Bhubaneswar: In a refreshing departure from conventional grandeur, the Alisha Bazaar Durga Puja is drawing attention this year with a thoughtful and creative theme that places the environment at its centre.
Named ‘Jungle View’, the attraction near the Hanuman temple has been crafted entirely from waste materials, including discarded oil tins, gunny bags, dry tree branches and straw, to recreate the appearance of a dense artificial jungle.
The initiative, undertaken by the Alisha Bazaar Puja Committee, aims to highlight the importance of forest conservation, wildlife protection and the reuse of materials that would otherwise end up as waste.
Amid the green surroundings stands a massive idol of Goddess Durga, elaborately adorned with heavy silver ornaments. The contrast between the natural, earthy setting and the glittering silver creates a striking visual effect while reinforcing the message of environmental protection and the need for a clean and green environment.
A committee member explained the idea behind the theme: “We wanted to offer visitors a unique experience by using waste materials while conveying a strong message about environmental protection.”
What makes the initiative particularly noteworthy is that it has been conceived and executed entirely by local youths from different neighbourhoods of Alisha Bazaar, without any assistance from professional craftsmen or artists.
“We wanted to show how community participation and creativity can turn an environmental message into a public attraction during Durga Puja,” the member added. “We hope this inspires people to care for nature and protect our forests and wildlife.”
Beyond its eco-friendly theme, ‘Jungle View’ also celebrates Alisha Bazaar’s distinctive Durga Puja traditions. The locality is known for adorning its idols with intricate silver jewellery and for its unique custom of offering fish to Goddess Durga.
The silver tableau, known as Chandi Medha, at Alisha Bazaar had earlier gained national recognition when it was showcased at the International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi around two decades ago.
By combining waste-to-art creativity with community participation and local heritage, Alisha Bazaar’s ‘Jungle View’ has emerged as one of the more meaningful and memorable attractions of this year’s Durga Puja in Kataka.
