A rainbow of colours will spread happiness and herald hope in the post-pandemic world at the Mudiali Club puja. My Kolkata is the digital media partner of Mudiali Club.
Theme and decorations
The theme, titled Pratiksha, signals that the wait for better, healthier and happier days is over. Award-winning artist Gauranga Kuila has prepared the blueprint for the pandal’s lighting. “We have put in a lot of thought and effort in lighting up the pandal and we have tried to create a feel-good ambience for the visitors,” said Santanu Banerjee, an organiser.
The organisers must be hailed for using solar power to illuminate their pandal premises. “This is our initiative to create an eco-friendly environment and reduce the carbon footprint,” Banerjee added.
The idol
Whatever the theme, the club’s idol has remained the same and has always been made by the same family. Chandannagar-based Ashit Pal is the third generation idol-maker. Before him, his father and grandfather made idols for the club. The traditional idol with daker saaj has been their USP.
Theme music
No theme music has been created as of now but the organisers are looking for a flute and santoor-based music this year.
Looking back
Mudiali Club is one of the most renowned pujas in south Kolkata and is known for its creativity. In 2019, the club came up with a patachitra-based pandal which was very popular. In 2020, despite keeping the puja low-budget, the pandal was built using dokra work under the leadership of Gauranga Kuila.
Social work
Throughout the year, the club is associated with several social activities. Last year, the club provided financial assistance to a visually challenged student for two years. “We also bore a portion of the treatment cost of a cancer patient. Besides, we ran a year-long campaign against dengue and malaria in our locality. During the pandemic, we provided medical equipment and assistance to the COVID-affected families,” said Banerjee.
How to reach
The pandal is near Tollygunge and the nearest Metro station is Rabindra Sarobar. The bus stop after Southern Avenue is Mudiali. Pandal-hoppers can also take a train and get down at Tollygunge station and walk to the pandal which is just 500 metres from the station.
