• Irish and Indian artists take centre stage together for Kolkata’s Durga Puja
    Indian Express | 27 September 2024
  • Irish artists Lisa Sweeney and Richard Babington have found themselves “captivated” by Kolkata on their five-week stay — they find a strong sense of community, even seeing a connection between the Irish goddess Danu and the Hindu goddess Maa Durga, both revered as maternal figures.

    This Durga Puja, Irish and Indian artists are working together to create a pandal at the Behala Nutan Dal, blending the artistic traditions of both countries. The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi initiated this to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India-Ireland diplomatic relations.

    Given the global recognition of Durga Puja following its UNESCO listing, the artists of the celebrated Irish group Macnas from Galway and of Kolkata’s Behala Nutan Dal agreed to install an idol of Danu along with Maa Durga – a decision reached through a video conference.

    Since Danu is a nature goddess who “stays in the water”, her bamboo idol will be installed on a pond.

    Sanjib Saha, the artist behind the theme of the Behala Natun Dal Puja Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative project. “Kalpana, meaning “imagination”, will be a unique, open-sided structure made of natural materials like bamboo and wood,” he said.

    Recently, Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, highlighted the “deep-rooted” partnership between Ireland and India, spanning education, culture, and shared values, emphasising the need to explore new opportunities and strengthen their ties.

    “Durga Puja in Kolkata is one of the most awe-inspiring festivals I have ever witnessed. The energy, creativity, and community spirit are unparalleled,” Kelly said.

    “This fusion of Irish and Indian creativity will offer a visual spectacle that reflects the power of cross-cultural collaboration and celebrates the power of women and the feminine spirit,” said Babington.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Behala Notun Dal Convenor and Vice President of Durgapuja Forum Sandipan Banerjee said, “Ireland is celebrating 75 years of its Independence and its relationship with India. Ireland contacted an Indian diplomat. Its embassy in Delhi informed Consul General Mayank Jalan that they are holding a cultural exchange programme.”

    As a neat side-effect of the embassy’s initiative, the artists have been enjoying the city’s flavorful fish dishes prepared in mustard sauce” — known as ilish maach.

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