Agartala, September 24: A nearly Rs 70 lakh mandap inspired by the Somnath Temple is being constructed at Srimantapur in Unakoti district for this year’s Durga Puja, with artisans from West Bengal working on the structure for more than a month.
The project has been taken up by the Srimantapur Sanghati Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee as part of its preparations for the five-day festival.
Committee members said the design has been modified to fit the available space at the Puja venue. Rather than replicating the entire Somnath Temple, the structure will incorporate elements intended to capture its architectural style and spiritual ambience.
Social Education and Social Welfare Minister and Chandipur MLA Tinku Roy visited the Puja site on Thursday and inspected the ongoing work. He held discussions with the organisers and craftsmen regarding the construction and other arrangements.
Roy said he expected Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to inaugurate the mandap on Shashthi, following the practice of previous years.
Alongside the main Puja rituals, the organisers have planned midday meals, prasad distribution and cultural programmes. The venue will also feature elaborate lighting, while a Puja magazine is scheduled to be released during the celebrations.
The Srimantapur Puja has attracted large numbers of devotees and visitors in previous years. Organisers believe the Somnath-inspired mandap will add a new attraction to this year’s festival.
Residents said the project reflects the community’s collective participation and combines traditional religious celebration with artistic craftsmanship.
