Moving away from their static traditions, Durga Puja pandals have been conceptualised around themes and cause-oriented issues this year, says Sakshi Sharma
An empty, tilted earthen pot with a dead crow at its opening is the first thing one comes across as one enters the Arambagh Durga Puja Ground. Opposite to it is a giant grey tap with a few empty buckets in a queue below it. Beneath it, is mother earth, out of which emerge tiny green hands asking for help. A few empty plastic bottles are hanging in the background, striking a contrast between the water crisis and an abundance of plastic around us. The artwork represents the scarcity of water and how it is an alarming need of the hour.
While in Kolkata, women in red and white sarees could be found crowding the streets, soaking in the pujo-pujo atmosphere, the pandals in the capital are making the festival a cause-oriented one, moving away from their static traditionality towards more unconventional themes. The puja organisers have not only worked on the decor, idols and pandal, they’ve brainstormed to come out with a distinctive, appealing and relevant theme. This helps them garner people’s attention easily and also serves as a medium to send out a social message loud and clear. There are competitions held for the best pandals and themes. This raises the excitement level of the associations, craftsmen and viewers.
Arambagh Puja Samiti is famous for its innovative theme every year. In 2017, it won the National Award for its pandal. Abhijit Bose, its chairman, proudly boasts about the same. He says, “In 2017, we were asked to preserve our idol in Pragati Maidan. It is the first of its kind.”
Since the depleting water level is a major issue wrapping the world currently, he feels that this was the best theme for the year. He says, “We have worked on this for a year. This is the burning issue. We don’t realise it now but our survival is going to be very tough in the coming years. This is the best gift we can give to our future generations.” The way the theme has been elaborated is a treat to the eye. Plays and seminars have also been organised on the same to inspire the youth.
He has also worked on themes likes orphan kids, rape survivors and the atrocities on them. Bose says, “Isn’t it interesting to work on such themes? They are the real Durgas. They should be worshipped and empowered.”
Though there are eco-friendly murtis every year but this time a special attention has been given to the type of clay and organic colours. It is to ensure that the celebrations and environment go hand in hand.
The footfall at the Arambagh pandal is two to three lakh. Hence, Bose wanted the theme to make a lasting impact on the people. Talking about the budget, he says that it has been reduced by Rs 10 lakh this year due to the low markets. From Rs 45 lakh last year, it’s only Rs 35 lakh this time.
Before completing his part, he makes sure that he apprises us of the fact that he welcomed late President APJ Abdul Kalam in his pandal in 2013.
Another organiser and founder member of Paschim Vihar Bengali Association, Mahadeb Das says that he along with his organisation has worked on diversified theme to commemorate their 37th year.
Since it was the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, they thought there could be nothing more relatable than this. The other themes are related to water conservation and plastic ban. He says, “We hope that our creative thoughts will force the society to think and act upon these issues.”
This year an attempt has been made to maintain an eco-friendly environment within the pandal area, including construction of artificial ponds inside the campus to immerse the idols. He says, “Eco-friendly materials like hogla patta, trees and decorative plants have been used. Plastic plates have been banned. A team is assigned to collect all the recyclable waste everyday and hand it over to the authorities concerned.”
Contrary to what Bose had said, Das says that their budget has increased this time. They have been sponsored for the food and other mega events. This indicates that we cannot ignore the fact that as the level of the celebrations is getting elaborate each year, it is paving way for high commercialisation.
Talking about the security, since the pandal witnesses a heavy footfall, he says, “To maintain public safety and security, we have installed CCTV cameras in and around the pandal. We have also made arrangements for systematic car parking and safe drinking water for all devotees.”
The oldest Durga Puja of the city, that is of the Kashmere gate also aligns with sustainable measures. Like every year, even this time the pandal has simple yet unique designs. And the theme has been kept traditional.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar
