Between rain spells, puja organisers rush to finish work before opening
Times of India | 30 September 2024
Kolkata: Durga Puja organisers across the city have deployed additional manpower and are working extra hours to make the most of the dry spell to finish the pending pandal decorations by the middle of next week, after which there is a forecast of a continuous wet spell.
According to IMD’s forecast, the skies could remain gloomy and it could rain frequently in the run-up to Durga Puja and during the four days of festivities from Oct 10 to 13.
While light to moderate rain and thundershowers have been predicted at many places across south Bengal districts between Oct 5 and 9, light rain and thundershowers are likely at a few places from Oct 10 to 13.
“Last week’s wet spell had affected our puja preparations and we are already running behind. Hence, we are deploying extra manpower when required to finish work on the pandal. Our plan is to finish the work by Mahalaya and inaugurate the pandal by Oct 4,” said Kalyan Dhall, secretary of the Durga Puja organising committee at Maddox Square.
TOI had written on Friday how incessant rain last week had stalled puja preparations and left the open grounds outside pandals in a slushy mess. At Santosh Mitra Square, where the theme is “Sphere of Las Vegas” — the world’s largest digital screen — the organisers have installed several hundred LED screens and they said last week’s rain had completely halted their work. “We had to cover the pandal with polythene sheets and suspend all exterior work for three days. Now that the skies have cleared up, we have started installing the screens and intend to finish the entire installation in a couple of days. To ensure there is no glitch or electrical malfunction even if it rains during the puja days, we are taking additional measures,” said Sajal Ghosh, one of the puja organisers.
Bhowanipur 75 Palli, that has themed their puja utilizing eco-friendly materials to celebrate their diamond jubilee year, are also making the most of the sunny weather. “Thankfully, the major articles used in making the pandal are water repellent but the incessant rain has slowed down the pace of work. We are trying our best to make use of this sunny window and finish the work by Mahalaya,” said Subir Das, the club secretary.
Organisers of Baghajatin Tarun Sangha said they have brought in additional labourers and the club members themselves are working overtime before heading to office and after work to ensure the entire pandal is ready before Mahalaya.