Bhubaneswar: The vibrant festivities of Durga Puja are now in full swing, and Rasulgarh has emerged as a major draw for devotees and pandal-hoppers. Thousands are thronging to this popular puja destination, mesmerized by its breathtaking Swaminarayan temple replica.
Bhubaneswar has come up with a total of 171 pandals this year. Organizers competed among themselves to catch more eyeballs and enlist increased footfall of visitors by creating replicas of world-famous monuments.
Among those that stood out was the Rasulgarh puja pandal, which celebrated its 32nd year of hosting the puja. The glorious, multi-collared, wood-carved Swaminarayan Temple in Ahmedabad, was built in 1822 as the first temple of the Swaminarayan Hindu sect.
It won’t be wrong to say that the Rasulgarh Durga Puja Committee’s 32nd-anniversary celebration is stealing the show with its magnificent replica of Gujarat’s iconic Swaminarayan Temple. This imposing 85×120-foot wooden structure, crafted by 45 skilled artisans from West Bengal, is a testament to the committee’s creativity and attention to detail.
Siddharth Panda, a visitor said, “As devotees navigate the intricately designed pandal, they are struck by the stunning wood carvings, vibrant colours, and meticulous craftsmanship. The original Swaminarayan Temple, built in 1822, has been beautifully recreated, taking us to the historic city of Ahmedabad.”
“That apart, Rasulgarh’s pandal has become a top priority for photography enthusiasts in particular and anyone seeking an unforgettable Durga Puja experience”, Siddharth added.
Sanjay Baliarsingh, secretary of the Rasulgarh Durga Puja committee, revealed that 45 artisans from West Bengal erected the 85×120-foot structure and completed it before Sasthi. The pandal incurred an expenditure of Rs 45 lakh.”
