Block: AA

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 12.50 lakh

Location: In front of the community hall

The look: The theme is lord Jagannath and so all the art in the pandal — sculpture, paintings etc — will depict Jagannath, Balaram, Subhadra and their chariot. The idol too will have influences of the theme. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be children’s dance drama Chitrangada. On Saptami will be a women’s musical programme Bhinno Sur Bhabna Ek, featuring songs from around the country, and a humourous play Ghete Ghaw. Written by resident Debashis Dutta, it is the story of four men trying to help a friend find a bride with disastrous consequences. On Ekadoshi, singers Sudipto and Payel, of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, will perform. An audio drama will also be staged. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Rice, mug dal, alu pakora, mixed vegetable korma, dhokar dalna, papad, mixed fruit chutney, mishti. Ashtami- Khichuri, chholar dal, veg chop, Kashmiri alur dom, papad, chutney, mishti. Navami- Gobindobhog chaler khichuri, beguni, labra, papad, chutney, payesh. 

Block: AB

Year: 37th  

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: Outside the community hall

The look: The pandal will be a replica of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the idol will be traditional.

Fun funda: The block’s ladies’ group Utsha will perform music on Sashthi, followed by the kids’ drama Mama Bhagne, recitation and a synthesizer show. On Saptami will be a dance programme titled Nrityer Dali. There will be music and a play Chotushkon on Asthami. On Navami, women will stage Manoj Mitra’s Pakhi followed by a musical programme dedicated to soldiers of India.

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, beguni, mixed vegetable, papad, chutney, mishti. Asthami- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, bonde, chutney, papad. Navami- Fried rice, chhanar kofta, dhokar dalna, aamer chutney, papad, mishti. Dwadoshi (dinner)- Biryani and chicken chaap.

Block: AC

Year: 39th 

Budget: Rs 15 lakh

Location: Community hall and park

The look: The pandal resembles a tribal hut and the idol is traditional.

Fun funda: Kids will stage Hingshute Daitya and Sukumar Ray’s Lakshmaner Shaktishel on Sashthi. On Saptami, residents will stage Tagore’s Kalmrigaya and ladies will perform the audio drama Biliti Pishi. There will be Hindi and Bengali music on Ashtami and on Navami will be the play Alokanandar Rudra Kanya. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Rice, dal, alu bhaja, sukto, phulkopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh. Asthami- Khichuri, luchi, alur dom, beguni, chhyachra, kachkolar kofta, chutney, payesh. Navami- Pulao, chhannar kalia, chanar cutlet, chutney, mishti.

Block: AD

Year: 38th 

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: Outside the community hall

The look: The pandal resembles a natmandir and the idol is traditional.

Fun funda: On Sashthi, women will present agomoni songs and a collage of poems and music. Salt Lake-based musical group Abhog will sing and there will be a Hawaiian guitar performance. On Saptami, residents will present drama and music and on Navami, a young resident will play the sarod. The play Madhu Chandrima will also be staged by residents.

Food fiesta: Saptami- Fried rice, chholar dal, beguni, tarkari, papad, chutney, mishti. Asthami- Khichuri, labra, chhannar kofta, finger chips, chutney, mishti. Navami (on extra payment)- Rice, mutton curry. 

Block: AE (Part 1)

Year: 33rd 

Budget: Rs 22 lakh

Location: An empty plot next to AE (Part 1) park 

The look: The theme — Amar Durga — believes that the women around us are no less than the goddess. The first section of the pandal has huge paintings of women at work, at home caring for children etc. The second portion has two giant diyas, measuring 40-ft across, on either side with 10,000 small diyas inside them and a Shivaling emerges from the centre. The final portion uses cotton, glass, bells and soft lighting to represent heaven. Here, in the presence of Durga, it is the statue of a mortal woman who is shown to be slaying the heads of 11 Asuras. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi, an in-house teenagers’ band Metronome will take stage followed by Bharatanatyam performance by students of Milan Adhikari, who teaches dance at the block’s community hall. Saptami will have a music-and-dance programme Pancha Pradeeper Alo featuring songs by the five greats — Tagore, Nazrul, Rajanikanta, Atul Prasad and Dwijendralal Ray. The music will be directed by Sumita Lodh and dance by Shelly Mukherjee. Senior citizens will present an audio drama Gandharir Abedan. Kids will enact Tagore’s Juto Abishkar on Ashtami and a dance show Retro-Metro, featuring Hindi songs, old and new. Father-daughter duo Syed Rabiul Kabir and Samreen Kabir will recite Karna Kunti Sangbad.
Parama Chatterjee, a resident who teaches music in the block, will present a show with her students. On Navami, women will enact Gou Gabou Gabah. This is a comedy about a constable catching a cow for sporting horns in a no-horn area. Four girls will present a collage of Bharatanatyam and Odissi dances and a differently-abled boy Apurba Ghosh will sing and recite. Subho Gupta Bhaya, a resident and professional elocutionist, will lead a recitation group. On Dashami evening there will be quiz and antakshri for kids. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Pulao, veg chop, dhokar dalna, matter paneer, chutney, bonde. Ashtami- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, mixed vegetable, chutney, bonde, semuir payesh. Navami- Khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, payesh.

