This pujas,their message is: Let there be peace in Lalgarh

“This pujas in particular,we are praying for peace in Lalgarh,” adds Das.

In the narrow lane near Jadu Babur Bazaar in Bhownaipore,Chandranath Chatterjee Street’s pandal is a simple affair. The ornate thermocol gate leads one to a temple-like structure.

“The temple that we have built here is very simple in its structure,much alike the temples in Lalgarh,” says Das.

Das and several members of his organising committee had visited Lalgarh en route other towns before trouble hit the area.“The place has now come to be associated with disturbance and fear. But,it is such a beautiful place to be in. We want people to turn their attention to real Lalgarh,” says Das.

And so,the pandal will be surrounded by a make-shift forest,reminiscent of the forest cover around the area. The idea is to introduce people to the natural beauty of the area.

The idol too will resemble a tribal deity. Cultural traits too will play an important role here. Music and dance,integral to tribal culture in that part of the state,will come alive in the pandal.

“Music and dance are the best ways to introduce people to a place they are otherwise unaware of,” says Das,while adding that they have roped in gamchha dancers and madol players who form an integral part of tribal music in this part of Bengal.

“We have got people from around Lalgarh,well-versed in playing the madol and doing the gamchha dance to perform on all five days of the Puja,” says Das.