Guwahati: Jai Hind Club is recreating the architecture of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir as its Durga Puja pandal.The pandal, being built for the club’s 80th Sarbajanin Durga Puja, is intended to capture the architectural character and spiritual appeal of Ram Mandir, which has emerged as a major religious and cultural landmark.“The idea is to offer devotees an opportunity to witness a representation of the temple closer to home,” said Subhankar Dey, assistant general secretary of Jai Hind Club.Preparations began in July and took nearly three months. The 80-foot structure uses bamboo and thermocol and is being built by workers from West Bengal and Assam, who are also handling the lighting and decorations. The idol is being crafted by artisans from Krishnanagar in Nadia district.The pandal and idol were initially budgeted at Rs 35 lakh, but the estimated cost has risen to around Rs 40 lakh because of arrangements for a laser light show, security and additional decorations.The pandal is expected to be unveiled on the fourth day of the festival. Organisers have also planned cultural programmes alongside the lighting and decorations to create a festive atmosphere for visitors.
