Women Empowerment, Armed Forces Among Many Themes Of Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals

Kolkata:

Dating back to August 16, 1946, when significant portions of Kolkata were consumed by communal violence, inhabitants of a south Kolkata locality stood united to block troublemakers from disrupting peace in the Hindustan Park-Purna Das Road-Lake region. Nearly eight decades later, Samajsebi Sangha has commemorated its inaugural Durga Puja of 1946 through displays of flexes and models.

Showcasing the variety of themes among community celebrations, Arjunpur Amra Sabai in Baguiati, approximately 15 km away, has constructed an installation named 'Mukhomukhi' (Face to Face) where worshippers entering the marquee will observe their reflections in numerous stainless-steel frames and sheets.

About 10 km from both locations, Young Boys Club in central Kolkata is honoring India's armed forces through the theme 'Operation Sindoor,' while Banerjeepara Puja Mandir Samity in Shyamnagar on the northern outskirts of the city has replicated the ghats of Varanasi to highlight the issue of river contamination.

"During those tumultuous days of August 16, 1946, when violence seized many areas of the city, our neighborhood remained like an oasis that persisted in spreading the message of unity and friendship by joining hands, not wielding daggers. The Samajsebi Sangha was established on the counsel of well-wishers and freedom fighters including Leela Roy, who were moved by our solidarity. That same year, we organized our first Durga Puja, which continues to this day," Arijit Moitra, senior official of Samajsebi, informed PTI.

Roy was a leftist Indian female politician, reformer and a close colleague of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

He mentioned this year's theme pays tribute to the founding members who opposed senseless violence in 1946.

"A reproduction of the truck owned by my father's Swadeshi Chemical Company, which transported the idol in 1946, will be positioned near the marquee. The idol itself will resemble the archetypal elderly Indian woman who manages the household, representing women's empowerment," Moitra explained.

"Please note that our theme has no connection or allusions to any film previously made about the issue and solely addresses human resilience, friendship, and harmony," he further stated.

At Baguiati's Arjunpur Amra Sabai, artist Shovin Bhattacharya has utilized hundreds of stainless-steel frames and bamboo-wooden poles in its installations, generating an effect of reflection and movement.

"As you proceed on the road leading to the pandal, you will first traverse an artificial waterbody and then view your own mirror images on the hundreds of stainless steel installations and metal sheets. On one hand, you confront your own self and on the other, the reflections of numerous visitors walking alongside will create an impression of mobility, dynamism, and identification," Bhattacharya described.

"We have attempted to use and explore the concept of space in our work," he said, adding that the pond symbolizes the flow of life.

Idol-creator Shampa Bhattacharya stated the goddess has been portrayed as a 21st-century female warrior, "disseminating the light of education and awareness to the underprivileged."

In central Kolkata's Tara Chand Dutta Street, the Young Boys Club's pandal, designed by artist Debshankar Mahesh, displays replicas of tanks and missiles.

"The focal point of this tribute is the inclusion of two decorated women officers — Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Their replicas stand as powerful symbols of women's strength and leadership in the military," said Rakesh Singh, chief organizer of the puja.

Banerjeepara Puja Mandir Samity in North 24 Parganas has transformed a waterbody into Varanasi's ghats with replicas of temples, boats, and evening Ganga aarti.

"During the evening, the area will resemble mini-Varanasi with its spiritual magnificence," spokesperson Samit Banerjee said.

"Our theme, Kashidham, also aims to raise awareness about Ganga pollution and encourages people to stop discarding plastics and waste into the river," he added.