Kolkata, Oct. 6 -- From the eternal bond of Radha and Krishna to the famous Gond art from Central India, the Durga Puja committees in Kolkata are gearing up to showcase their best themes this year. In the 77th year, Dhakuria Sahid Nagar Sarbojonin Durgotsab has zeroed in on the theme of 'Maha Milan' (The Great Union). Inspired by the divine and eternal bond of Radha and Krishna, the theme seeks to convey a timeless message of love, devotion, harmony and togetherness.

To be inaugurated on October 13, the idol of Goddess Durga will follow the traditional 'sabeki' style. Executed by artists Avik Sen and Shuvam Banerjee, the pandal will present a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression. The Puja will be inaugurated by a revered Swamiji from Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The committee has also extended invitations to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Governor of West Bengal RN Ravi. "Just as the divine union of Radha and Krishna symbolises a bond beyond differences, we hope our Puja becomes a meeting point for people from all walks of life," said Pritam Dutta, president, Dhakuria Sahid Nagar Sarbojonin Durgotsab.

Meanwhile, Hazra Park Durgotsab steps into 84th year with the theme, 'Chirayat - The Roots of Bengal: Rooted in the Past, Infinite in Consciousness', a heartfelt tribute to the timeless traditions, craftsmanship and folk-art heritage that have shaped Bengal's cultural identity across generations. The concept has been brought to life by artist and idol maker Biman Saha. Handcrafted wooden dolls, intricate Dokra metal craft, terracotta and several other indigenous artistic traditions will come together to create an immersive visual narrative celebrating Bengal's cultural identity.

Salt Lake FD Block's Durga Puja pandal has gone viral on social media already. The pandal will take visitors on a journey through the vibrant world of Gond art. The celebrated folk and tribal painting, the Gond art, mostly belongs to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh but is also found in other parts of India like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.