Durga Puja 2022
How I celebrated Durga Puja this year
It is the third day of October 2022. The evening is sultry- it had rained just moments ago and the maidan is wet and squelchy. The planks acting as makeshift bridges are sinking under the water from the rain, and yet, unaffected by it all, multitudes of people are thronging in by the hour.
The women are looking radiant in their taant sarees, accompanied by men looking debonair in dhoti punjabis. Young boys are running about wildly, sporting new shoes, while little girls in bright frocks are dragging their parents towards the Dadas selling vibrant colored toys and candy floss. Grandmothers are walking slowly, keeping a wary eye on the high-spirited grandchildren, while the Grandfathers are indulging them with candy treats and fairground rides.
Described above is a common sight in West Bengal, witnessed annually during the Sharodotsav, popularly known as Durga Puja. It is a ten-day festival observed in the Indian calendar month of Ashwin, commemorating the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Every year the pandals, which are temporary tent-like structures for housing the idol, are made with vigour and enthusiasm by different localities. Each palli ( community/ ward ) does its best to outdo the others and itself, from the previous year. The outcome of this competition are scores of unique Pandals, with themes ranging from pop culture ( Harry Potter themed pandal ) to current issues ( a community puja pandal depicting the Sundarbans after it was hit by the cyclone Yaas).
This year, the Durga Puja was particularly special as it was the first one since the inclusion of “Durga Puja of Kolkata” in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of the UNESCO in December 2021.
It was a special year for me too, as this was the first time I was in Kolkata for the Pujas in over six years, owing to Higher education and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below are some of the most popular and talked about pandals that I visited with my family.
1. CHETLA PANDAL
This Pandal caught my attention as it was made entirely out of dried banana leaves. The idol of the Goddess looked magnificent, its beauty supplemented by soothing lighting. The decoration was handcrafted exquisitely and left one in awe of human creativity.
2. SHREE BHUMI PANDAL
The Shree Bhumi Pandal is one of the most popular pandals in Kolkata and was the hardest to get into as hundreds stood in queue at all times. The theme this year was the Vatican City, and the artisans did a good job of capturing and recreating the essence of St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. SURUCHI SANGHA
Located in Alipore, this fabulous pandal stood out as it was more technologically advanced than the others- a projection of Lord Shiva covered the entirety of the dome and the walls, as the delighted crowd hooted and marvelled at the “VFX”. Coupled with sound effects and a powerful air conditioner, this pandal was definitely the most refreshing!
4. NEW TOWN PANDAL
The New Town pandal was unique for several reasons. It was beautifully decorated and the deity was mesmerising, surrounded by bright earthen pots and lights. News that the pandal was managed and run entirely by women also drew people in.
But the highlight was the fact that the pandal was essentially a fair! Spread over a vast area, the pandal opened into a field that was occupied by dozens of food stalls and rides, including carousels, Tilt- a — whirls’ and roller-coasters. Though the experience was wholesome, I must mention that some of the staff managing the food stalls were very high-handed and left one dispirited.
5. HINDUSTAN PARK
My personal favourite was the pandal at Hindustan Park. The central theme, as you might have guessed, was Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”. The pandal had a larger theme of “tailor” and “garments”, and was decorated and constructed using fabric. The vibrant and contrasting colours were truly a sight for sore eyes.
All in all, my experience was a good one, as it gave me a chance to once again see my hometown at its brightest and finest. I was able to spend time with loved ones and create experiences and memories that should last for years to come by.
I am looking forward to the Pujas next year, and once again resonate with the sentiment behind the popular saying that people chant while bidding adieu to the Goddess- ‘Ashche Bochor Abar Hobe’. It means that it will happen again next year- Goddess Durga will visit us again.
