As Delhi is gearing up for Durga Puja celebrations, Puja organisers are choosing to ‘go green’ to ensure a pollution-free environment.

Puja organisers in Chittaranjan Park’s Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity (CGDPS) have got an eco-friendly idol for which they have been awarded in the past too.

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Speaking to The Statesman, Kallol Acharyya, secretary of the Samity, said, “To save the Yamuna, this year we have taken a step forward by making our own artificial pond for immersion. With this initiative, we pledge to curb pollution as much as possible.”

“Though the notification of Delhi Pollution Control Committee is yet to be implemented in full force for all Puja committees, we are proactively ensuring and participating in the efforts to save River Yamuna, contributing towards green earth,” he added.

The Cooperative Ground Durga Puja Samity, Chittaranjan Park, is celebrating its 44th Durga Puja festival from 3 to 8 October. This year it is commemorating the birth centenary of two legends of Indian music, Hemanta Mukherjee and Manna Dey, showcasing their work and immense contribution to Indian cinema, art, and culture.

The entire Puja Pandal, including the mandap, cultural stage and main gate are being designed to recreate the golden era of music. Durga Puja festival will witness pulsating music, courtesy of the cultural and entertainment programmes in every evening.

Craftsmen are working tirelessly to bring alive the feel and memories of that bygone era. This year’s cultural programme at the Puja will feature celebrity singer Ankita from Sa Re Ga Ma of Zee Bangla 2019 fame on Panchami, 3 October, followed by a performance by Amit Paul of Indian Idol fame on Shasthi, 4 October, and a performance by the rock band, Krackers, on Saptami, 5 October.

The Puja Samity will also provide a platform for various local groups to showcase their talent and keep the tempo alive.

“Over the years, one of our key areas of focus has been the quality of Bhog (Langar). Around 20,000 people visit our pandal each day for delicious Bhog. Our serving plates are also eco-friendly made from areca leaf,” Acharyya said.

Devotees will have a plethora of choices when it comes to satisfying their hunger pangs. A range of delicious cuisine starting from authentic Bengali food to North Indian/ Mughlai, Chinese and seafood in the food court at the ground will be an added attraction.

On security arrangements, Acharyya said, “We get over 5-6 lakh footfalls every year and we have massive security arrangements in place to ensure no untoward incident takes place. We get constant support from Delhi police in supervising the security arrangements.”