Even though Kali puja does not command as grandeur and fanfare as Durga Puja in the Millennium City, the trend of chandi medha (silver tableau) seems to have percolated to the puja committees.
The Bakhrabad Puja Mandap has taken the lead by adorning its deity with a chandi medha. Weighing around one and a half quintals, the tableau has been crafted at a cost of ` 1 crore. Crafted in traditional silver filigree artwork, it has the cremation ground as its setting with skeletons, banyan trees, jackals and owls being dominating motifs along with swans.
“It took 14 craftsmen led by veteran artisan Pradip Prusty six months to make the medha. The first chandi medha for Kali puja in the city has added to the uniqueness of Chhinamasta deity worshiped at our mandap,” said secretary of the youth unit of Bakhrabad Puja Committee advocate Jaideep Pal.
Bakhrabad stands distinct among the Kali puja observing mandaps in the city as the Goddess is in the form of a headless body with the head held in the hand. The body oozes three fountains of blood, one of which falls straight into the mouth of the severed head. The Goddess also does not stand over Lord Shiva but a couple in embrace.
Though no concrete interpretation is given, it is said that the form of the Goddess signifies self control and courage.
Kali puja will be celebrated from Saturday across 69 puja mandaps while immersions will be held on November 6.
