Patna: The fierce form of Maa Kali slaying Raktabeej, symbolising the destruction of ego, will be the centrepiece of this year’s Durga Puja organised by New Student Club in Nandgaon, near J D Women’s College on Nehru Path, Patna.Unlike traditional Maa Durga idols, the pandal will feature Maa Kali’s “raudra roop” with preparations for its construction, decorations, lighting and thematic presentation under way.The theme draws on the mythological tale of Raktabeej, a demon whose every drop of blood gave rise to another demon. Through Maa Kali’s victory, the committee aims to convey that truth and dharma ultimately triumph, regardless of how much ego multiplies.Santosh Kumar, convener of the puja committee, said, “The decoration, lighting, sound and artistic presentation based on this raudra theme will be the main attraction for devotees visiting the pandal.”A 10-member team from Phulwarisharif, led by Rahmat Alam alias Pintu, is constructing a mountain-shaped pandal with a cave beneath it, depicting Maa Kali slaying Raktabeej and other demons. Pintu said the structure takes around a month to complete.Chandan Kumar, a committee member, said idol maker Ranjan Kumar Tanti had arrived from Gaya with seven associates to create the idol.“Around Rs 10 lakh will be spent this year on Maa Kali’s shringaar, decoration, pandal construction, puja rituals and bhog-prasad,” Chandan added.Tanti said the committee had provided the clay, while his team brought other materials, including hay, iron wires, bamboo sticks and clothes. “I used to make the idols here every year. I have also prepared a Maa Durga idol near Phulwarisharif railway halt,” he added.After Maa’s ‘pat’ opens on Saptami, bhog-prasad will be offered as halwa on Saptami, kheer on Ashtami and khichdi on Navami, followed by a ‘bhandara’ and prasad distribution for devotees.
