The Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) Mela Ground pujo, one of the oldest is celebrating their 40th edition with the theme 'Ancient Pujo'.
As Delhi gets ready for nights of revellery for the much awaited final days of Durga puja, artisans brought from Bengal are busy giving the final touches to the decorations at the Mela ground using eco-friendly techniques made with sholapit, which is peculiar to West Bengal.
This follows a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that prohibits immersion of the idols made using non-biodegradable materials because they further pollute an already polluted Yamuna.
An essential part of the Bengali culture, sholapit is made of a plant that grows in marshland. A spongy plant that can be shaped into beautiful objects of art.
The Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) Mela Ground pujo, one of the oldest is celebrating their 40th edition with the theme 'Ancient Pujo'.
Speaking to NDTV about the massive pandal at CR Park ground, the general secretary, Shekhar Guha says, "We wanted to do an echo friendly idol and our artisans have used clay and shola. No chemicals or artificial products have been used this year."
He also says that the use of shola will address the issue of environment protection. "Products made from this plant easily dissolve in water. Sholapith is also used to decorate the 18 feet tall Ma Durga idol," said Mr Guha.
According to Mr Guha, the idol makers had embraced the idea of a "pollution-free puja". With a team of 50 members and 50 volunteers, he hopes this pujo is successful and adheres to cleanliness guidelines.
Durga puja will be celebrated till October 23.