What: The Telegraph Puja Premier League, powered by Supradyn Naturals Ginseng — Multivitamin for Men, in association with Baazar Kolkata
Where: 66 Pally
Theme: In its milestone 75th year, 66 Pally Durga Puja, with The Telegraph Puja Premier League, turns to the timeless theme of Shaktiroopa — the many radiant and fierce manifestations of the Divine Mother. The inspiration this year flows from Kerala’s sacred folk tradition of Theyyam, an art form that has for centuries embodied the essence of worship itself.
Theyyam, rooted in the legends of Chandika and Chamunda — protectors, destroyers of demons, and primordial powers of the cosmos — is not merely performance. It is a living ritual, where mortals transform into Gods through elaborate face paint, soaring headgears, and vibrant costumes. In the Theyyam tradition, voices resound with blessings, sorrows, and hopes; female Theyyams embody the motherhood of Parvati, while male Theyyams channel the presence of Shiva. It is worship, theatre, music, poetry, and painting converging into a transcendent experience.
66 PALLY 75TH YEAR 2025
At 66 Pally, this mystical spirit finds new life. The idols of Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesh, Kartik, and even Mahishasura appear in the fierce attire of Theyyam dancers — resplendent in painted expressions and ritual costumes. The pandal itself recreates the grandeur of a Kerala temple, adorned with massive stone lamps brought from the southern state. Around the pandal, towering headgears reminiscent of Theyyam regalia form striking elements of décor.
And as dusk falls, the sound of drums and chants will herald Theyyam performers who have journeyed from Kerala to Calcutta. With each beat, the 75th year of 66 Pally becomes more than a celebration — it becomes a communion of regions, a dialogue of traditions, a festival where Shakti herself walks among her children, fierce yet tender, eternal yet ever new.
Rooting for the club is: Srijit Mukherji, looking festive in a tangerine kurta. He said: “Visiting the first pandal of this Puja is special, but the 75th year of 66 Pally makes it even more memorable. This year’s theme is Shaktiroopa, inspired by Kerala’s Theyyam tradition, and it’s incredible. The events of the evening are also nostalgic in a way, these programmes take you back. For Puja plans, apart from parikramas, it’s mostly adda with friends and house parties, but walking through this pandal, seeing the devotion, colour, and artistry, it feels truly magical.”
Organiser speak: “Being my first year as president of 66 Pally is truly special — it feels like stepping into a legacy that’s been nurtured for 75 years. We wanted this milestone to feel extraordinary, something beyond the usual, and that’s why the idea of Theyyam resonated so strongly. It’s not just a visual spectacle; it’s a celebration of tradition, artistry, and devotion coming alive in the most vibrant way. Every idol, every corner of the pandal has been thoughtfully designed to feel powerful and immersive, yet never mechanical. For me, seeing the energy, the colours, and the devotion converge under one roof is incredibly moving — it’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community all at once,” said Nivedita Basu, president of 66 Pally Club.
66 PALLY 75TH YEAR 2025
“66 Pally has always been a landmark puja in the city, and celebrating its 75th year felt like a moment to do something truly memorable,” said Pradyumna Mukherjee, general secretary of 66 Pally Club, marking his 10th year in the role. “We wanted this edition to be out of the box, something that would resonate with people and remain unforgettable. That’s when we approached artist Gopal Poddar, whose deep research into folk dance, traditional artisans, and cultural practices made him the perfect collaborator. He suggested bringing the spirit of Theyyam into the pandal, and we immediately knew it was the direction we wanted,” he added.
Activities: The evening at 66 Pally unfolded like a festival of colour, sound, and devotion, bathing the pandal in joyous energy. Krishnendu Dutta set the tone with a long, ceremonial conch, its reverberations announcing the start of the celebrations. Snehakshi Paul Ray moved gracefully through the Shundori Komola dance, while little Liyana Bhattacharya stole hearts performing Durge Durge durgoti nashini in her little red-and-white sari, radiating innocence and festive charm. Angana Bhattacharya’s soulful recitation in praise of Goddess Durga, accompanied by Souvik Bhattacharya’s ethereal synthesiser melodies, added a lyrical rhythm to the evening. As the festivities continued, a heartfelt token of thanks was presented to Srijit, a warm gesture that wove together celebration, reverence, and the spirit of togetherness.
