New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- It is Saptami, and crowds have been spilling onto Kolkata's streets through the night to catch the best of the pandals. Big-ticket pujas such as Tridhara Sammilani, Santosh Mitra Square, Tala Prottoy, Ballygunge Cultural Association and Chorbagan Sarbojonin remain among the favourites. But Durga Puja is about more than grand installations, elaborate idols and striking themes. Bengal's biggest festival, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, celebrates art, community spirit and social responsibility. This year, pandals spotlight social and environmental issues.
In North Kolkata, Telipukur Yuba Sangha has emerged as a major crowd-puller with its theme, 'Ek Pukur Bhalobasha'. Designed by artist Bhabotosh Sutar, the pandal highlights the ecological and social significance of neighbourhood ponds, which are disappearing rapidly amid unchecked real estate development, disrupting the ecological balance. In South Kolkata, Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha has presented 'Sodhon' (Purification). Through his creation, artist Debasish Barui urges visitors to imagine a future where natural resources are depleted, and humanity is left dependent on machines.
At Tollygunge, Santipally Puja Samity's theme, 'Mukti: Freedom from Child Labour', sends a strong message against the exploitation of children. This year has also witnessed several firsts. Allen Park, known for its Christmas celebrations, is hosting its first Durga Puja under the leadership of BJP leader Shankudeb Panda. South City Mall, too, has organised its inaugural Durga Puja, themed 'Jatra', meaning a journey.
With the BJP coming to power in Bengal for the first time, nationalism and Lord Rama have also featured prominently. Young Boys Club's 57th Durga Puja, themed 'Ram Rajya', promotes peace, dignity and harmony. Meanwhile, the Youth Association of Mohammad Ali Park has recreated an 'Ancient Ram Mandir' for its 58th Durga Puja, inaugurated by Minister Tapas Roy.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.