Actress Debasree Roy at the inauguration of AE (Part I) puja on Tuesday. Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

Block: CG

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 7 lakh

Location: CG Block Green Verge

The look: To commemorate Swami Vivekananda on his 150th birth anniversary year, the block will install statues of Swamiji, Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi in front of the pandal. Inside, the idol will be adorned in daker saj.

Fun funda: On Saptami morning, there will be two contests — for “beautiful hair” and “beautiful face” for which contestants will have to face questions as well as look their best. In the evening, two troupes will perform Manipuri and mixed classical dance. Another group will perform Hindi and Bengali songs. On Ashtami, there will be antakshari in the morning. In the evening a dhunuchi dance contest will be followed by the dance drama Chitrangada by block children. Resident Tapas Ray will play the mouth organ. Guest artiste July Dasgupta will sing folk numbers. Then Mastul, a theatre group, will stage Ekti Abastab Golpo. On Navami, residents will strut the ramp in a fashion show vying for the “best dressed” title. The block’s four-membered Gan family will present a piece Unmilan — a kobita collage. A children’s guest group will then present dance drama Kal Mrigaya and Tripti Sen will present Bengali songs followed by a dance programme by Nabanritya Dance Centre and inmates of Dum Dum Central Correctional Home. On Dashami, a troupe will sing Mohd. Rafi hits.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, alu bhaja, potol bhaja, labra, chutney, payesh, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, alur dum, chholar dal, alu paneer curry, chutney, payesh, jilipi. Navami- pulao, dhokar dalna, chhanar kofta, chutney, payesh, mishti. Dashami (dinner)- radhaballavi, chholar dal, paneer curry, chicken curry, salad, mishti.

Block: CJ

Year: 28th

Budget: Rs 11 lakh

Location: CJ Park

The look: The theme is a blend of Bengal and Odisha culture as was prevalent at the time of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The Bengali artiste Swapan Pal has hired experienced hands from Odisha to build miniatures of Lord Jagannath’s chariot wheels, statues as well as quintessential items from rural Bengal. The artefacts will be lined from the park’s gate right up to the pandal. The gods inside, their clothes and jewellery — all will be made of clay.

Fun funda: Two dance dramas by children — Chikitsha Sankat and Rakkhosh Bodh Pala — will be put up on Saptami. On Ashtami a guest troupe will present ballet. Singer Srabani Sen will perform.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, sukto, tarkari, chutney, payesh. Ashtami- those opting for luchi will be served dal. Others will get khichuri and a panchmisheli tarkari. All will be served vegetable chop, chutney, payesh. Navami- pulao, chop, paneer, tarkari, chutney, payesh. Ekadashi- rice, machher matha diye dal, tarkari, mutton, chutney, mishti, ice cream. Vegetarians will get dal and paneer.

Block: CK-CL

Year: 27th

Budget: Rs 22 lakh

Location: CK-CL Park

The look: The terra cotta pandal is based on Bishnupur’s rash mancha. The idol will have Bangla mukh with daaker saaj. The jewellery will have bronze finish.

Fun funda: On Saptami, women will sing Rabindrasangeet, Nazrulgeeti, songs of Rajnikanta and Atul Prasad etc. Girls will present a semi-classical dance item. On Ashtami residents will present Hindi songs and then singer Srabani Sen will perform. Navami will see singer Prasun Bagchi perform modern Hindi and Bengali songs. Dance troupe Mudra will perform a dance item based on Durga.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, ghee, moog dal, jhuri alu bhaja with nuts, paneer, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, bandhakopir tarkari, begun bhaja, vegetable kofta, papad, chutney, bonde. Navami- rice, moog dal, bhaja, potoler dorma, tarkari/fish kalia, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami (dinner)- siddhi, chhana batura, dimer devil, pulao, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: DA

Year: 33rd

Budget: Rs 6.5 lakh

Location: DA Block community hall

The look: The mandap will resemble a village hut made of clay with a hay roof. The interiors are being done up with Sohrai and Khovar tribal art forms of Jharkhand. The idol is traditional.

