2011 Kashmir.
In 2009 our message was ‘plant Trees Save Lives.’ In 2010 , it was ‘Rain water Conservation ‘ Our creations based on serious environmental issues like global warning and water Conservation has earned us praise all over . We also received eulogizing letters from famous personalities like American President Barrack Obama , then Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown and West Bengal ‘s ex – Governor Sri Gopal Krishna Gandhi . Last year the present Governor of West Bengal Sri M . K Narayan himself came in and he was all praise. All these have inspired us to take up this theme.
Pollution is finally engulfing the valley of Kashmir. Pollution is resulting in the increase of carbon –di-oxide and nitrogen in air, adding to that reckless felling of trees has made the situation worse. This curse of pollution has not even spared the Himalayas. The glaciers in Kashmir are melting down, as a result of which rivers are over following – all these are due to Pollution. In some places smaller glaciers have completely melted and the smaller streams and falls have dried up due to these changes. The ecological balance is at stake. Heavy snow falls in Autumn, Floods occurring all various Times of the Year, The Seasonal cycle is changing. The worst suffers of the changes are the unique flora and fauna present in the area. More importantly reckless felling of trees has led to complete breakdown of the ecological balance in Kashmir. Passage of heavy Vehicle, tanks, Gun fighting is also a reason of pollution increase in the Valley. So today Kashmir is in danger.
Various Statiscal calculations have revealed that 60 glaciers circling Kashmir, are all melting down . Fourteen glaciers in Suru Valley have already melted . The largest glaciers in Kashmir, Kola hoi is also not in a good state. The glacier which previously covered 13kms presently covers 11.5 km. Every year its melting by 3 mt and if immediate remedial measures are not taken , then it is doubtful if Kashmir could any longer be termed as the Paradise On EARTH to future generations.
Considering all these points we have made Kashmir as the motive of our Puja.on one hand we tried to show Kashmir Culture and tradition on the other we have showed how due to excessive pollution the eternal beauty of this valley can get destroyed. We hope that by portraying this theme we will be able to reach out to the people who visit our pandal.
Mainly different Kashmir building styles have been adopted to build up the Puja Pandal.We are all aware of Kashmirs famous Jafri work and it has been splendidly portrayed in the Pandal also. The Pandal ground has been divided into many seveal panels .These panels are decorated with various handicraft specimen of needle stitch, wood carving ,carpet weaving ,metal engraving etc.In few panels through metal engravings Kashmiri lifestyle has been portrayed. On the ceiling Ma Durga is shown slaying the Ashura in her different Avatars. At the entrance of the main temple Kashmiri wood carving works are done. At the right side of the entrance rose garden is being made keeping in mind the Mughal gardening styles. Kashmir’s famous Shikara is also present in the Pandal Ground. More Over, Fifteen Kashmiri dancers and musicians will be present in the puja premises to enhance the Kashmir feel. Even the Kashmiri girls dressed in their traditional clothes will welcome the visitors. At the entrances there is a five place of a new architectural design, which is widely used in Kashmir. But on consuming the heat generated by the five places, you will also begin to think if our “Paradise on Earth” would survive ultimately against the complete melting of snow caused by an appalling rate of pollution.
2011 Video View the photo gallery