Folk art, fun and fervour at Manish Nagar pandal

Nagpur: For long the Bengalis residing in south-eastern part of the city have longed for a Durga Puja Pandal of their own. And for last eight years, the Manish Nagar Bengali Cultural Association (MNBCA) has been fulfilling their desire with zeal by hosting the famous event at Amrut Lawn in the same area.The signature pandal in this part of the city boasts of a super dedicated team that leaves no stone unturned in making its presence known. In adherence to their benchmark, MNBCA, this year, has come up with city’s first theme-based Durga pandal.

On entering the main gate, one is greeted by dexterious paintings. “Taking a cue from current trend in Kolkata we wanted to conduct this year’s puja based on a theme. And what can be a better theme than ‘United India’,” says Debashish Mukherjee, vice-president of MNBCA.“Suiting our theme, we have put up 18 paintings and 12 hand-made crafts through the entrance ally. All these have been made by our members,” he adds.Besides the theme, the committee gives due importance to the rituals as well as cultural programmes. “We go by our age-old traditional puja-ritual style,” says Vivekananda Bhattacharya, treasurer of MNBCA. Vice-president Asim Mandal himself sees to it that all rituals are held on time.“On Shasthi (the sixth day), we organized folk dances (part 1) where our kids and women presented Bihu, Bhangra, Lavni etc. The following day – Saptami - the second part of the programme was held,” said Rana Chatterjee, president of the Association.On Ashtami, MNBCA hosted the famous folk fusion band – The Teetas Group from Kolkata. “Not be the missed on Monday is the Dhunuci Naach which will be presented by all of us,” said Debasish Mazumdar, founder-member.Shantigopal Banerjee, convenor of souvenir committee, said, “This year our budget is around ₹16 lakh.”Samir Roy, secretary of MNBCA, said, “We have a team of 43-dedicated volunteer-members who toil for three months to make the puja a memorable affair.” Adds Rana Chatterjee in the same tone, “But the most important contribution comes from Ramesh Mahajan, the owner of Amrut Lawns (Manish Nagar), who just gives the venue to us with absolutely no-strings-attached policy.”

Kedarnath, Chandrayaan, Disneyland: NCR Durga Puja pandals get creative with themes

Puja pandals in NCR are celebrating Durga Puja with various themed-settings. Matri Mandir has transformed into Disneyland, while Bangiya Parishad is celebrating with the theme of Chandrayaan III. Arambagh Puja Samiti is promoting a greener environment, and Mayur Vihar Kali Bari Samiti has created a land of puppets. Sec 61 Balaka Durgostab showcases Sonar Bangla, while GK 1 Durgabari Puja Samiti focuses on tribal artworks. CR Parks Cooperative Ground resembles Mundeshwari Devi Temple, and Indirapuram replicates the Kedarnath temple. Noida Sector 137 Sarbojanin Puja Samiti celebrates the dhaak with its structure.

This puja, theme artists double up as pandal guides, performers

Several artists participating in the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata are choosing to engage with the audience by explaining or demonstrating their work. Artist Bhabatosh Sutar will be sculpting human clay figures as part of a procession, artist Susanta Paul will be living in his art installation, and artist Aditi Chakraborty will be present at her installation to explain the theme to guests. These artists believe that performing in front of the audience creates a deeper connection and helps them communicate their artistic vision.

6 Famous Durga Puja Pandals You Can Visit in Kolkata

Durga Puja, a significant festival among Bengali Hindus, is celebrated in several states in India. The festival involves grand processions, cultural events, and the installation of grand pandals with the idol of Goddess Durga. Popular pandals in Kolkata include Suruchi Sangha, Mohammad Ali Park, Santosh Mitra Square, Ekdalia Evergreen Club, Tridhara Sammilani, and Bagbazar. Each pandal has unique themes and decorations. In 2023, pandals in Kolkata will feature themes such as Ram Mandir and menstruation to break social taboos. Durga Puja 2023 began on October 20. Kolkata is known for hosting the best Durga Puja celebrations.