Siliguri, 24th July: Siliguri’s Ujjwal Sangha marked the beginning of its Durga Puja preparations with a ‘Khutti Puja’ ceremony on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ulto Rath’. The puja committee will enter its 73rd year of celebrations this year.
The event was attended by Padma Shri awardee and renowned footballer Baichung Bhutia along with other prominent personalities.
Similar to previous years, Ujjwal Sangha is bringing several attractions for visitors. This year, the main highlight of the puja will be a pandal designed on the theme of the Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. Skilled artisans from Jharkhand will be brought in for the construction work.
The organisers said the pandal will feature intricate craftsmanship and artistic presentation to attract visitors. A budget of around ₹38 lakh has been allocated for this year’s Durga Puja.
Along with religious rituals, the puja will also include various social initiatives, cultural programmes and performances by local artists. The organisers believe that the 73rd year celebration will become one of the major attractions of Siliguri by blending tradition, aesthetics and social messages.