Goddess Durga clad in 22kg gold saree at London-themed pandal
What's the story
As Kolkata celebrates Durga Puja in full-swing, one pandal in Santosh Mitra Square has been getting major attraction! Goddess Durga's idol in this gorgeous London-themed Durga Puja pandal can be seen clad in a Rs. 6.5cr saree made of 22kgs of 22-carat gold. All costumes of the idols in this pandal, including the gold saree, were designed by renowned designer Agnimitra Paul. Know more!
Mammoth Challenge
Beautiful pure gold saree with intricate embroidery
People visiting the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal can also witness replicas of the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Bridge. Around 50 artisans worked with Kolkata-based Agnimitra Paul to prepare Goddess Durga's saree with floral motifs, a giant peacock, butterflies, and birds. The saree with studded gemstones and minakari work was sponsored by jewelry chain Senco Gold and Diamond.
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Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojanin Durgotsav Samity
Agnimitra was roped in for Santosh Mitra Square's 82nd-anniversary celebrations. The Puja Committee's president, Pradip Ghosh, stated: "We have seen, gods being decorated with gold jewelry and dresses made with gold zari. But never before has an entire outfit been crafted with pure gold."
Gold Artisans
People show interest in intricate, delicate Bengali designs: Ghosh
Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee president, Pradip Ghosh, is a veteran jeweler and ex-President of Swarna Shilpa Bachao Committee. The local TMC leader said one of the primary purposes of the gold saree initiative was to put Bengali gold artisans in the limelight. He added with the elaborate, one-of-its-kind saree, they wanted to show how talented the artisans in Bengal are.
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Hard work has paid off: Ghosh
Ghosh said, "It gives me great joy and satisfaction, that the hard work has paid off and people have lauded the work of Bengal artists." There are over 1.3L artisans directly/indirectly associated with jewelry industry. Ghosh hoped their initiative would bring them a brighter future.