Patna: A replica of the famed Kainchi Dham temple in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has taken shape in Mithapur, bringing a slice of the hill shrine’s spiritual appeal to Patna. At Dr Dharmendra Friends’ Club, the 11th Durga Puja celebration features a temple-inspired pandal, an idol of Goddess Durga and sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.Established in 2015, the club chose the Kainchi Dham theme to give devotees a glimpse of the shrine associated with Neem Karoli Baba, who is revered by followers across the country, said committee secretary Tinku Gupta. The 40-ft-tall pandal is being built by a 20-member team led by Azad, with artisans travelling from Asansol. The 18-ft idol of Goddess Durga is being crafted by West Bengal-based idol maker Supal Pal.Committee member Vishal Kumar said a selfie point inspired by the film Hanuman Ansh, featuring Neem Karoli Baba, has also been sculpted and is expected to be a major attraction for visitors. Around 40 sharpie lights will illuminate the pandal, while houses along a 100-metre stretch leading to the site will also be lit up, extending the festive atmosphere into the neighbourhood.Headed by president Dr Dharmendra Kumar, the committee is also organising a nine-day ‘bhandara’ from 5pm daily until late at night. On the busiest days, organisers expect to serve more than 5,000 people. The menu will include curry and rice on Saptami, khichdi and kheer on Ashtami, and puri, halwa and chana sabzi on Navami.“We want the puja to be a celebration in which everyone can participate, irrespective of their background. The bhandara is an important part of that effort, and we are preparing for a large turnout,” said committee member Amit Sahu.The club will also organise a quiz for around 200 children on Saptami and Ashtami. All participants will receive gifts while the top 10 performers will be felicitated on a specially arranged dais. The prizes will include household items such as cookers, bedsheets and induction cooktops.With a budget of around Rs 15 lakh, the committee hopes to combine faith, community participation and service. The pandal is scheduled to open to visitors at 4pm on Saptami.
