Asansol, a city in West Bengal, once had the highest number of Mercedes Benz cars in India. Although it may not be as famous now, the people of Asansol continue to live their lives with joy. Snacks like Aaloo chap cost just Rs. 5, while six gol-gappaas are available for Rs. 10. Delicious sweets can be bought for under Rs. 10. This year, during Durga Puja, a special pandal called the ‘Dubai International Centre’ allowed visitors to experience the wonders of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and even the Eiffel Tower—all for just 20 rupees!
A Cultural Hub
The ‘Dubai International Centre’ was the only pandal that charged an entry fee, yet it attracted many visitors. Shoppers enjoyed buying saris from different parts of India for only Rs. 250 each. Locals felt proud to shop from eateries and local stores, imagining they were in Dubai or Paris. People took photos at the Selfie Point and other international landmarks, even though the ground was covered in mud and green plastic. This mix of simplicity and dreams was heartwarming. Asansol is also home to the house of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and the birthplace of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. On the way to the most popular pandal at Court More, there were book stalls featuring literature from Bengal and the Western world.
A Lesson in Literature
Inside the first Durga Puja pandal, visitors found a beautiful display of literature. An elevated gate featured a woman reading ‘Gitanjali’ in Bengali, surrounded by large poems. The pandal was a paradise for readers and a reminder for mobile phone users. The rooftop displayed hanging Bengali letters emphasizing the importance of education. Shelves showcased book covers and portraits of famous authors like Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Mahashweta Devi. Even Shakespeare was represented. The pandal encouraged children to choose books over mobile phones, with statues holding both. Students, teachers, and parents praised this idea, highlighting the need for more such expressions in today’s world.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
Also Read: Sunil Jaglan: Change Maker of Gender Equality in Rural India
You can connect with DNN24 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
