CR Park, Delhi’s own mini Bengal, is in full festive mood celebrating Durga Puja, the annual extravaganza. Amid the distinct aroma of ‘dhuno’, the beat of ‘dhaak’, the crowd to partake bhog, interspersed with the melodious strains of cultural programmes, the locality is brimming with activity with people from across the National Capital Region descending on it to witness and be part of the festivities.

A major feature of the Durga Puja every year is the Greater Kailash Assembly Durga Puja Competition organised by the Delhi government. Every Durga Puja pandal, hence, puts in additional efforts to be counted. The pandals are a tribute to the excellent skills of artisans and organisers in terms of innovation, lighting, and overall arrangements.

This year’s award ‘best pandal’ has been given to the D-Block Sarbajanin Puja Samity, CR Park. Confirming the development, the Samity said on Wednesday it had “continued with tradition of constructing a completely eco-friendly pandal for the last 22 years”.

The pandal has been up since October 14, and this year’s theme is ‘rural India’.

“Keeping environment in mind, the pandal has been decorated with eco-friendly material. Bamboo products are primarily used to create a rural setting juxtaposed with a modern look. The Goddess idol has been designed in a traditional manner, like every year. The pandal design has been executed beautifully by Sri Tapan and Smt Sarbari Roy, who have been doing it for the last eight years for us,” said Sujoy Ghosh, secretary of the puja committee.

“We only use biodegradable and material trying our level best to make Delhi a greener place,” said Debabrata Sarkar, a committee member.

The ‘bhog’ (prasad) served at the pandal is also a big draw. Nearly 30,000 people partake the bhog every day. “We are organising various activities during the five-day celebration, including competitions for children, and musical performances by celebrity singers at night,” said Bachchu Kumar Das, a vice-president of the D Block Durga Puja Samity.

Greater Kailash Assembly Durga Puja Competition Results

Best Pandal: D Block, CR Park

Swaach Pandal: M Block Market, GK 2

Best Mandap: K Block Co-operative, CR Park

Best Idol:

1st – GK-2, Savitri

2nd – Pocket 52, CR Park

3rd – Pocket 40, CR Park

Special Prize Recommended for Mela Ground, CR Park

– Fresh concept

– Grand entrance

– Fireproof tent

– Use of “gamcha” for decoration