Fun funda: On Saptami children will present a dance recital showcasing the neglect of the girl child at home. Guest singer Anita Chattopadhyay will then take stage. On Ashtami block youths will perform a dance recital. Next, three small audio dramas Aguntuk, Korta Ginni Somachar and Sundor will be put up. On Navami, guest dance group Bijoyini will present a fusion dance and residents will perform dandiya.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, bhaja, fulkopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, pulao, fulkopi roast, chhanar kofta, chutney, papad, doi, mishti. Navami- kochuri, mixed vegetables, dahi vada, gulab jamun.

Block: DB

Year: 34th

Budget: Rs 3.5 lakh

Location: DB Block community hall

The look: The pandal and idol will be traditional.

Fun funda: On Saptami, Kolkata Uchchhas will perform a dance recital, directed by Sonali Basak. Ashtami is reserved for an orchestra band and resident Karabi Chowdhury’s folk and modern songs. Dance group Sur O Nikkon will present a dance recital on Navami.

Food fiesta: Sashthi (dinner): luchi, alur dum, mixed vegetables, mishti. Saptami- vegetable pulao, vegetable kofta, mixed vegetables, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi/rice, paneer fry, fulkopi alur tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami (dinner): luchi, chholar dal, alur dum, darbesh.

Block: DL

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 20 lakh

Location: DL Park

DL Block

The look: Keep an eye out for Durga’s mount at this pandal, for it won’t look like the usual lion. Legend has it that the lion is a descendant of the mrigyaraj, a much larger, white horse-like animal. So Durga’s mount here will be a mrigyaraj. Durga herself will be in her Jogomaya roop, as envisioned by the sage Kashyap while in meditation. The pandal will be done up with an item that was once an essential part of our lives — handfans made of taal leaves. For weeks before Puja, hundreds of taal leaves were brought to the pandal and artisans made fans out of them. There will also be clay pots, dolls and lampshades made of jute.

Fun funda: On Saptami, resident Sutapa Bandyopadhyay will play the Hawaiian guitar and women will enact Shyamakanta Das’s Becharamer Biye, directed by resident Hellen Kuira. Ashtami features a music programme called Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol, a keyboard recital by resident Sunaina Mitra and a dance recital by girls. The youth will also stage the social drama Na Talk, a pun on Bengali word “natok”. On Navami, women will present audio drama Kreme kreme prosthan. Next dances from various states of India will be staged. Senior citizens will present the play Dorkari bilombo.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, begun bhaja, payesh, papad, chutney. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, Kashmiri alur dum, pulao, soyabean curry, chutney, papad, gulab jam. Navami- rice, alu bhaja, machher matha diye bandhakopi, fish curry, dhokar dalna, paneer curry, chutney, papad, ice cream. Dashami- mutton biriyani, salad, burani.

Block: EC

Year: 38th

Budget: Rs 10 lakh

Location: EC Park

The look: The mandap is a replica of the Birla temple of Jaipur.

Fun funda: On Saptami, children will stage Pujar Saaj. Residents will present the audio drama Bouma Bonam Shasuri. On Ashtami, residents will stage Rama, based on Saratchandra Chattopadhyay’s novella Palli Samaj.

Navami will feature Tagore’s drama Shamanyo Kshoti and then a musical recital by ladies. Vijaya Sammelani will take place on October 20 with singer Parthasarathi and elocutionist Medha taking stage together.

Food fiesta: Saptami- pulao, chhanar kofta, bhaja, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, bhaja, alu potoler tarkari, chutney, payesh, mishti. Navami- khichuri, bhaja, labra, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: EE

Year: 16th

Budget: Rs 16 lakh

Location: EE Park

The look: The theme of the puja is “Mor hridi padma majhe gouri ma beeraje” (Gouri ma resides in my heart). So the mandap is a snow-clapped mountain representing Mount Kailash. The interior is decorated with kulos and fishing baskets. The Mohan Bashi Rudra Pal idol has a contemporary look.

Fun funda: A puppet show Nil Kamal Lal Kamal will be put up on Saptami by the group Goss and Boss. On Ashtami, guest singers will perform. On Navami, guest artist Mallar Ghosh and his team will present a collage of songs, dance and poetry.

Food fiesta: Ashtami- khichuri, labra, alu pakora, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- peas pulao, vegetable chop, navaratna curry, chicken curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: FC

Year: 30th

Budget: Rs 4 lakh

Location: FC Block community hall

The look: The mandap is a replica of Cooch Behar Rajbari and a huge chandelier will hang from the ceiling inside. The idol will be traditional.

