Ariful Islam and Aparna Das/Guwahati

The magical touch of famous sculptor Nuruddin Ahmed has recreated the Kishkindha Nagri, a Kingdom of Siamese Kings in the epic Ramayan, for the Bishnupur Bimala Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja pandal, organised by Sunflower Club, in Guwahati

This is the fourth year that the famous artists of Assam has taken up projects to design and embellish the Durga Puja festival, earning public appreciation and affection.The Kishkinda Nagri Pandal has turned out to be a masterpiece and is being thronged by people.

Kishkindha, the theme chosen for this year’s puja, is a city associated with the Ramayana era. According to the epic, it was the capital of the Simian King Bali and his brother Sugriva. While Bali was killed in battle, Sugriva, and his trusted counselor Hanuman allied with the Lord to attack Lanka for recovering Sita.

Main entrance to the Bishnupur Bimala Nagar Dura Puja pandal

This year, the Bishnupur Bimala Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja has chosen ‘Kishkindha’ as its central theme. Brought to life through Ahmed’s extraordinary artistry, this interpretation of Kishkindha promises festival revellers a distinctive sense of joy and an enriching aesthetic experience.

Vicky Roy, secretary of the Bishnupur Bimala Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee, said: “Nuruddin-da has been associated with our puja for around seven to eight years. He works on it as though it were his own. He is involved with us from the very beginning of the preparations, starting nearly two months in advance. His artistry needs no introduction from me. He surprises us every time.”

Statue of Hanuman being given final touches at the Pandal

In an interaction with Awaz-The Voice, Ahmed said: “Our theme this year is ‘Kishkindha’. We are depicting the battle between Bali and Sugriva and the way the simian army (vanar Sena) helped Lord Rama. We want to show that monkeys, too, can help human beings. Inside the pandal, we have tried to recreate the royal courts. There are caves inside, and we have also tried to depict how people were held captive in them. Every year, we work with a meaningful theme so that the younger generation can come to the puja and learn at least something about civilisation and culture. This year’s theme is quite challenging, so we have been working on it for nearly two months.”

As in previous years, this year’s puja will feature distinctive elements and new technical effects. Two enormous guards from the simian army will stand guard at the entrance, while Lord Hanuman will fly over the puja grounds.

Padma Shri Nuruddin Ahmed

“The entire scene has been recreated inside a cave, with tunnels running through it. Visitors will be able to see the story of Bali and Sugriva unfold there. From outside, they will see the kingdom of Kishkindha,” he said.

Ahmed led a team of 40 local artists to build Kishkindha.

“I have been working on puja projects with Assamese artisans for nearly 22 years. Artists are brought in from outside for many large pandals. But we undertake major puja projects in Assam with local Assamese artisans. Many people wish to do so but do not dare to take it on,” Ahmed said.

“We have used plaster of Paris and fibre, along with clay work. Plywood has been used extensively. This theme is new and quite difficult to execute. Visitors will see the role of the simian army in the Ramayana. Inside the pandal, there will be a royal palace within the cave. Outside, visitors will find a beautiful setting filled with trees and greenery. We hope they will have a unique experience,” Ahmed added.

Simian Army guard Being sculpted outside Bishnupur Bimala Nagar Puja pandal

The budget for this year’s puja is approximately ₹35-40 lakh, with most of it earmarked for the pandal.

“Our puja draws an extraordinary crowd. Every day, footfall ranges between 70,000 and 80,000. Managing the crowd becomes a challenge for us. We will make every effort to conduct the puja smoothly while fully complying with the local administration’s guidelines,” Roy said.

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Alongside the Durga Puja pandal, Ahmed is also working on several other projects. “We are currently working at the Navagraha Temple. Some work remains at Batadrava Than, and that