Kolkata, Oct. 16 -- As the city lights up to welcome the Goddess, its pandals are telling stories that extend beyond faith and festivity, reflecting the changing sociopolitical landscape of Bengal, where religious identity, cultural heritage and nationalism have emerged as prominent themes.
Several major Durga Puja organisers across Kolkata have drawn inspiration from religious narratives and national history this year, with tributes to Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, celebrations of Vande Mataram and depictions inspired by Lord Ram featuring prominently.
Suruchi Sangha in New Alipore has chosen 'Utsa', meaning source or origin, as its theme, paying tribute to Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary. The pandal uses photographs, sculptures and installations to trace his life and political journey.
At Santosh Mitra Square, the theme 'Sanatani Chetanay Vande Mataram' marks 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's iconic song. The presentation recalls its role in the freedom struggle and explores the history of Partition. Explaining the choice, BJP MLA and Santosh Mitra Square Puja organiser Sajal Ghosh said: "We create our Puja themes in a way that conveys a message that strengthens the people, Indians and the spirit of nationalism."
Taltala Sarbojanin has chosen 'Bangadarshan', tracing the history and evolution of Vande Mataram and its association with the freedom movement.
Religious devotion finds expression at Alipore Sarbojanin through episodes from the Ramayana, including Lord Ram's worship of Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana. Ekdalia Evergreen, meanwhile, has modelled its pandal on Gujarat's Somnath temple.
In Salt Lake, Sanskritik Sansad's 'Ram Ki Ayodhya' combines Durga Puja with Dussehra celebrations, drawing on the story of Lord Ram.
The prominence of these themes comes amid Bengal's changing political landscape, bringing questions of religious identity, historical memory and nationalism into the festive imagination.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.