Kali Puja theme pandals 2024: From trams to Kolkata’s culture
Times of India | 1 November 2024
1234 Kolkata: From trams to Kolkata's cultural heritage, creatively themed pandals added an artistic touch to the Kali Puja celebrations in the city resembling the prevalent practice of showcasing extravagant artworks during Durga Puja. Several organisers roped in award-winning Durga Puja theme artists like Anirban Das, Shibsankar Das, Abhijit Ghatak, and Papai Santra to gradually transform Kali Puja into a festival of arts.
The organisers at Shree Colony Samaj Sangha in Bijoygarh selected the iconic Kolkata trams to be the pandal theme. "We paid homage to the 150-year-old eco-friendly mode of transportation, the trams, before their services come to an end," said Tapas Dutta, theme artist of Shree Colony puja.
One of the theme pandals that drew much appreciation is Abhijit Ghatak's creation titled "Purātani" (the essence of classical Calcutta) in Girish Park. It was inaugurated by chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Oct 28. "In the 19th century, the baiji culture of north Calcutta (now Kolkata) was a remarkable blend of art, entertainment, and social hierarchy. The culture received patronage by zamindars and played a crucial role in shaping the city's cultural heritage. In this pandal, I put up a composite scene of the colonial era," said Ghatak.
The pandal at Bijoygargh Six Pally's puja focuses on the city's toxic modernisation and pays tribute to old Kolkata and its cultural heritage. Renowned light artist Purnendu Bikash Chaki has created a perfect ambience for the pandal. Netaji Sangha in Rajarhat adopted the theme titled ‘Upachar' (puja offerings made with devotion). It was crafted by theme artist Shibsankar Das.
"Twenty-five popular theme puja organisers of Kolkata formed a team to guide these Kali Puja clubs and gave away top seven awards as a token of encouragement," says Somnath Das, senior executive member of Santoshpur Lakepally Durga Puja. Safety, security, and official permissions to conduct a puja were the top priorities, said Saswata Basu, general secretary of Forum for Durgotsab.
Theme artist Anirban Das's researched work, titled ‘Kolkatar Kalikotha', based on 29 permanent Kali temples in the city and their location map has been assembled in Haowashokal Puja at Baranagar. In Barisha Shanti Sangha's Kali Puja, the work by Papai Santra, titled ‘Bolir Kothaboli,' depicted the practice of human sacrifice during Kali Puja in the ancient times. The pandal also portrays how the ritual shifted to goat and vegetables sacrifices. Mainak Club, which is celebrating its golden jubilee, has a unique idol made by artist Arignya Saha.
Live interactive shows have been organised at Tollygunge's Russa Shakti Sangha, Mainak Club of Regent Estate, Dum Dum Uttarayan Sangha, and Girish Park Five Star Sporting Club. "Ten members from my Bohurupi team are staging five live shows every day," said Krishna Bairagi, a statue artist who compiled the entire theme of a Kali Puja in Dum Dum.