Birbhum (West Bengal) (India), October 10 (ANI): In the wake of the oxygen crisis caused by the second wave of COVID-19, a tree-themed Durga Puja pandal has been constructed in Birbhum, West Bengal, to highlight the importance of trees as a source of oxygen.

Speaking to ANI, Pinaki Lal, the owner of the pandal, revealed details about the preparations and the theme of the pandal.

“The second wave has shown us the importance of oxygen, the main source of which is trees. That is why our theme this time is about nature,” said Lal.

He further said: “This topic was created for the people who lost their lives due to lack of oxygen during the second wave.”

“People should not take oxygen for granted and also recognise the importance of trees and nature,” he added.

Shardiya Navratri begins on the first day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, during which the divine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped for nine days. The festival is meant to celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, thereby symbolising the victory of good over evil. However, this year Navratri lasts for only eight days, beginning on October 7 and ending on October 14. (ANI)