Motherhood to pandemic and inequality to hibiscus, Kali pujas depict diverse themes

Theme Durga pujas have been a thing for several years now but theme Kali pujas have caught on, too, over the past few years.

My Kolkata takes a look at some popular theme Kali pujas

Photo by Barisha Shanti Sangha

Barisha Shanti Sangha

In its 73^rd year, the club’s theme is Bhoot Chaturdashi. The organisers have also focused on the plight of the migrating labourers during the pandemic. “There are two large diyas in the pandal. One signifies stability while the other depicts instability,” said Gaurab Sengupta, assistant secretary of the club.

Photo by Shyama Pally Shyama Sangha

Shyama Pally Shyama Sangha

Millions of humans struggle for existence as inequality prevails everywhere. “Our theme is based on the have-nots and those who sacrifice their lives for others. They live in pain like Bhishma Pitamah did in the battle of Kurukshetra,” said Abhirup Dasgupta from the club near Jadavpur.

Photo by Mainak Club

Mainak Club

The club, in its 48^th year, depicts the basic relationship between God and the devotee. “A giant earthen pot has been installed in front of the main pandal and a clay model of a foetus has been placed in it. It depicts the creation and the creator and that the world is incomplete without either of them,” said Subhojit Pal, secretary, the club’s secretary.

Photo by Bijoygarh 6 Palli Sarbojanin Shyama Puja Committee

Bijoygarh 6 Palli Sarbojanin Shyama Puja Committee

Celebrating its 10^th year, the puja has showcased the struggle of a father. “The theme titled ‘Chhaya’ shows how a father, like a canopy, provides shelter to his family,” said Rabi Dutta, joint secretary of the club.

Photo by Girish Park Five-Star Sporting Club

Girish Park Five-Star Sporting Club

Motherhood is the theme of this 63-year-old puja. Whatever the financial and social status, a mother always takes care of her child and tries to give her child the best. Soumya Bakshi, an organizer, said, “We are worshipping motherhood with goddess Kali and have decorated the pandal on these lines.”

Photo by South Dumdum Avenue Sporting Club

South Dumdum Avenue Sporting Club

Kali Puja isn’t complete without hibiscus flowers and the 57-year-old club has used the flower as its theme. A 12-feet painting of goddess Kali has been placed on a giant model of a hibiscus flower inside the pandal. “Each corner of the pandal has been decorated in a different way,” said an organiser.