Cuttack Khannagar Durga Puja 2016 – Indian Army at Tiger Hill

The Khannagar durga puja committee in Cuttack paid tribute to the Indian soldiers by showcasing their difficult life at Tiger Hill and Siachen posts at its pandal.

Atleast 50 artisans worked to create a replica on the welcome arch, which is 60 ft high and 40 ft wide and cost Rs 10 lakh. The replica was made from plaster of paris and held up by a structure of bamboo.

At one end of the arch Siachen is recreated while at the other end the Tiger Hill post is replicated. The durga puja committee has also installed 14 fiber statues of soldiers, even fibre replicas of jeep and war tanks used by the Army and these statues installed on the welcome arch.

Besides, to make the welcome arch more interesting and attractive, fireworks used which is giving an impression of firing from war tanks. A replica of the tricolour fixed atop Siachen Hill.

“After the Uri attack, we decided to pay homage to our soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. And after surgical strikes we felt there is utmost need to thank them. After many brainstorming sessions, we have finalized the design,” said secretary of Khannagar puja committee Prafulla Sahoo.

Even a special Shaheed Manch is erected near the welcome arch, where photographs of the 18 soldiers killed in Uri by terrorists displayed and a replica of Amar Jawan Jyoti will installed near it.

“To make the arch lively, we have deployed few local youths dressed up as Indian soldiers near the manch. This will be our way of thanking the soldiers,” said Sahoo.

PHOTO GALLERY: Bhubaneswar Puja pandals and light decorations