Prayagraj: As part of its 23rd Durga Puja celebration, Shri Prayageshwar Nath Samaj Utthan Samiti is setting up a grand pandal on a ‘Nag-Lok’ theme at Durga Puja Park in Kashi Rajnagar, Katghar.Committee president Abhishek Kesarwani told TOI from Kolkata have been working on the pandal’s decoration for nearly two months.”Inside the Nag-Lok pandal, the divine deity—worshipped as Goddess Nageshwari Durga—will be seated upon a throne of serpents. She will grant darshan to devotees following the ‘Shasthi Pujan’ (the sixth day of Navratri), on Oct 16.On Oct 15 (Maha-Panchami), the Kalash and Lord Ganesh will be worshipped in accordance with the Bodhan rituals. From Saptami through Dashami, daily rituals will include Pushpanjali (offering of flowers), Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer) and the offering of Prasad and Bhog. The schedule includes Sandhi Puja on Oct 19 (Maha-Ashtami), havan on Oct 20 (Dashami) and Sindoor Utsav (vermilion ritual), idol immersion and a community feast on Oct 21 (Ekadashi).Management committee member Rajesh Kesarwani said the main entrance features the shape of a Shivling. Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by exquisite, soft and colourful lighting that creates the sensation of stepping into Patal Lok. The ceiling will display hanging figures of small serpents and Shivlings. Additionally, tableaux depicting Nag Vasuki, Sheshnag, Nagkanyas and the scene of Goddess Durga bestowing blessings upon the serpents are being arranged.
