Jamshedpur: Towering above the skyline of Baridih, a 31-foot-tall masterpiece of Goddess Saraswati is ready to steal the spotlight this festive season. More than just a religious landmark, this colossal idol—meticulously crafted by artisans from Kolkata—has transformed the local Vidyapatinagar pandal into a must-visit destination. Combining spiritual devotion with sheer engineering marvel, the grand scale of this year’s celebration is setting a new benchmark for Saraswati Puja in Jharkhand.
Four Years of Grandeur at Baridih
Prahlad Lohra, the Chief Patron of the Puja Committee, shared that while Saraswati Puja has been held at this location for many years, the committee has consistently commissioned this 31-foot idol for the last four years. “The construction of this massive idol costs approximately ₹2 lakh. Creating a statue of this scale is a formidable task, requiring specialized planning and highly experienced craftsmen,” he said.
Artisans from Kolkata at Work
To bring this vision to life, a specialized team of artisans from Kolkata arrives in Jamshedpur nearly a month in advance. These craftsmen work day and night to sculpt the goddess. Every detail—from the intricate carvings to the facial expressions and colour palette—is meticulously crafted to leave the spectators spellbound.
Innovative Construction for Safe Immersion
A unique feature of this 31-foot idol is that it is built directly on a trolley. This strategic setup ensures that there are no logistical hurdles during the immersion procession, allowing the grand idol to be transported and immersed safely using the same trolley.
Event Schedule and Cultural Festivities
According to the committee, the ceremony to unveil the Goddess’s idol will take place on January 22 at 7:00 PM, marking the beginning of the public darshan. The formal immersion is scheduled for January 28.
Throughout the week, the puja pandal at Vidyapatinagar, Baridih will host a series of cultural events, including:
- Dance and music competitions for children
- Singing contests and Bhajan Sandhya
- Magic shows
- Special Bhog (consecrated food) distribution for devotees
The committee aims to transform this religious occasion into a vibrant cultural festival for the entire community.
