Mummies, sphinx come alive at Kalindi pandal

Walk inside the pandal and one is greeted by replicas of mummies laid in wooden caskets.

The old world charm is brought alive by paintings and sculptures of pharaohs that dominate the interior decor.

There are models of sphinx and pharaoh kings with detailed descriptions. Since the Durga idol has been kept a traditional one, the main draw is the eight feet replica of the mummy of Egyptian queen Cleopatra.

The matching lighting further adds to the spooky ambience.

Organisers claim that the theme is inspired by the exhibits in the Cairo Museum of Egypt. Puja Committee secretary Arkaprabha Roy said: “Every year we try to explore a different theme for the puja. This year, we drew inspiration from the Egyptian culture.”

The organisers hope that the theme will go down well with the pandal hoppers. The pandal was inaugurated by eminent writer Buddhadeb Guha.

Artist of the Puja Committee, Prabir Mondal says, “This is a new concept as we have attempted to recreate the magic of Egypt. We have tried our best to make it different from other theme pujas.”