The sound of dhaaks and the chorus of ‘Maa eshechhe’ in the festive air, the jury for the 16th edition of Serader Sera Nirmal Puja Puroskar began its final round of screening with visits to six puja pandals in Kolkata.

“Durga Puja is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with local clubs to encourage action around environmental conservation, whilst spreading awareness among millions of people who visit pandals. We initially received applications from 350 pujos, of which 80 were shortlisted. We have divided them according to seven zones and will be handing out the prizes on Saptami night,” said Jayanta Basu, director, Environment Governed Integrated Organisation (EnGIO). Constituted by EnGIO and supported by The Bengal - Greening Bengal and Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), My Kolkata brings to you some of the greenest pujos in Kolkata, and how they are trying to make a difference with their themes.

Tridhara Sammilani

Avik Dey

This year, the theme at this popular south Kolkata pandal is Utsav, with the makers using bright and vibrant colours to focus on the world opening up after three years of dreary darkness during the pandemic. The idea was to instil a sense of hope after continued hardship. An enduring image for the judges was the use of materials such as mosquito nets and PWC pipes, in keeping with the idea of ecological welfare. “This beautiful competition has encouraged us to make the environment a priority. It is helping us create awareness in the city,” said Debasish Kumar, a Member of Legislative Assembly, who is closely associated with the puja.

What the judges said:

The concept of transitioning from darkness to light is amazing. I love how they have acknowledged the critical interface between environment and society.

— Nilanjan Ghosh, director, Observer Research Foundation

Lead is a very toxic substance and I’m glad to see that they have used lead-free paint. Along with this, the club is also putting in an active effort to maintain greenery in the surrounding area.

— Aniruddha Mukherjee, professor, Calcutta University

Hindustan Park Sarbojonin

Amit Datta

The theme of this pandal, Pran, feels tailor-made for the Green Puja Awards, with every single detail emphasising on how trees have life and give us all life. The exterior has potted plants that embody the beauty of life, while the interior is shaped like a sawmill, highlighting the havoc of deforestation. The entire pandal is designed around a living, breathing tree, preserving its ethos. The organisers have made it a point to give the potted plants to local residents, and return the logs to be reused. Their dedication to the theme awarded them the top spot among the Bhowanipore-Kalighat-Kidderpore belt.

What the judges said:

I’m amazed by the creativity and innovation. It’s one thing to have an artistic vision, and another to connect it with religion and nature, striking the perfect balance between creativity, tradition, culture and heart.

— Nicolas Facino, director, Alliance française du Bengale

The main theme of this pandal has beautifully framed the concept of afforestation. It reflects us as a society, while reminding us of what we must do to preserve nature.

— Abhijit Chatterjee, professor at Bose Institute and scientist

Chetla Agrani Club

Amit Datta

This pandal held up a mirror to society, highlighting the brutality of our competitive world. The exterior is shaped like an eagle, with a crown perched atop, embodying success. There are ladders all around, with people trying to run upwards. Those who try to take a shortcut, inevitably fall, symbolising how Maa Durga only rewards those who are hardworking and truthful. Apart from the deep symbolism, the pandal ensured that none of the materials used were inflammable. The puja also provided employment to more than 1,000 people over the course of four months.

What the judges said:

Not only was the theme great, but it was also beautifully translated into the protima, which stood out. It reinforces the importance of hard work.

— Dr. T.K. Mukherjee, adviser, health department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation

The concept of how we’re climbing the path of success is just as important as being successful. The craftsmanship is very intricate, and the protima evoked a sense of devotion within me.

— Dr. Arup Halder, pulmonologist

Santoshpur Avenue South

Amit Datta

Adjudged the regional topper in the Jadavpur-Garia-Santoshpur zone, this pandal utilised natural materials such as bamboo and chatai to recreate a Maa Durga’s giant aanchal, which drapes around the entire pandal. The aanchal is a metaphor for the goddess’s maternal love, which makes the entire planet feel safe and secure, just like how a mother makes a child feel.

What the judges said:

It’s fascinating to see pandals coming together as a collaborative effort between so many different people.

— Nicolas Facino, director, Alliance française du Bengale

While the theme may not seem related to the environment on the surface, it has a lot of underlying messages when you dive deep. This is what we loved about this pandal.

— Jayanta Basu, director, EnGIO

Entally Sarbojanin Sri Sri Durga Puja

Amit Datta

The entire pandal has been made with recycled materials. While the outer space uses wood as a recurring motif to signify the perils of deforestation, the inner space hints at how we can create heaven on Earth if we value our environment and plant more trees. This thought has led to the pujo emerging as the topper from the Salt Lake-Baguihati zone.

Nicolas Facino, director, Alliance Française du Bengale, plays the dhaak at the Entally Sarbojanin Durga puja The Plurals News Network

What the judges said:

The makers have practised a circular economy rather than a linear waste model, giving us a clear choice — either follow suit and reap the benefits of the green space inside, or face the problems shown outside.

— Nilanjan Ghosh, director, Observer Research Foundation

Rail Pukur Sarbajanin Sri Sri Durga Puja Sammilani

Amit Datta

Crowned the Best Runner-Up (Overall), this pandal stood out for its impeccable storytelling of how the jute revolution began and collapsed. Divided into several segments, the first phase has a ship, resembling those which first exported jute. This is followed by a jute factory which is now closed. Inside is a rich repository of the most ingenious jute products, including a giant fish made of jute, which is gasping for breath. To top it off, the protima is made of repurposed wood from trees that were uprooted during natural disasters. “Our theme, Aparajita, signifies how jute can’t be defeated, and was the king of our economy until recently. We believe that it will return to its rightful place at the top,” said Suvojit Roy, a member of the club.

What the judges said:

This puja depicted the lost art of jute products, which are eco-friendly and revolutionised our economy. Their perfection at the minutest levels is what won them the prize.

— Dr. Arup Halder, pulmonologist

I’m glad that the jury reserved the best for the last. The way they documented the rise and fall of the jute industry makes this my favourite pandal.

— Abhijit Chatterjee, professor at Bose Institute and scientist

“When we started these awards in 2007, we only had one green-themed pujo out of 200. Today, one in every four pandals has an environment-related theme. Our aim is to make a qualitative difference,” signed off Jayanta Basu.