Durga Puja 2023: Unconventional themed pandals in Kolkata
Durga Puja in Kolkata is getting grander year by year, courtesy of the innovative and unique pandals established across the city This year too is no different. Various committees have come up with some of the most impressive and topical themes for the festival. Here are a few Durga Puja pandals that are based on unconventional and unique themes.
Puchka theme (Behala Notun Dal Club)
One of Kolkata's most beloved street foods, puchka has served as the inspiration for Behala Notun Dal Club's Durga Puja pandal, which pays homage to its spicy and sweet flavors. Puchkas, also known as gol gappa or pani puri, and Donas, or leaf-based plates, have been used to decorate. The pandal is located at Tala Park.
Harry Potter (Sodepur Nabin Sangha)
Sodepur Nabin Sangha has turned their Durga Puja pandal into a work of art inspired by the Harry Potter world. The pandal has every aspect of the fictitious school, including the Hogwarts Express and the grand castle with its lofty peaks. The pandal's interior is covered in installations and projections with a Harry Potter theme. Notable features include a massive Acromantula and Hogwarts robes.
Auto rikshaw (Hazra Park Durgotsab)
Hazra Park Durgotsab has introduced the theme "Teen Chakar Golpo" (the tale of three wheels) drawing inspiration from the auto-rickshaws that navigate the bustling streets of Kolkata. In the heart of the fast-paced city, individuals skillfully balance a multitude of roles - sons, spouses, and parents. Simultaneously, the hardworking auto-rickshaw drivers tirelessly serve as chauffeurs, dedicating long hours to their profession despite modest earnings.
Garden chairs (Bosepukur Sitala Mandir)
The committee creatively incorporated 12,000 garden chairs, primarily crafted from iron and considered obsolete, into their pandal at Hazra Park Durgotsab. The theme, "Ayojon" (organize), highlights the act of sitting while coordinating tasks. These chairs, no longer commonplace, now hold significance as they are reintroduced and placed near the idol of Maa Durga, adding a captivating touch to the celebration.
