Most expensive Durga idol commissioned in Agartala is worth Rs 4 crore

Agartala: Durga Puja is one of the most joyous and colourful festivals in India and it’s a big deal especially in West Bengal where people will go to any length to make the most of the celebrations, as pandal hopping is a favourite activity during the festive season for Bengalis.

But it seems people elsewhere are giving Bengalis a run for their money when it comes to enthusiasm about Durga Puja, as the most expensive Durga idol will be adorning a pandal in the state capital Agartala.

The idol does have a Bengali connection as it has been sculpted by artist Indrajit Poddar from North 24 Pargana in West Bengal. It will also be studded with American diamonds and will be installed at the city’s Chatra Bandhu club.

The gold sculpture will be made an a cost of Rs 4 crore, and will be around 10.5 feet high, as idols of Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik adorned with gold will also be placed alongside it.

Security is also a key concern since the idol is expensive, as police officials are keeping a strict vigil outside the artist’s house and CCTV cameras have also been installed.

Poddar previously made an idol studded with pearls in 2014 for the Ujjayanta palace in Agartala.