A Durga Puja organiser in Agartala, Tripura, is creating a unique pandal using lakhs of discarded glass pieces to convey a message of hope and resilience. Meanwhile, other puja committees are preparing elaborate displays highlighting the state’s iconic landmarks, 3D projections of Hindu deities and the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
The Kunjaban Sporting Union’s pandal is being designed by Siliguri-based artist Tapas Paul. The structure will feature discarded glass pieces fitted into iron frames and illuminated with decorative lighting.
Paul said the concept challenges the notion that broken hopes mark the end of possibilities. Through the installation, he aims to demonstrate that, just like broken glass can be transformed into an artistic creation, shattered hopes can also give rise to something meaningful and promising.
According to puja committee president Sukanta Bhattacharjee, the project has an estimated budget of around Rs 40 lakh.
Another major attraction is expected at Aikatan Yuba Sangstha, where organisers plan to use 3D projection technology to depict Goddess Durga’s victory over demons and Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance of creation and destruction.
The 10-minute audiovisual presentation is expected to be one of the pandal’s highlights, said committee secretary Dip Dasgupta.
Meanwhile, Shivnagar Modern Club will showcase 18 iconic structures of Tripura through its pandal theme. The display will feature landmarks such as Ujjayanta Palace, the Unakoti archaeological site, Neer Mahal, Tripura Sundari Temple and Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport.
Club president Pradip Kumar Ghosh said the initiative aims to familiarise visitors, particularly children, with Tripura’s cultural heritage and important landmarks.
At the Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Club, the focus will shift to the traditions and culture of Rajasthan. The pandal will be designed to resemble a royal palace, while a cultural troupe from Jaipur will perform in traditional attire accompanied by musical instruments, spokesperson Pradip Dey said.
Durga Puja, one of Tripura’s major festivals, will be celebrated from October 17 to 21 this year. Organisers are preparing distinctive themes and artistic installations to attract visitors and make the festivities memorable.