Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Kolkata Durga Puja:  Yesterday, I went to Chalta Bagan Lohapatty of Manicktala area to visit Durga Puja pandal. It is marvelous. They built a unique temple where Sanskrit slohkas are written and created an atmosphere of 'Tapoban'.

Yesterday, on the occasion of Maha Panchami, I visited Durga Puja pandal of College Square - one of the oldest puja of Kolkata. It has a pleasant location of swimming pool where swans are enthusiastic too to swim along with swimmers. 

Yesterday, on the occasion of Maha Panchami, I visited Durga Puja pandal of Md. Ali Park - one of the oldest puja of Kolkata.

"অন্তঃসার" is the theme of this year's Durga Puja of Naktala Udayan Sangha. 

On this 80th year, Shivmandir adopted the theme "চৌখুপি" (square). Catchline - "বাঁধা গতে জীবনের চৌকাঠ" and the theme-maker is Bimal Samanta. The puja pandal is being furnished with ladle (হাতা), tray (বারকোশ), comb (চিরুনি), bat, wicket, clog (খড়ম), etc. wooden stuffs. The theme-maker explained: our home, bed, mosquito net (মশারি) - everything is square. Living within this square, we feel secured. Hence, the theme of this puja pandal is 'square' too. The idol of Debi Durga is made of wood. So, this idol will not immerse.      Chetla Agrani is preparing the theme: যোগসাধনা (Pursuit of Yoga). And the catchline is: "বিন্দু জ্ঞানে সিন্ধু পাড়ি, সাত সাগরের এক তরণী"। Bhaluka, Jati and Bijuli - three type of Assamees bamboo would be the main element of pandal. The big image of Lord Shiva will be on the gateway of pandal which is made of bamboo. It will looks like 3D image made by CG. The 'Kosha' (কোষা) in front of Shiva would be made of wood. Begi

Preparation of Durga Puja is progressing everywhere. The blue sky of Bengali season 'Sharat' (শরৎ) has black clouds too. So, all are waiting for the weather forecast of Alipore weather office. But already puja committees of the city have taken the measure to tackle the rush of viewers during Durga Puja. Every year, some unusual events and functions take place on this occasion. This year too, some functions will held in the city. Indian Museum of Kolkata has rich collection of masks from all over the world. This gallery was remain closed for several months due to renovation. Now, it is opened for all. On 27th September'16 it was opened again with some programmes for all day long. The gallery has masks of various god & goddesses of India along with masks of 'Chou' and 'Gambhira' (the folk dance). The inaugural function comprised of workshop for students who exhibited the making of 'Chou' & 'Gambhira' (ছৌ এবং গম্ভীরা) masks. Exhibition

On this 79th year, Durga Puja committee of Kashi Bose Lane preparing the theme of Chaplin's "Modern Times". Theme-maker Pradip Das explained the theme as: Industry or agriculture - which part is more important? A giant hand made of iron chain attract the viewers at the entrance. Motif of a thoughtful man will sit on the hand. The man is built of nut bolt and wrench. The influence of machine on man is alarming. The outside of this pandal thus full of machines and machine-like human's tale. But the inside of the pandal would be green and soft - no mechanism will be seen inside. If the outside is tale of prison - the inside will tell the tale of freedom. "এসো মুক্ত কর" is the tag line of this theme. Four statues surrounded the pandal would be the symbol of freedom. A giant zipper will surround the puja pandal and the open portion of zipper will be the entrance.