Last year history of sorts was created when craftsmen from Krishnanagore led by Nemai Chandra Pal had sculpted Durga idol for London Durga Puja Dusserah Committee (LDDC) at the British Museum in London. The nearly 2-month effort was a part of ‘Voice of Bengal‘ exhibition organized by British Museum’s Asia department.
People thronged the place to witness live sculpting of the idol, and to cap the exhibition in style, even drummers from Murshidabad went to London to show their skill. See the video below of dhakis playing at the forecourt of British Museum on September 14 last.
For worshiping the idol was then taken to LDDC’s Camden Center in North London. After puja, the protima was taken in procession and immersed in the Thames.
This year LDDC, of which the steel czar LN Mittal is the Chief Patron, has placed order for clay idol with Pradyut Pal of Gorachand Pal & Sons at Kumortuli. Not for LDDC a Durga idol made with anything except mud and straw.
Time is short this year. Puja begins mid-October. So, the idol will have to be airlifted to London, which of course is not worth a concern with Mittal presiding over at LDDC.
The other notable feature with LDDC’s puja is that it is not celebrated in weekends as is the case with nearly all Durga Puja festivals abroad. At LDDC the puja is strictly as per the shastra, that is from Mahashasthi to Bijoya Dashami.
Leave a Reply