Guwahati: Athgaon Sarvajanik Durga Puja will recreate the grandeur of Hyderabad’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple through its ‘Swarnagiri’ pandal this year.Established in 1983, the puja committee has built a distinct identity by combining religious devotion, cultural heritage and creative ideas. This year, the organisers aim to offer visitors a glimpse of the temple’s architectural grandeur and spiritual ambience through an elaborate pandal.Addressing the media, committee president Pramod Harlalka said the theme was conceived to offer devotees an enriching religious experience. Preparations are underway on a large scale, with an estimated budget of Rs 60 lakh.“Artisans from Kolkata and Guwahati have been working for the past one and a half months on the pandal’s intricate craftsmanship. Special illumination, arranged by teams from both cities, is expected to add to the structure’s visual appeal during the festivities,” he added.The celebrations will begin on the evening of Oct 16, coinciding with Maha Shashthi. The committee has invited Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to inaugurate the puja, but confirmation of his participation is awaited. Central Guwahati MLA Vijay Gupta, Guwahati Municipal Corporation mayor Mrigen Sarania and several other guests have confirmed their participation.The organisers have made arrangements for visitor safety. CCTV surveillance, security personnel and assistance from NCC cadets are planned to regulate crowds and facilitate the movement of devotees, particularly families, children and senior citizens.“The committee has consistently sought to introduce distinctive themes that combine devotion, creativity and social relevance. Over the past decade, the puja has received several awards and recognitions from organisations and media houses,” Harlalka said.Describing this year’s concept as “A Divine Abode of Faith, a Celebration Beyond Imagination”, the committee said it hopes to offer visitors a memorable experience through the ‘Swarnagiri’ theme.
