Kolkata's Mohammad Ali Park Marks 55 Years with Kedarnath Temple

Step into the mystical realm of Kedarnath Temple right here in the heart of Kolkata. The Youth Association of Mohammad Ali Park, known for hosting one of the city's most iconic Durga Puja celebrations, has unveiled an awe-inspiring theme for its 55th year – a faithful recreation of the revered Kedarnath Temple nestled in the heights of Uttarakhand.

Baba Kedarnath's devotees perpetually yearn for his divine darshan, a privilege only granted to a fortunate few who make the arduous journey to the Himalayas. However, the people of Kolkata are in for an extraordinary treat as Baba Kedarnath himself graces their city with his presence in the form of this grand pandal.

Kedarnath Temple, perched on the banks of the Mandakini river at a staggering altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, is not just a sacred pilgrimage site but also a cornerstone of the Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand. It holds the honor of being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the radiant symbols of Lord Shiva's divine presence in India.

General Secretary of the Youth Association at Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja, Surendra Kumar Sharma explained the idea behind their ambitious project. They have created a lifelike replica of the Kedarnath Temple to give people who haven't had the chance to visit it a glimpse of its spiritual beauty. This replica allows them to have a divine view of one of Lord Shiva's twelve special lingas. The outside of their pandal looks just like the grand Kedarnath Temple, and this year's theme is "Shiva is Shakti," which will be represented by a stunning idol of the Mother Goddess created by the famous artist Kush Bera from Midnapur. To make the experience complete, they have used special lighting to capture the charm of Chandannagar, adding to the overall atmosphere of this exceptional Durga Puja celebration.