After years of controversy over the use of the local playground, Kolkata’s popular Durga Puja organiser Tala Prattoy is moving its pandal to the roadside this year, leaving the green space free for sports.
Idol to be immersed on ganga, not within puja premises
After a year’s gap, the puja committee is once again collaborating with artist Sushanta Pal. His theme this year is ‘Biyojan’, marking a return after a break while putting past controversies behind.
For several years, Tala Prattoy’s idol immersion was carried out within the puja premises itself. This year, however, the organisers have decided to immerse the idol in the Ganga on the designated day, following government guidelines aimed at preventing pollution.
Local residents form new puja committee
Following the change of government in the state, the long-running dispute over control and use of the playground has finally ended. Tala Prattoy is now preparing to present its puja in its own distinctive style.
This year’s committee has been formed by local residents under the guidance of local BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari. The organisers are looking to preserve the character of the puja while presenting a fresh experience for visitors.
The puja, which has crossed the 100-year mark, will once again blend tradition, heritage and Bengal’s cultural practices with its contemporary presentation.
Artist Sushanta Pal leads creative vision
Speaking at a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club, puja committee chairman and MLA Ritesh Tiwari said the festival would bring the goddess closer to her devotees while maintaining traditional rituals.
The Mother is coming to her children. Her worship is being conducted according to scriptural rituals and traditions. People from the area are organising the puja together,
Tiwari said.
He added that artist Sushanta Pal was giving shape to the collective ideas of the residents through his creative work.
The new committee president Laxman Jaiswal, vice-president Debal Basu, and joint secretary Bishweshwar Pandey were also present at the press conference.
Pal explained how he had developed his concept within a limited space and a short timeframe, while discussing the connection between artistic creation and the emotional bond it creates with people.
