Traditional household items form the theme of the 56-year-old celebration; BALCO organises photography exhibition featuring over 280 photographs
TFP Bureau, Korba, October 17,2026: A Durga Puja pandal in Sector 3 of Balconagar has become a major attraction this Navaratri, transporting visitors to a bygone era through traditional household artefacts and a theme celebrating India’s cultural heritage.
The idol of Goddess Adishakti (Maa Durga) was installed amid religious fervour and elaborate decorations. Rajesh Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Whole-time Director of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), inaugurated the rituals and joined members of the BALCO family in offering prayers for the progress and prosperity of the company and the region.
Organised by the Balco Public Durga Puja Committee from October 16 to 19, the four-day celebration marks the 56th year of the public Durga Puja festivities in Balconagar. Over the decades, the event has become an integral part of the township’s cultural and spiritual identity.
This year’s theme recreates a period when everyday life revolved around limited resources and traditional ways of living. The pandal’s interiors feature commonly used household items, including winnowing fans (soop), baskets, hand-held fans, gamchhas and jute sacks.
The display highlights the simplicity, resourcefulness and challenges of an earlier generation while offering younger visitors an opportunity to understand traditional lifestyles and connect with the country’s cultural roots.
The annual celebration attracts devotees from Balconagar and neighbouring areas, who visit the pandal to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and admire its distinctive decorations. Beyond its religious significance, the festival provides a platform for community participation, social harmony and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Photography exhibition showcases nature and local talent
Adding an artistic dimension to the celebrations, BALCO has organised a four-day photography exhibition near the pandal, featuring more than 280 photographs captured by members of the BALCO family.
The exhibition showcases the beauty of Balconagar, the changing moods of nature, including clouds, rain and landscapes, and the many colours of everyday life. Each photograph offers a distinct perspective on the surrounding environment and the creativity of its photographer.
The initiative provides a platform for photography enthusiasts associated with the company to display their work while highlighting the natural beauty of the township.
The Durga Puja celebrations and photography exhibition together bring faith, tradition, art and community participation under one roof, adding to the festive spirit in Balconagar.
