Kolkata: From stories about ordeals of the elderly in old age homes to importance of mental health awareness, — themes highlighting social issues are dominant at pandals.
At Esplanade tram depot, puja organisers have created “life in an old age home” inside a condemned tram car — a transport that, too, is facing an uncertain future. Organisers of Behala Young Men’s Association have portrayed the life of app-based delivery personnel.“We have tried to tell the story of the transformation of delivery services and how in today’s world of digitization, delivery partners have become an integral part of our urban landscape,” said Palash Saha, a member of the club.
Social justice and equality have been emphasized at Hazra Park Durgotsab Committee. Controlled primarily by the Dalit community, Sayan Deb Chatterjee, committee joint secretary, said: “Our puja is not just a celebration of faith, but also of our resilience.”
Urban development is the theme at Young Boys Club of Central Kolkata, New Town CA Block Sarbojonin Durgotsab and Dakshinpara Yuba Parishad in Baguiati. Dakshinpara Yuba Parishad has highlighted the impact of global warming while Salt Lake AK Block’s theme is rainwater conservation and water crisis.
Mental health awareness is the theme at Santosh Mitra Square, Ballygunge 21 Palli and Maddox Square. “Durga Puja is the best place to spread awareness on mental health,” said Nilansuk Datta, a rehabilitation psychologist. The puja at Purbo Kalikata Sarbojanin Durga Puja, organised by Narkeldanha Maitryee, has ‘Me-ghdoot’, the cloud of peace in a war-torn world, as the theme. “We pray this world, fallen into turmoil, will again embrace purity,” said Shubhrokanti Lodh, an organiser.