Get the feel of magnificent Sheesh Mahal at Youth Association of Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja Pandal.

 

Kolkata, 22nd September, 2022: Most puja committees at Kolkata try to experiment with different and interesting pandal themes. How about experiencing the famous Sheesh Mahal of Rajasthan in West Bengal itself? If you happen to be at Md Ali Park Durga Puja around this point of time, you can actually do that. Just visit this Pandal to see the replica of the ‘Glass Palace’. The pandal assures an awe - inspiring decor.

Considered to be one of the oldest and renowned venues for Durga Puja in the city, the members of the committee are busy with preparations to make the celebrations even grander this year. They will be completing 54th years of Durga Puja celebrations this year.

Sheesh Mahal is also known as the "Mirror Palace". Gorgeous precious stones and glass, beautifully hand-crafted paintings make Sheesh Mahal a wonder. Mirror-work has long played a significant role in all types of decor, and Rajasthan takes the credit for introducing the world to novel ways of utilising mirrors. The need to beautify affects all aspects of life in Rajasthan and was initially employed to decorate homes. But, in truth, the mirror was first used as an adornment on the outside walls - embedded neatly on the mud walls. Small and circular in shape, these mirrors have an appealing design with white chalk surrounding them.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Surendra Kr. Sharma, General Secretary of Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja said, “We have come up with the Sheesh Mahal theme this year since many people had requested us as they could not visit Rajasthan but wanted to have a taste of the architecture in Kolkata itself. From the quintessential corners of the mind comes alive the wanderlust exploring the rich culture and heritage of an era gone by. To make the celebrations even more vibrant and regal, we are designing this Mirror Palace as one of the magnificent piece of architecture built with beautiful precious stones and glass and with beautiful handmade paintings.”

The wall and ceiling of the Pandal is carved with beautiful paintings and flowers which is made of pure glass and precious stone. It consists of exquisite artwork. The reflection of light converts a small ray of light also into thousand of stars and it looks fantastic and by this you can get an idea of what level of architecture has been used in making this Pandal.

Jaipur's Sheesh Mahal has stood testament to the changing time and evolving cityscape. Going back to why

Sheesh Mahal was built in ancient times at Rajasthan and what was the need of this. Many people have this

question in their minds. This Mahal was made by glass in ancient days because the queen was not allowed to

sleep in open air but she loved to see the stars while sleeping. So the king ordered his architects to make that kind

of mahal which could solve the problem. And the architects built Sheesh mahal which was built with stones and

glass and in night the reflection of two candles in glass looks like stars in whole room. And second reason was

that for palace built. The King used to shift from Sukh Niwas to Sheesh Mahal in winter season. The ceiling

mirror glass reflection of the candles keep the room warm.

On this occasion, Mr. Ashok Ojha, Joint Secretary of Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja said, "With thousands of

flickering reflections, the Sheesh Mahal Pandal will illuminate its surroundings, bringing it to life. One can relive

the beautiful history of the palace at this Pandal. It will be a reflection of the beauty and grandeur of the royals of

Rajasthan. There are various paintings and artworks inside the Puja Mandap that will both interest and astound

you. The craftsmanship of this pandal is breath-taking. The paintings of hunting murals on the walls and the

distinctive mirror and glass work contribute to the venue's splendour."

About Youth Association of Md. Ali Park: One of the most popular Durga Pujas of Central Kolkata that one

must visit is the Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja that is held every year and showcases magnificent

architecture. The Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja Samity has won several awards in different categories and

hence it is also considered as one of the prestigious Durga Puja in Kolkata which is organized by the Youth

Association established in 1969. This is one of the most prestigious clubs of North & Central Kolkata.