LUCKNOW, Sept. 15 -- With Durga Puja days away, Lucknow's pandals are gearing up to rival the artistic grandeur of Kolkata's famed celebrations. Leading the charge is the La-Touche Road Puja Sangsad Society, which is set to mark its 84th annual celebrations from September 28 to October 2 on Jogendra Pathak Road near Shivaji Marg.

This year, its pandal will pay homage to the Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj, with a special focus on the 13 'akharas' that form the backbone of the 'shahi snan' (holy bath). Photographs of their 'math' (monasteries) and portraits of their 'mahamandaleshwars' will be displayed. A gigantic landscape of the entire Mela area will be recreated as a tribute to the saints, akharas, administration and people who made the world...