Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

-- A. B.

"Okal Bodhan" is the theme of Hatibagan Sarbojanin. 6 episodes of Ramayan would be depicted here. Odhisa's popular handicraft - things made of palm leaves will be the decorative item of puja pandal. By this handicraft, pictures of Ramayan would be depicted. National award winning artist of Odhisa - Bijoy Kumar Paridha is being painted the palm leaves which is a strenuous job. Durga puja is actually 'Okal bodhan' of Sri Ramchandra, and that episode is the main theme of Hatibagan Sarbojanin's Durga Puja. -- A. B.

On this auspicious day of Mahalaya, the inimitable voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra on the air will wake up all in a short while from now. The traditional musical feature 'Mahisasurmardini' will start on radio this year too. It is that emotion of Bengalee since 1932. Still young, still fresh. -- A. B.

On this 70th year, theme-maker Sanjay Das is creating the theme "শতদলে দশভুজা" for Khiddirpur Venus Club. This one of the oldest club of the city has adopted "Okal Bodhan" theme of Sri Ramchandra since inception. So, instead of Lakshmi, Saraswati etc. Ram, Lakshman are there beside Debi Durga. Worshiped by 108 lotuses, a peaceful image of goddess Durga would attract viewers here. -- A. B.

On this 6th year, Purbachal Shakti Sangha is adopting the theme "kolpobrikkhe matri shakti". 'Kolpo brikkho' means the imaginary tree who gives as someone wish to get. The puja mandap would be in the form of this tree. Many episodes related in Puranas, would be depicted here. The mandap will be 32 feet high. -- A. B.

On this 64th year, 66 Pally of south Kolkata is adopting the theme "বকলমে ৬৬ পল্লী"। Theme-maker Amar Sarkar. "Education For All" is the theme here. Various sketches and paintings in support of education would be exhibited on canvas at ceiling of the puja pandal measuring 3,500 sq ft area. Clay artist Sanatan Pal is making the idol of Debi Durga. But, the goddess has no weapons here but holding pen, pencil, slate etc related to education. In short, it would be a different and has a social message for all. -- A. B.

The three world (ত্রিভুবন) is the theme of Kumortuli Park, creating Mintu Pal - the clay artist of Kumortuli. The 50 ft long puja pandal would be of 3 tiers - first, the underworld, second the earth and the last tier is heaven, where, along with other god and goddesses, Debi Durga will be established. -- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

On this 68th year, Tridhara Sammilani has adopted the thought to entertain viewers with various items. Joy & happiness will stay at the puja pandal where theme-maker Gouranga Kuilya is creating the atmosphere of Tibetan culture. The gigantic bust idol of 'Kal Bhairav' - lord Shiva will welcome the visitors here. One can see here unique clay idol of Debi Durga - with 7 heads and hundred hands. Colourful masks are the main attraction of this puja pandal. -- A. B.

On this 69th year, Chakraberia Sarbojanin has adopted the theme 'Sri Nagar'. Theme-maker Manas Roy is creating a unique Sri Nagar where 'Sri' means sign of welfare. It is one of the household traditional icon of wellness... wish of eternal Bengalee brides and mothers. Here Sri Nagar is an imaginary place where all things are good and well. Various patterns, very colourful are the main attraction of this 'Sri'. -- A. B.

Theme-maker Rupchand Kundu is making the theme of Golaghata Sammilani. Here one can see the image of goddess Durga as woman who is protesting against the atrocities. He is using light red and green colour. The pandal would be in old Gothic style. He is using 10 thousand plastic water bottles to decorate the puja mandap. -- A. B.