India celebrates Durga Puja with diverse artistic themes

Durga Puja celebrations across India are showcasing a wide array of creative and symbolic themes through elaborate pandal designs. In West Bengal, Kolkata organizers are utilizing themes such as ‘Ram Rajya’ to promote peace and harmony, while others are highlighting the history of Bengali sweets or commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’.

Other regions are also participating with unique installations. In Siliguri, a 60-foot replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple has become a major attraction, while Varanasi features themes based on Lord Narasimha. In Guwahati, the city has transformed into an open-air gallery with over 500 pandals, including a water-based installation themed on the mythical kingdom of Naglok and replicas of the Kedarnath and Puri Jagannath temples.

In Bihar, a massive 121-foot-tall pandal modeled after the Puri Jagannath Temple was constructed by Muslim artisans from Jharkhand, highlighting communal harmony through shared artistic devotion. Additionally, in Jaipur, artisans from Mathura are continuing a five-generation tradition by building a 105-foot Ravana effigy for Dussehra celebrations.