I had arrived in Calcutta for the first time just before Durga Puja last year. So, I was still uninitiated as I went round judging at the previous edition of CESC The Telegraph True Spirit Puja.
However, after a year-long stay in the city I was literally looking forward to being part of the 16th edition this year.
I had experienced the festivities last year, visited Kumartuli this year and was already seven pujas down by Sashthi. So, I knew what to expect as the judge on Monday. The Kumartuli tour had taught me a lot. Still, the magnificence and diverse themes everywhere impressed me afresh.
After visiting four pujas in South Calcutta on Monday, I realised the crowd had got thicker since last year. It’s good that organisers are working towards hosting a safe puja but crowd control should be their priority. Many pandals are situated in narrow lanes, where controlling the teaming numbers at night can be a challenge.
The elaborate themes here compel me to draw a parallel with the carnival in Brazil, where every Samba school would choose a theme for their floats and work on it year-long.
My first stop was the Jodhpur Park Saradiya Utsab, where I was impressed with the eco-friendly theme. The organisers were promoting the jute industry and thus the interior of the pandal was made of jute. We got to see artistic depictions of a scene from Panther Panchali and Howrah bridge, both an intrinsic part of Bengal’s life and culture. I like the way the organisers had tried to cut down on the use of plastic here. Jute mills may have closed down in Bengal but in Germany, jute is appreciated as a eco-friendly product and is growing in popularity. The puja went on to win a five star and I cannot fault its arrangements. I also checked their first-aid box, which was quite well stocked. Only I wish the ramp was better.
Next, we dropped in at the Shyamapally Shyama Sangha in the Jadavpur area. This puja won a four star. Though they had done their True Spirit homework, the crowd control could have been better. I see people more aware of the safety measures this year but I hope there is proper check every single day of the festival, and not just when the judges visit.
Our third stop was at Pally Mangal Samity, Taltala ground. The theme on oxygen and environment hazards was quite interesting. It got three stars. The organisers claimed they used all bio-degradable material which got them a brownie point. I wish more and more organisers would resort to mud, clay, straws and other eco-friendly materials so as not to pollute the water during immersion.
Our last stop — Mitali Sangha — in Lake Gardens won my heart with its simplicity. What I liked best here were the different illustrations depicting various festivals and rituals of Bengal. The organisers had involved young artists of the neighbourhood, thus staying true to the community spirit of the festival. I also liked the traditional flavour of the idol.
On the whole my Durga Puja experience this year has left me enriched yet again. But this is not the end. I am already looking forward to some more pandal hopping with friends from Germany. When in Calcutta how can you not soak in the flavours of the city around this time of the year? Lets hope next year I will be back to tell some more festival tales with new friends from my country.
