If you have yet to visit Dubai, this year presents a chance to experience it without any expense, passport, or even stepping outside Bhubaneswar.
As the vibrant Durga Puja festivities unfold, Ommcom News brings you live coverage from Bomikhal, where the dazzling skyline of Dubai has been recreated for the celebration.
Bhubaneswar is currently immersed in festive spirit, and one particular pandal is inviting attendees on an extraordinary journey. The Bomikhal Durga Puja pandal, one of the city’s oldest, has selected Dubai as its theme this year.
Indeed, Dubai. The luxurious skyline of the UAE, emerging from the desert, has been artistically constructed along the streets of Bomikhal. Visitors will find replicas of several iconic structures, including the impressive Burj Khalifa and the sail-shaped Atlantis, showcasing Dubai’s unique architecture amidst the celebrations.
Entering the Bomikhal Durga Puja pandal reveals a vivid scene of Dubai. It’s not just an image or concept, but a recreation of the skyline crafted from bamboo and fabric. The Burj Khalifa extends upward, while the Atlantis sparkles in shades of gold and blue alongside it.
For the organizing committee, which has been hosting the puja in the neighborhood for many years, this represents a significant leap in both scale and creativity. Last year’s theme featured a peacock, but this time they have drawn inspiration from Dubai’s renowned skyline. This marks the 63rd year of the puja at Bomikhal, and the committee has truly gone above and beyond.
According to committee members, the pandal stands approximately 80 feet tall and 110 feet wide. It has been constructed by around 35 artisans from West Bengal and Kataka, who have dedicated two months to the project. At the centerpiece will be the idol of Goddess Durga, embellished with around 18 kg of silver jewelry.
As crowds flock to the themed pandal, extensive security measures have been implemented. Surveillance cameras have been set up throughout the area, and over 100 security personnel and volunteers are present to manage the influx of visitors and ensure the safety of all, especially women and children.
However, the Dubai theme for the organizers goes beyond mere spectacle; it conveys a deeper message. Once a barren desert, Dubai has emerged as a leading global city. If Dubai can achieve such a transformation, the belief is that Bhubaneswar also possesses the potential and resources for significant growth.
A desert city that successfully reinvented itself is mirrored in a pandal that brings the world to Odisha. This Durga Puja, Bomikhal invites everyone to witness the grandeur and embrace the underlying message.
