OTV in Kolkata: West Bengal’s Durga Puja pandals dazzle with Rudrakshas, Operation Sindoor and Odia imprint

Kolkata is buzzing with the fervour of Durga Puja, with the city turning into a vast art gallery. From themes inspired by Indian civilisation to tales of valour, pandals across the city have been crafted as spectacular works of art. Among the most striking is an idol of Maa Durga made entirely from 3 crore rudrakshas, showcasing the mythological theme of Samudra Manthan.

At West Bengal's Chetla, the legendary Samudra Manthan has been recreated in breathtaking detail. The depiction includes the birth of rudrakshas and the slaying of Tripurasura. Inside the pandal, a gigantic Mahalinga of Mahadev has left visitors awestruck. The five-hooded serpent and twelve Jyotirlingas surrounding it added to the mystical experience. Devotees were astonished to learn that the entire setup was built with 3 crore rudrakshas.

Santosh Mitra Street’s Operation Sindoor Theme

This year’s most discussed pandal is at Santosh Mitra Street, designed on the theme of Operation Sindoor. The entire structure has been turned into an LED screen, depicting the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent counter-attack carried out under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. 

The narrative highlights how brave soldiers avenged the sindoor of women. Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh also feature prominently on the screens. Inside, scenes of women from every state, their sindoor protected by Maa Durga herself, have been powerfully presented.

A devotee said to OTV, “I visit here every year, but this year feels different because of the theme linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.”

Another added, “This pandal beautifully depicts the importance of sindoor in our lives. PM Modi did a tremendous job with Operation Sindoor, and visiting here was truly moving.”

Odia Art and Spiritual Fusion

An Odia imprint is also visible in this year’s celebrations. At Kolkata’s Tridhara, the idol of Maa Durga has been placed inside a mountain structure, symbolising a unique blend of Shiva and Shakti. The abode of Mahadev stands alongside a divine glimpse of Assam’s Maa Chamunda. Stone walls inscribed with the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra create a spiritual harmony between deity and devotee. The pandal has been built at a cost of Rs 50 lakhs.