From schools to clubs, ‘theme’ seeps into Saraswati Puja decorations
Times of India | 1 February 2025
1234 Kolkata: Inspired by the innovations at Durga Puja pandals, Saraswati Puja organisers have also started treading the "theme" path. Salil Chowdhury's birth centenary and College Street boi para are the themes at two schools this year. On the city's south-western edge, two local clubs have come together to organise a puja with a 111-ft-tall idol. In north Kolkata, another club, famous for Durga Puja, has crafted a 22-ft-tall idol.
Hindu School students will pay homage to versatile music director, songwriter, lyricist, writer and poet Salil Chowdhury. Headmaster Subhrajit Dutta readily accepted the students' proposal. "They prepared models of musical instruments. Many of his photos will be on display," Dutta said.
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At Batanagar, two clubs — Batanagar Creation and Batanagar Squad — will together organise Saraswati Puja with a 111-ft-tall idol. "Somnath Tamli has created the idol on a steel structure with bamboo, jute and thermocol," said councillor Gopal Saha.
TOI had reported about the 22-ft idol by Tala Prattay.
Last year, Bhabatosh Sutar designed a Saraswati idol in Midnapore. "I used half a portion of a clay pitcher. It had a crow with a pebble in its beak. On the pitcher, I drew the goddess's image. On the side, I inscribed an Einstein's quote..." said Sutar.
Some artists said Saraswati Pujas at schools limited innovations due to norms. "In contrast, Durga Puja idols are influenced by sponsors' demands and competitions. Innovations in Saraswati Puja will likely emerge when it, too, becomes more commercialised," said Sutar.
Pradipta Saha, who held a contest of theme Saraswati Pujas for four years, said, "Students made idols with newspaper cuttings. A school for kids with disabilities designed an idol with clay pots. Yet, we could not continue in the absence of sponsors."