ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: The Bomikhal Durga Puja Committee, one of the city’s most prominent organisers, is all set to enthral devotees with a spectacular Peacock-themed pandal this year. Designed not just to showcase artistic brilliance, the pandal also carries a strong message on wildlife conservation and the need to protect the environment, blending tradition with social awareness. Celebrating its 62nd year, the Bomikhal Durga Puja Committee is raising an impressive eco-friendly pandal, measuring 65 feet in height and 120 feet in width.
The structure is being crafted with sustainable materials such as bamboo, thermocol, cloth, and decorative elements to highlight both artistry and environmental responsibility. Around 45 skilled artisans are working tirelessly on the project, which carries an estimated budget of Rs 16 lakh, committee treasurer Aditya Kumar Jena said. To ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, the committee has made elaborate security and crowd management arrangements.
As many as 45 security personnel and volunteers will be deployed across the venue to regulate the flow of visitors. In addition, the committee has worked in close coordination with local police to manage the anticipated traffic congestion, particularly around the nearby overbridge, said committee secretary Sailendra Kumar Jena. Adding to the splendour of the celebration, the idol of Maa Durga will be showcased on magnificent silver tableaux and adorned with dazzling jewellery worth about Rs 25 lakh, lending a regal charm to the pandal.
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The overarching peacock theme— symbolising grace, beauty, and India’s national bird—has been thoughtfully chosen to go beyond mere decoration, aiming to spark greater awareness about the urgent need to protect nature and conserve wildlife. “Our aim is not just to honour devotion and uphold tradition, but also to foster a sense of environmental responsibility among devotees,” said Jena.
The Bomikhal Durga Puja Committee has long been celebrated for its thematic brilliance, having previously mesmerised visitors with pandals inspired by Mysore’s iconic Lalitha Mahal, grand French palaces, and even an entire structure crafted from betel nuts. These past creations have not only highlighted the exceptional skills of local artisans but also transformed the pandal into a must-visit destination during Durga Puja in the City. With its seamless blend of artistic innovation, devotion, and meaningful social messaging, Bomikhal’s Durga Puja continues to stand out as one of Bhubaneswar’s premier festive attractions.
