by Indrani Mukherjee( 9910706460)
Grandeur and devotion were the main component of Central Noida Pujo Committee Durgotsav 2022. This was the 4th consecutive iteration of Durga Puja organised by the committee at Ved Van in Sector 78. The celebration commenced on September 30 with Anondomela and concluded on October 5 with Aparajita Pujo, Darpan Visarjan and Sindoor Khela.
The theme of Durgotsav 2022 was Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The artisans from Kolkata worked nearly 4 months to bring out the intricate details of the theme and the beautiful idols of gods and goddesses, from fiberglass. The outcome was magnificent to such a degree, no wonder it drew a huge crowd, starting at 6 thousand devotees on Shashthi and concluding with a grand footfall of 20 thousand on Navami. Devotees came to visit the pandaal not just from Noida but greater Noida, Delhi, Gurugram Faridabad and as far out as Meerut.
The theme was selected based on the fact that Sharadiya Navratri was first initiated by Bhagwan Sri Ramchandra by doing Aavahan and worshipping Maa Durga for Shakti in the month of Aashwin to do Sanhar of the Demon Ravana. On September 25, Mahalaya, the members of Pujo Committee organized a Prabhat Feri around Sector 78 in traditional attire accompanied by the chanting of Chandi Path inviting Maa Durga to visit Prithvilok.
Once it was time for Maa to arrive, nature started preparing itself for her Holy Aagaman. As per the rituals, Devi’s idol was installed on the 5th day of Navratri and was worshipped for the next 5 days with pure devotion. Puja rituals started on Saturday, October 1 on Shashthi, with Bel Baran followed by Mahashashthi Puja. Starting from Kala Bou to Dhunuchi Naach, every day of Durga Puja brings a unique charm.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, MP, Gautam buddh nagar and Sri Pankaj Singh , MLA Noida, joined for the Aarti of Maa Durga on Saptami evening at CNPC Pandaal. They thanked the organizers and devotees for organizing such a wonderful Puja and carrying forward this Sanatan tradition. Both of them reiterated the importance of organizing Durga Puja.
Mahaashtami night Aarti was graced by Sri Yogendra Narain , Ex Defence Secretary India Govt , Chairman Noida Citizen Forum and renowned media think tank Dr. Suvrokamal Dutta . Both of them enlightened the devotees with their knowledge on the supreme Aadi Shakti.
On Navami night, pandaal was also graced by the presence of Capt. Vikas Gupta, Chairman UPCAR, (Minister Status). Capt. Gupta congratulated the organizing team for the successful aayojan. Apart from the main rituals like Pujan, Pushpanjali, Yagya, Hawan, Sandhi Puja, Aarti etc, this year once again Kumari Pujan was restarted that was stalled for the last 2 years due to COVID. After the customary rites on Dashami, October 5, as the idols were taken for immersion, the devotees bid farewell to Maa with heavy hearts, in the hopes of seeing her back next year.
