Eco-friendly celebrations: Oldest Durga mandal in Thane to replicate temple from West Bengal using rice husk

An eco-friendly fervour caught on the Thanekars since ganeshotsav and is set to influence Durga puja celebrations too. Bangiya Parishad, the oldest Durga mandal in Thane is creating a replica of the Bargabhima temple of Midnapore district, West Bengal using rice husk this year.

Bangiya Parishad, which is in the 54th year of Durga puja celebration, is considered the second oldest durga mandal in Mumbai.

"Over 40 artists from Bengal are involved in erecting the replica," said S Bhattacharya, cultural secretary of Bangiya Parishad. The celebrations at the Highland garden venue will include prasad distribution along with a host of cultural activities. "For three days there will be distribution of bhog at our pandal, where everyone is welcome," said PK Guha, president of the parishad. Over 4000 people will be fed at the pandal every day, he added.

Besides this, there will also be musical performances by contestants of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Junior on October 9 and by singer Javed Ali on October 10. A mela (fair) will also be organised at the venue, where 30 to 40 food stalls offering varied Indian dishes will be put up for visitors.

Bargabhima temple is one of the oldest Kali temple and considered to be one of the 51 shaktipeeths in India. It is 1150 years old and was built by the maharaja of Mayor dynasty.