In a powerful statement on environmental sustainability, a Durga Puja pandal in Guwahati is set to feature a massive 65-foot idol of Goddess Durga crafted entirely from plastic bottles. The unique and eco-friendly installation, a collaborative effort by the Pukhuripar Youth Club of Athgaon and skilled artists from Dhubri, is a major highlight of this year’s celebrations.
With a budget of ₹12 lakh, the club’s initiative aims to spread a crucial message about recycling and waste management. The monumental idol, made from thousands of discarded plastic bottles, is a testament to the fact that waste materials can be transformed into creative and awe-inspiring works of art. Organizers have also planned to decorate the surrounding roads with bottles, creating a cohesive and impactful theme for the entire area.
The artisans behind the project, who are known for their innovative puja installations, are pushing the boundaries of traditional idol-making. By forgoing conventional materials like clay and plaster of Paris, they are not only reducing the environmental footprint of the festival but also sparking conversations about the alarming issue of plastic pollution.
This groundbreaking pandal is part of a larger trend in Guwahati this year, where many puja committees are embracing unique and socially conscious themes. Other notable installations include a terracotta-themed pandal at Rehabari Bilpar and a pandal inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon at Bishnupur.
The 65-foot Durga idol is expected to draw immense crowds and serve as a powerful visual reminder for devotees and visitors to think more critically about their consumption habits and the importance of reusing and recycling.