Fun funda: On Dwadashi residents will stage Manoj Mitra’s play Kothai Jabo. Children will perform a dance drama based on folk music.

Former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar tries his hand at playing the dhak at the inauguration of the FD Block pandal on Tritiya evening. With him are (from left) councillor Debashis Jana, puja president Pradip Sengupta and civic chairperson Krishna Chakraborty. (Bishwarup Dutta)

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- fried rice, Kashmiri alur dum, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: FD

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 60 lakh

Location: FD Park

The look: The puja shows step by step how Ma Durga was armed. There are images, in the act, of each of the gods — Indra to Agni to Varun — who handed Her a replica of His weapon. At the centre is the main Mahishasuramardini idol. The puja being a protest against violence against women, clustered near the entrance are figures of women under attack.

Fun funda: On Saptami, residents will stage an audio drama after which Diptorup Chakraborty will recite. A dance programme directed by resident Saptarshi Bhaumik will be followed by a children’s play, directed by Pompiya Basu Nath. The last act is Tagore’s Malancha, presented as an audio drama. Ashtami will feature a dance drama, a musical programme and a comedy No Problem by residents. On Navami, the prize distribution will take place for contests that took place in the block round the year.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, shukto, dal, alu pakora, macher matha diye tarkari/ mixed vegetable, fish curry, chutney, mishti. Ashtami- khichuri, luchi, chholar dal, dhokar dalna, beguni, Kashmiri alur dom, tarkari, chutney. Navami- pulao, mutton kasha, rice, dal, alu bhaja, badhakopir tarkari, chutney, mishti.

Block: FE

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 36 lakh

Location: FE Park

The look: The theme being Sekal Theke Ekal, the pandal is modelled on the Cossimbazar Rajbari. The puja office resembles a kachharibari, the stage for cultural programmes a jalshaghar. Photographs old and new of the city’s monuments like Victoria Memorial, Shahid Minar, Esplanade and Howrah Bridge adorn the pandal walls. Lights from Chandernagore showcase Chhota Bheem characters, reflecting modern times. The vicinity is lit up with gas lights. A vintage landaulet and a palki stand parked in front of the pandal. Songs of Gauhar Jaan, Akhtari Bai and Ramkumar Chattopadhyay play on the loudspeaker.

Fun funda: Saptami will start with songs by Indriyesh Sengupta and the trio of Poulami Das, Chandrima Das and Aratrika Saha. This is followed by Gouri Kundu’s dance, Shwechchhadhara Dasgupta’s recitation and Soumili Raha’s songs and a collage of poems by block children. On Ashtami, there is a piano recital by Diya Mitra and an audio drama by Bharati Dey. Next will be an adda on Pujas then and now by residents from 7.45pm, punctuated by self-composed poetry by local poets. Navami evening features dhaki dance, dhunuchi dance and baul songs by Brajagopal Das. On Ekadashi, there will be a dance collage titled Bharat Ek Khoj and a musical extravaganza titled Chander Mayay by residents. On Dwadashi, a dance item will be followed by residents staging Manoj Mitra’s Kenaram Becharam. On Trayodashi, at 7.30pm, Soumitra Chatterjee will star in the play Kurbani.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, begun bhaja, chutney, bonde, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, fried rice, chholar dal, alur dom, matar paneer, chutney, papad, ladykeni. Navami- rice, dal, bhaja, fish curry, mutton kalia, chutney mishti.

Block: GC

Year: 29th

Budget: RS 6.5 lakh

Location: GC Block community hall

The look: The idol would be a traditional ekchala one.

Fun funda: On Saptami resident Kalipada Sarkar would perform a magic show. Next will be a dance recital directed by Soma Roy, who has a dance school in the block. On Ashtami night, Ashmita Kar of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs fame will perform. Next would be recitation by Kumar Shankar Sadhu. Another guest artist Partha Bose will sing modern songs. On Navami guest artiste Bibhabendu Bhattacharya will present modern songs.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, alu bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- fried rice, paneer curry, soyabean curry, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- pulao, paneer pakora, phulkopi alur tarkari, navratna curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: GD

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 16 lakh

Location: GD Block community hall

The look: The mandap will be an imaginary temple and the idol will be Rudra rupini.

