With Bengal famous for its theme-based pandals during the Durga Puja festival, the members of the Young Boys Club, like always, have taken up the challenge to discover relevant social issues as its theme.
This year, they have chosen the theme “Devi Durga – The Power of Universe”.
Every year, the festival of Durga Puja brings out the best in terms of creativity and art when it comes to ideating themes for Puja pandals in West Bengal. Young Boys Club which turns 54 this year, has a theme related to the current scenario in the world.
This puja is located near Tara Chand Dutta Street in Central Kolkata, which connects Central Avenue with Rabindra Sarani and is a big draw with the residents.
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is considered one of the most powerful sacred figures. The prowess of Durga in general is depicted with her 10 hands holding different weapons and symbolizing various shaktis that humans possess. The form of Goddess Durga assures protection and safety to the devotees.
Goddess Durga is ferocious to the demons and at the same time,benevolent to her devotees. The ten arms of Goddess Durga symbolize that she protects her devotees from all directions – the eight corners and from the sky and the earth. The symbolism of these 10 globes in her hand signifies how Devi is protecting these 10 globes from all difficulties and problems.
Speaking to the media, Rakesh Singh, Chief Organiser, said, “This year, The Young Boys Club is replicating the embodiment of divine power in Devi Durga, where 32 feet of Mother Durga will be placed outside, symbolizing her as the source of global power. To convey Devi’s association with world power, the idol will have ten globes in her ten hands, symbolizing the different aspects of the Earth.”
“The revelers will get to witness intricate work with Jhinuk inside the pandal. Alongside the idol inside, it is also made of jhinuk. The Preparations for the pandal have been ongoing for the past four months. An additional attraction, a model of Chandrayaan-3, to commemorate India’s lunar victory will be placed outside our pandal,” said Vikrant Singh, Youth President of Young Boys Club.
Goddess Durga’s depiction in itself is the explanation of how humans should act in their lives in every situation. The presence of 10 globes in her hands teaches us the way of life where it represents that the World is One – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, which means “The World Is One Family”.
The idea of the phrase remains relevant today as it emphasizes a global perspective, prioritizing the collective well-being over individual or family interests. It encourages you to think about the welfare of others, fostering global solidarity and responsibility, especially in addressing crucial issues like climate change, sustainable development, peace, and tolerance of differences.
From knowledge to wisdom to love and loyalty, she provides her benevolent assistance in every aspect of life. The celebration of Durga Puja is not merely limited to the gigantic stalls and statues of Goddess Durga. One needs to understand and implement the path that she urges to follow in the walk of life. Durga Puja is in full swing, as communities and neighbourhoods across India welcome the ten-armed-goddess home.
