Artistic Durga idol of North Alaipur Natunpara Puja Mandap, which covered entirely in mung beans (Mug Dal). Photo: BSS

NATORE, Sept 29, 2025 (BSS) - Thousands of visitors are flocking to a puja mandap in the district to witness a unique and exceptionally artistic Durga idol covered entirely in mung beans (Mug Dal).

The Durga idol, which is part of the Durga Utsab celebration, has already won the hearts of the visitors.

Located at the North Alaipur Natunpara Puja Mandap, the idol has seen a huge influx of visitors, including many coming specifically to see the unconventional structure.

The first day of the festival saw thousands of people arrive, with the presence of women and children notably high.

The festive atmosphere at the mandap continued until midnight, with children seen dancing to the rhythm of songs.

The creative mind behind the idol is Nil Kumar Das, an artist from the Amhati area. Das dedicated nearly two and a half months to make the idol. 

He made the structure visually captivating by covering it entirely with mung beans.

A total of 1.5 maunds of mung beans were used for the project. The beans were meticulously placed and adhered to the idol using adhesive.

Talking to BSS, Nil Kumar Das expressed profound satisfaction with the reaction to his work, saying, "My long time effort has been successful."

He pointed out that hundreds of spectators visited the idol on the very first day of the puja.

Anima Chakraborty, a visitor, remarked that the mung bean covered idol is probably the first in the country and praised the artistic success achieved through great care. 

Another visitor, Joyonto Mani recalled that last year, an idol covered in paddy was made in Natore town while this year's variation includes jute and mung beans.

Rajib Saha, General Secretary of the North Alaipur Natunpara Puja Mandap Committee, explained that they aimed to maintain a tradition of producing exceptional displays. 

This year, the mandap previously hosted a 28-foot tall Ganesha Puja, which was described as the largest in the country, he added.

Rati Chakraborty, President of the mandap committee, said, "Agriculture is our tradition. Mother Durga is also our tradition."

He stated that the idol successfully fused these two traditions. 

He also noted that thousands of visitors converged on the first day and expressed hope that the attendance would grow further in the coming days.

Security remains a priority at the mandap, with law enforcement personnel, including one police member and six Ansar members, constantly carrying out their duties.