✍️By Special Correspondent
Bengal is famous for its theme-based pandals during the Durga Puja festival. The members of Young Boys Club like always have taken up the challenge to discover relevant social issues as it’s theme. This year they have chosen the Theme as – “Durga – The Destroyer of Corona”. 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 52 this year has come with a theme related to the current scenario of 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.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Organiser said, “During the pandemic everyone is hoping and waiting for the Goddess Durga to eradicate Corona Demon. We thought Durga Ji could be our saviour and we are praying that she destroys coronavirus forever. We have faced serious problems due to Covid-19. The virus is still there. The Covid warriors without fearing for their life saved us. Therefore, this year we are dedicating this theme to them. The theme also salutes the Covid warriors, which include doctors, cops, medical staff, cleaning staff, public transport drivers and conductors. Just like every single person we also pray that Ma Durga eradicates the deadly virus and hope that this idol gets recognition across the state.”
“The pandemic has altered our lives beyond recognition. Corona is the demon that everybody recognises, it is the demon that everybody is fighting, and we are all looking for the strength to defeat it. Thus, we came up with this idea to pray to the goddess for protecting all of us from the demon of corona. This year, the much-loved deity will be seen in a new avatar – that of the vanquisher of coronavirus as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. Yes, it is the ‘Corona Ka Vadh’ karne wali Durga Maa that will dominate the theme this year,” said Mr. Vikrant Singh, Youth President of Young Boys Club.
Year of Initiation: 1970
Artist: Dev Shankar Mahesh from Midnapore
Height of Mandap: 40 Feet
Location: Central Kolkata (Young Boys Club) – 7 No. Tarachand Dutta Street, Near Chitpur Crossing, Kol – 73.
Nearest Metro Station: Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station