. The organisers spent a whooping Rs 1 crore in the year 2010 to prepare a golden crown for the Goddess that weighs 2.5 kg. Another 2.5 kg gold was used to fashion the other deities in the tableau with gold crowns and ornaments. The 'zari' backdrop, done in golden wires and beads, and the golden jewellery give the pandal a stunning glow. Jewellery items for the deities are in silver.