Guwahati: A Durga idol made entirely from grains, pulses and spices will be the main attraction at the Chatribari Durga Puja Samiti pandal this year.Crafted without soil by an artisan from Gossaigaon, the idol has cost around Rs 1.80 lakh. It uses paddy, rice, maize, mustard seeds, red lentils, green gram, peas, kidney beans, peanuts, cardamom, cinnamon, dried chillies and betel nuts.“The committee will install two idols at the pandal this year, one traditional clay idol and the other made entirely from these food items. Artists have been involved in crafting both idols, with the unusual creation expected to be one of the main attractions for visitors,” said Babul Rajbongshi, cultural secretary of the puja committee.The committee will install both the food-based idol and a traditional clay idol at the pandal. The initiative is intended to introduce an innovative concept while retaining the cultural significance of Durga Puja.The celebrations, organised with a total budget of around Rs 18 lakh, will also feature a tribal theme showcasing the heritage and traditions of Assam’s 14 indigenous communities.Committee members have been working for months to prepare the pandal and the two idols for the festival.
