Change Through Art: Kolkata's Transformative Durga Puja Pandals

The vibrancy of  Durga Puja in Kolkata is an unparalleled spectacle, a magnificent canvas of tradition, art, and spirituality that engulfs the city in a frenzy of colours and festivities.

As we embark on a journey through these enchanting pandals, from Kasba to VIP Road, we discover how they're not just a sight to behold, but also a powerful medium for igniting change in our society.

Pathurighata Pancher Palli Reflecting Awareness on Menstrual Hygiene

The central idea behind this groundbreaking endeavour is to encourage society to view menstruation as a normal biological process. Ellora Saha expresses the need to remove the curtain of secrecy that often shrouds this natural phenomenon. 

"The Puja Pandal has been made in an attempt to reflect on the issue of menstrual hygiene and social awareness. This is the 84th year of the puja," said Ellora Saha, Working President of the 'Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsab' committee, who is the key person behind this innovative concept. Their theme, 'Ritumati,' resonates with an imperative message: menstruation is a natural biological process, and it's high time we liberate it from the shadows of ignorance.

This year, 'Pathurighata Pancher Palli' is making waves, not just for its decorations but also for its groundbreaking theme that addresses menstrual hygiene and societal taboos surrounding it.https://t.co/OSWMYcROvI

— SheThePeople (@SheThePeople) October 13, 2023

"Menstruation is a normal biological process, and there is no need to keep it under any kind of curtain. This is high time we break the taboos, and the first step will be to bring such issues to the fore," says Ellora Saha to Asian News International.

In many parts of our society, menstruating women are subjected to various restrictions, including not being allowed in the kitchen or sharing a bed with their spouse. They are often confined to their homes and aren't educated about personal health and hygiene during this crucial period. The 'Pathurighata Pancher Palli' committee believes that it's not just women but also men who should be educated about menstruation in a scientific and unbiased manner. 

This pandal, involving an expenditure of approximately Rs 18 lakh is a work of art, incorporating various forms of installation art such as paintings, models, and graphics that convey the importance of hygiene during menstrual cycles. The central theme of menstrual hygiene is not only reflected in the decorations but also in the idols, skillfully crafted by Sanatan Paul of Kumartuli.

Kashi Bose Lane Shines a Light on Child Trafficking

As the curtains were drawn on this year's theme by the Kashi Bose Lane Puja committee, the collective gasp of astonishment could be heard throughout the bustling streets of North Kolkata. "Child Trafficking" was the revelation that left everyone spellbound, its resonance reverberating deeply within the hearts of all who bore witness.  It's more than just idols and grandeur; it's a message that cuts through the noise and strikes a chord with everyone who walks down this lane.

Walking down Kashi Bose Lane during this Puja is not merely a stroll; it's an emotional journey. Each step around the pandal reveals a visual narrative that strikes at the core of one's being. On one side, you witness the harshness of child trafficking, a brutal reality that many endure. On the other, you find the spirit of survival and resilience etched in every detail.

The haunting Kashi Bose Lane pandal depicting the plight of trafficked young girls has created a replica of a tiny chawl where hundreds of such survivors are forced to live in the intersection of abject poverty and paralyzing dehumanization. pic.twitter.com/nsySxxs9G5

— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantansunnyg) October 21, 2023

The girl's purity, once symbolised by traditional adornments, metamorphoses into a striking representation - fruits. It's a powerful symbolism that reduces her to a mere object, evoking the unsettling imagery of consumption. Around these fruits, the watchful gaze of eagles looms, akin to predatory eyes, symbolising the harsh scrutiny and objectification that girls often endure, a haunting reminder of their daily reality.

Amid this moving scene, a young child stands before a mirror, her gaze a blend of desperation and hope. She, a victim of child trafficking, dares to compare herself to Devi Ma, the mother goddess, reminding us that girls are more than mortals; they embody the divine. This poignant comparison reclaims stolen dignity and kindles hope in every girl.

The goddess herself stands draped in a plain, colorless saree, bearing silent witness to the suffering of abused children. In striking contrast, her vibrant red saree represents protection, an urgent call to embrace the cause, to free these innocent souls from their cages, and let them soar to the freedom they deserve. At the heart of this tableau stands a young girl, a symbol of beauty and strength, draped in a resplendent red saree. She embodies the goddess's message - to revere and celebrate the girl child in our society, not as an idol, but as a living embodiment of the divine call for transformation and protection.

The portrayal of this harrowing issue through artistic craftsmanship in the form of idols and scenes was nothing short of awe-inspiring, effectively merging the triumphant spectacle of good conquering evil with a sobering depiction of the stark reality of child trafficking.

Shyambazar Pally Sangha: Focusing on Surrogacy

Shyambazar Pally Sangha takes a bold and unconventional route with its theme, focusing on surrogacy. This pandal showcases the city's willingness to embrace modern ideas and social issues. The artistry on display here serves as a powerful medium to spark conversations and raise awareness.

In a city steeped in tradition, the Shyambazar Pally Sangha pandal serves as a symbol of change and progression. The use of artistic elements to depict a profound theme like surrogacy is a testament to the creative spirit of Kolkata during Durga Puja.

'Parampara' - Embracing Eco-friendly Traditions

Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha Durga Puja pandal is a testament to the timeless glory of 'Parampara' or Tradition. Crafted using eco-friendly materials, this pandal beautifully marries the essence of tradition with a sustainable future. A lady holding an urn stands as a symbol of the values and rituals passed down through generations, creating a harmonious bridge between the past and the present.

Congrats to Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha for making it to the Top 30+4 Wild Card Entries with their incredible pandals! A well-deserved honour.#ultratech7wonders2023 #ultratech7wonders #EngineersChoice #top30 #wildcardentry #bestpuja #festival #DurgaPuja2023 #durgapujaawards pic.twitter.com/rUnKQNceut

— UltraTech 7 Wonders (@ultratech7wndrs) October 19, 2023

These bold initiatives remind us that festivals can be a powerful platform for addressing critical societal issues. With Pathurighata Pancher Palli, Kashi Bose Lane, Shyambazar Pally Sangha, and Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha leading the way, we hope for a future where art continues to ignite change in our society.

Suggested reading: Breaking Taboos: Why Period Positivity Is Crucial For Young Girls