A pandal under construction

After an exhausting visit to Kumartuli, we arrive on the streets of Kolkata, where the pavements, parks and even thoroughfares are choc-a-bloc with bamboo and ropes, all being tied together in structures of various shapes and sizes. Thousands and thousands of bamboos have been tied, and several others are lying scattered on the roads. What will be done with so many bamboos? “There is so much that needs to be done. We are setting up a home for Ma Durga. We want to make it beautiful”, says a labourer busy making a Pandal in a park in central Kolkata.

Some parts of the pandals are lying naked, while the others have been covered with plywood, cloth or even Plaster of Paris. “The next step is painting the walls”, says an artist giving instructions to his boys. The entire process of making a pandal takes about 2-3 months. Some larger ones may even need 6 months for completion! Pandals have become a huge attraction over the past few years, and thus, the organizers do not mind spending a hefty amount for the construction of these pandals. Most of these pandals are being based on popular themes now, and this involves a budget ranging between 3 lakh to 12 lakh rupees!