Lucknow: A unique Durga idol, crafted from sacred clays, will take center stage at this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in Aliganj. Sculpted by Varanasi-based artist Abhijeet Biswas, the idol will be part of the Puja at Chandrashekhar Azad Park, paying tribute to the festival’s late founder, Bhasker Bose.
The idol, adorned with the traditional Sholar Daker Saaj—a delicate white ornamentation made from the shola plant—features Goddess Durga wearing the signature topor mukut (conical headgear). This intricate style, deeply rooted in Bengali culture, brings an ancient aesthetic to the modern-day celebrations.
What sets this idol apart is its composition, made from five types of sacred clays. “We have used clay from the bank of the Ganga, considered holy in Hinduism, as well as clay from a cremation ground, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. Additionally, clay from beneath a Tulsi plant (representing purity), clay from a cowshed (honoring cows, which are sacred in Hindu culture), and clay from a temple of the Goddess have all been used,” said Tuhin Banerjee, Media and Communications Secretary of the Puja Committee. This combination of materials ensures that the idol holds a sacred energy, allowing devotees to connect spiritually with the Goddess.
Banerjee further explained that the idol has been made in the Aadi Bangla style, an ancient Bengali form of idol-making. “In this style, the Goddess’ eyes are designed to resemble a neem leaf, symbolizing her divine and intense gaze,” he added.
The Puja pandal in Aliganj, which was founded in 1980 by surgeon Dr. Subroto Bhattacharya and his friends Bhasker Bose, Ujjawal Banerjee, and Atanu Mukherjee, celebrates 44 years this year. In a special tribute, the committee will honor Bhasker Bose, who passed away earlier this year but remained an active and cherished member of the organizing committee until his death.
“This year, we are paying homage to Bhasker Bose for his contributions. He was a guiding force in this community,” Banerjee stated.
The Puja will be led by the first nephew of Sarada Maa, wife of revered saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa, further adding to the spiritual depth of this year’s celebrations. With the sacred clay idol and traditional Bengali decorations, the Aliganj Durga Puja promises to be a significant event for devotees and locals alike.
With inputs from HT
