Four Delhi Durga Pujo pandals centre women’s work and creativity

At Udai Shankar Park in Greater Kailash II, Spanish artist Javier Artacho’s paintings form part of Durgotsav’s Durga Pujo installation, *Matrika: The Cosmic Warp and Weft*. The theme draws on creation and rural life, while the decor includes a Natmandir-style courtyard hung with antique Banarasi sarees.

In Chittaranjan Park, the Pocket 40 pandal has turned to Jamdani. Handwoven fabrics and motifs shape the pandal, and the idols of Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kartikeya are dressed in the Bengali textile tradition.

Milani Cultural and Welfare Association in Mayur Vihar Phase I is staging *Porochorchar Upokarita*, an original play written, directed and performed by nine women from the association. The production centres on environmental sustainability and women’s everyday lives.

CR Park’s B-Block pujo recreates Jorasanko Thakurbari, Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home. Its organising committee says more than 50 women are managing puja arrangements, Anando Mela stalls and dhunuchi performances. Women and young art students are painting the alpona.

The four pandals are scheduled to remain open until October 21, generally from 10am to midnight.