I cannot keep calm as Durga Puja celebrations are all set to begin in less than 80 days. Bengalis living everywhere around the world are counting days for the biggest festival. Preparations have begun grandly for Maa Durga and pandals have been under construction for a long time in all the iconic and must-visit clubs. One of West Bengal’s most iconic puja pandals is showcased at Kalyani ITI More Luminous Club and it is ready to mesmerise visitors with its exquisite presentation this Durga Puja.
Cancel Your Ticket To Bangkok As The Famous Arun Temple Is Coming To West Bengal
For decades, Kolkata has been surprising us with the most spectacular Durga Puja pandals. When it comes to the biggest and most well-known Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal, the top 10 names are from the City of Joy. Well, several neighbouring cities have gained impressive admiration and fame in the past few years for a spectacular showcase of pandals, exquisite handcrafts, marvellous idols, and the most impressive craftsmanship.
One of these famous pandals is the Kalyani ITI More Luminous Club. For the 32nd Durga Puja celebrations in 2024, the theme is Bangkok’s Arun Temple. Also known as Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, this magnificent Buddhist temple will be displayed as this popular club’s Durga puja pandal this time. The structure is likely to extend 160 ft in height. Lakhs of jhinuk (sea shells) are being used to decorate the interiors. The pandal-making is ongoing in full swing with artisans working relentlessly to exhibit the most alluring artworks.
I remember standing in long queues to visit inside pandals here every year. However, the sudden rise in people’s fascination to travel long distances to visit Kalyani and explore the pandal has been witnessed in the past 5-6 years only. While the Kalyani ITI More Luminous Club was a grand highlight for visitors living near Kalyani, people come here from far away in recent years.
Few Tips To Remember While Visiting Kalyani ITI More During Durga Puja
If you visit ITI More Luminous Club to witness the glorious temple-themed pandal this Durga Puja, I have some tips. The popularity of this location has skyrocketed in the past few years and the crowd has surged simultaneously too. First, keep at least 2-3 hours in hand if you are visiting here during evening and night rush hours. Next, wear the comfiest shoes as the queues to reach the main attraction are very long to accommodate more people. Though you will find multiple vendors selling water bottles to the crowd, ensure carrying water to stop buying plastic bottles.
To reach here, take a train, bus, or other modes of transportation. Once you travel to the Kalyani railway station, get an auto or a toto to reach the club. An auto ride costs ₹15 per person and it takes just about 10 minutes. Join the crowd and wait to enter the temple.
I cannot wait to stand in line and witness the beautiful pandal this year.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Shreya Ghosh
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