Nepal earthquake to be recreated during Bengal Durga puja

Scenes from earthquake-ravaged Nepal and India's timely help to the neighbouring Himalayan nation will be depicted in clay at a Durga puja pandal here, and would impress upon visitors the importance of humanity, the organisers said.

At the Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee's puja grounds in north Kolkata, one will also get to experience how an earthquake feels, courtesy light and sound effects in combination with vibrating motors.

"As one steps into the tunnel at the entrance, they will feel slight tremors. When they pass through, a scene of devastation will lie before them. But our theme is not the damage itself, rather how India helped Nepal in rescue and relief. Our theme is humanity," Anupam Das, the secretary of the committee, told IANS on Wednesday.

Life-sized models of a hovering Indian Air Force helicopter and Indian Army personnel carrying out relief and rescue amid the rubble in Nepal would form the centrepiece of the marquee.

"We are making a damaged temple modelled on the lines of those typical in Nepal as well as the houses. The idol is crafted from clay but will look as if it's made from stone, similar to what can be seen in Nepal," said artist-in-charge Mintu Paul.

Budgeted at Rs.40 lakh, Paul is using fibre glass, bamboo and thermocol for the marquee.

In addition, there would be a live demonstration by West Bengal Radio Club about the advantages of amateur radio in rescue work in remote areas.

"The team from the club which aided rescue work in Nepal will put up a live demonstration," said Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary of the amateur radio club.

The April 25 quake killed thousands and caused widespread destruction.