Communal Harmony in Rohtas: Mohammad Islam's Team Crafts 60-Foot Kolkata-Style Durga Pandal
Setting an inspiring precedent of interfaith brotherhood and communal harmony across Bihar's Shahabad region, the upcoming Durga Puja festivities in Kargahar Bazaar, Rohtas district, are set to dazzle devotees with an architectural masterpiece. Veteran artisan Mohammad Islam, alongside his dedicated team of more than 15 skilled craftsmen, has taken up the monumental task of constructing an extraordinary 60-foot-high pandal inspired directly by the intricate architecture and traditional motifs of Kolkata’s renowned Durga temples. Every festive season, this display of shared devotion and communal solidarity becomes a cherished highlight of Rohtas, proving that cultural heritage and religious celebrations transcend community boundaries.
Grandeur of Bengal Craftsmanship: Replicating a 60-Foot Kolkata Temple in Kargahar
The newly formed executive committee of the Kargahar Durga Puja Committee is elevating this year's celebrations to unprecedented heights:
Kolkata Temple Architectural Replica: Committee President Rajesh Kumar Gupta confirmed that the central attraction this season will be an authentic architectural reproduction of Kolkata's famous temple sanctums, bringing Bengal's iconic pandal art directly to rural Bihar.
Monumental 60-Foot Elevation: The soaring 60-foot structure is being engineered using sustainable materials such as treated bamboo scaffolds, high-density thermocol sheets, fine fabrics, and intricate woodwork to mirror classical temple carvings.
Ready by Day One of Navratri: Working non-stop in coordinated day-and-night shifts, Mohammad Islam's team is on track to finalize the entire pandal exterior and inner sanctum before the auspicious first day of Navratri (Pratipada).
Two Decades of Devotion: Mohammad Islam's Enduring Bond with Maa Durga's Court
For master craftsman Mohammad Islam, designing the sanctum for the Mother Goddess is both a cherished craft and an act of heartfelt reverence:
20-Year Unbroken Legacy: Committee Treasurer Vijay Prasad Keshari shared that Mohammad Islam has been designing and erecting the Kargahar Durga Puja pandals for over two uninterrupted decades, earning deep admiration from devotees and organizers alike.
Devotion in Every Detail: Islam noted that his team approaches every curve, arch, and motif with absolute dedication, striving to leave visitors with a visually stunning, spiritually uplifting experience that lingers long after the festive season.
Active Community Participation: Local residents, volunteers, and committee workers are working shoulder to shoulder with the artisan team on site, offering continuous logistical assistance and daily support.
A Beacon of Social Brotherhood: Youth Volunteer Squads and Grand Ravan Dahan
Beyond aesthetic grandeur, the celebrations in Kargahar stand as a powerful symbol of societal unity and mutual respect:
A Message of Unity: Committee Secretaries Mahavir Soundrik and Rakesh Prasad Gupta emphasized that Durga Puja in Kargahar extends beyond ritual idol consecration, serving as an annual celebration of shared humanity, mutual respect, and social harmony.
Youth Volunteers for Crowd Safety: A dedicated corps of local youth volunteers has been mobilized across entry and exit gates to coordinate with district law enforcement, maintain queue discipline, and ensure peaceful, secure movement for thousands of visiting families.
Spectacular Vijayadashami Finale: Adding to the festive lineup, the organizing committee announced that the traditional Ravan Dahan (effigy burning) on Vijayadashami will be organized on an expansive scale, capping off the nine-day festivities with grand fireworks and celebratory gatherings.

