DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival mostly celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. During the festival days, the entire state blooms with lights, people, food and Pandals. Pandal making in West Bengal is one of the most creative fields amongst the Bengalis. Artists and designers from all across the state come together to tell stories through the Durga idols and the artistic pandal installations.
Asian Paints Sharad Shamman (APSS) is an excellence award given to the best decorated Durga Puja Pandal in the state capital Kolkata during the festival in October. Since its inception in 1985, APSS has been heralded as the true achievement for excellence in decorating the abodes for Goddess Durga.
Every year I take the opportunity to visit these Pandals. Here are some of my favorite APSS Durga Puja Pandal photographs from Kolkata clicked by me in the year 2020.
Asian Paints Sharad Shamman (APSS) is an excellence award given to the best decorated Durga Puja Pandal in the state capital Kolkata during the festival in October. Since its inception in 1985, APSS has been heralded as the true achievement for excellence in decorating the abodes for Goddess Durga.
Every year I take the opportunity to visit these Pandals. Here are some of my favorite APSS Durga Puja Pandal photographs from Kolkata clicked by me in the year 2020.
The above 3 shots are from the club Masterda Smriti Sangha representing the theme "Mukti Ore Mukti Kothay Pabi" (Where will you get Freedom).
Theme artist is Manas Ray while Idol artist is Sonatan Paul.
The theme is a cry for illumination in the gloom of pandemic era, freedom from the dire darkness of financial crisis and death. The entire pandal is inspired from the story of Raja Surat and created out of handicrafts from the district of Bengal - it is a hand of help to all the artists submerged under financial insecurity.
Theme artist is Manas Ray while Idol artist is Sonatan Paul.
The theme is a cry for illumination in the gloom of pandemic era, freedom from the dire darkness of financial crisis and death. The entire pandal is inspired from the story of Raja Surat and created out of handicrafts from the district of Bengal - it is a hand of help to all the artists submerged under financial insecurity.
The above 3 shots are from Kidderpore Pally Saradiya, the theme being "Dhopa Colony" (Washermen's colony). Theme artist is Raju Sarkar while the Idol artist is Saikat Basu.
The contribution of the Dhopa Colony and it's launderers in giving back to us our clothes just like before is undeniable and Durga Puja means new clothes after which we can again hand over the responsibility of maintaining are favorite clothes to the launderers.
The contribution of the Dhopa Colony and it's launderers in giving back to us our clothes just like before is undeniable and Durga Puja means new clothes after which we can again hand over the responsibility of maintaining are favorite clothes to the launderers.
The above 2 shots are from Thakurpukur State Bank Park Sarbajonin. The theme "Jibon Juddho Bigroho" (Life War Idol), as well as the Idol, is designed by Partha Dasgupta.
They have portrayed the eternal story of life's struggle behind the battle of Durga-Mahishashur. The clanking of weapons, iron armour, and armed with weapons to go out to kill the enemy is not the only definition of war. The real war is the war of life which seems to be getting harder and harder in the pandemic.
They have portrayed the eternal story of life's struggle behind the battle of Durga-Mahishashur. The clanking of weapons, iron armour, and armed with weapons to go out to kill the enemy is not the only definition of war. The real war is the war of life which seems to be getting harder and harder in the pandemic.
Photography by Tannistha Paul