GD Block

Fun funda: On Saptami, GD Block-based dance group Chhandam would present a piece based on Hindi songs and in-house group Rhythm will present western dance. On Ashtami magician K.P. Sarkar will take stage. Guest artist Sayan Biswas will sing baul songs. Navami will begin with a dance performance by guest troupe Bhavna. Next up will be a musical extravaganza where singers like Anwesha Dutta, Subhankar Sinha and Bikash of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs will take stage. On Ekadashi, guest artist Prasun Bagchi will sing modern songs.

BG Block

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, begun bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- pulao, chhanar dalna, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, chhnyachra, choice of mutton/fish, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami- vegetable fried rice, fish/chicken, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: HA

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: HA Block community hall

The look: The mandap will be shaped like a hut and the interiors will be done up with Chhau dance masks, painted earthen pots and patachitra art depicting tales of Mangal Kavya. The goddess would be adorned in daker saj.

Fun funda: On Saptami, guest Jishnu Dasgupta will sing modern songs and a group will present contemporary dance based on Nachiketa’s songs. Ashtami evening’s attraction is torja gaan. A Bangla band comprising residents of the block as well as outsiders will be up next on stage. Navami features a magic show by A. Sarkar. All-woman poetry band Uran will perform next.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, bhaja, tarkari, fish, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, alur dum, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, sukto, dal, bhaja, choice of chicken/fish, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami (dinner)- pulao, alur dum, mishti.

Block: HB

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: HB Block community hall

The look: The interior of the mandap is being decorated with earthen pots, each of which have been painted with the seven colours of the rainbow. At the centre will be one huge pot of 20 ft diameter. This pot will have the story of Daksha Yajna painted on it. The colours on the pot will symbolise the diversity of the Indians belonging to different regions and religions. The idol would be traditional.

Fun funda: On Saptami Anwesha Dutta and Debanshu Dutta of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs fame would perform.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, alu bhaja, chutney, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, alur dum, chutney, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, chhnyachra, mutton, chutney, mishti.

(Vegetarian)- pulao, phulkopi roast, navratna korma, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: IA

Year: 28th

Budget: Rs 14 lakh

Location: IA Park

The look: The pandal will be inspired by the architecture of old temples of Bengal and the idol would be traditional.

Fun funda: On Saptami, children will stage a comedy Tekka. A collection of songs written by Dwijendralal Ray will also be performed to mark the poet’s 150th birth anniversary. Women of the block will also stage a social satire Swapno Siddha. Ashtami will see theatre group Somikkhon performing Lullu and on Navami residents will put up a dance drama, Dosh avataar and a comedy, Boudir Biye.

BF Block

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, bhaja, paneer, chutney, papad, ice cream. Ashtami- khichuri, labra, begun bhaja, chutney, papad, payesh. Navami- rice, dal, bhaja, alu kopir tarkari, choice of mutton/ fish/ paneer, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: JC

Year: 15th

Budget: Rs 3 lakh

Location: JC Park

The look: Both the mandap and the idol would be traditional.

Fun funda: On Saptami residents will stage an audio drama Taapa O Taapi written by

Banani Mukhopadhyay. On Ashtami guest artist Olivia Jaslin will

sing a medley of modern and folk songs. Block residents will present Anandadhara Bohichhe Bhuboney, a collage of music and poetry directed by Shikha Chatterjee, on Navami. This would be followed by an audio drama Biliti Pishi by residents. The final item would be the play Factor X, directed by Mainak Sengupta.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, tarkari, fish curry, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, bhaja, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami- rice, dal, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti.

Housing complex: Labony

Year: 39th

Budget: Rs 9 lakh

Location: Ground inside the housing complex

The look: The pandal is modelled on the Ramakrishna Ashram in Nimpith and the idol will be traditional.

Fun funda: There will be an audio drama by residents on Ekadashi and on Dwadashi will be a second audio drama and the children’s play titled Pagla Dashu.

Food fiesta: Ashtami- khichuri, beguni, labra, bandhakopir tarkari, chutney, bonde.

Pictures by Bishwarup Dutta