Block: AE (Part 2)

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 20 lakh

Location: AE (Part 2) Park 

The look: Nature is the highest power, believes this puja. So the pandal is shaped like a hut covered with plants. Inside is a jungle setting with models of trees, flowers, snakes, squirrels and frogs. The sound effects are being provided by Moumita Roy, an HA Block resident who has won a national award for audiography earlier this year. The goddess would be dressed like a rural woman, in a white sari with red border, shakha-pola etc.  

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be a dance performance by students of Malashree, the Odissi dance school at the community hall. Kids will stage two plays — Sreenath Bohurupi and Bhim Bodh Pala. On Saptami ladies will stage a play Otho Bhogoboti Upakkhan and performers of the information and culture office will present tribal dance. Asthami will see a recitation — Kotha Nadi - and guest Raibeshe dancers will showcase their martial dance form. On Ekadashi, a guest singer will sing a variety of songs.

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, finger chips, veg pakora, chutney, papad, chaler payesh. Ashtami- Luchi/ rice, chholar dal, fry, alur dom, chutney, papad, semuir payesh, Navami- Pulao, paneer curry, fry, stuffed potato, chutney, papad, chaler payesh.

Block: AG

Year: 30th

Budget: Rs 4 lakh

Location: Community hall 

The look: The theme is Madhubani art and is being executed — not by professional theme-makers but — by women of the block. 

Fun funda: There will be miscellaneous programmes by residents on Vijaya Dashami on October 14.  

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, bhaja, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Kochuri/ fried rice, bhaja, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- Rice, dal, bhaja, tarkari, fish/ mutton, chutney, mishti. 

Block: AH

Year: 33rd 

Budget: Rs 11 lakh

Location: Two adjacent empty plots, AH 210 and AH 235. Enter from the Tank 7 approach.

The look: A tunnel-like entrance leads to a big peacock-shaped pandal. Dry leaves and flowers, in soft colours, have been brought from Odisha to decorate the jungle that the peacock stands in. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi, kids stage Sukumar Ray’s Lakshmaner Shaktishel and on Saptami, the block’s ladies wing will stage Rongurer Ranga Mashi, a dance collage of songs from the ’60s. There will be folk music and more dance on Ashtami and on Navami will be recitation and music by elderly residents and folk songs by guest artist. Singer Priyambada Banerjee will perform on Dashami.

Food fiesta: Ashtami- Luchi, chholar dal, vegetable chop, alu phulkopir tarkari, fried rice, chilli paneer, chutney, papad, rosogolla. Navami- khichuri, labra, beguni, alur dom, chutney, payesh, mishti.

Block: AJ 

Year: 32th

Budget: Rs 14 lakh

Location: AJ Park 

The look: A colourful tourist spot of Jaipur — Chokhi Dhani — has been recreated. It is an open-air rural set-up of mud houses and roofs of hay. There is a watchtower, models of camels and shehnai players…all illuminated by around 300 hurricane lamps. Outside are food stalls selling Rajasthani food. The idol has a traditional face but the attire has a touch of the desert state. 

Fun funda: Sashthi will begin with Puja-related music by the block’s Angana club at 6am. In the evening will be a music item titled Sure Sure Sur Milate and kids’ dances. There will also be Rabindrasangeet by singers Monoj Murali and Manisha Murali Nayar. On Saptami morning will be Chandipath by resident Narayan Rakshit and in the evening will be music, dance, Kobita Collage by residents Monalisha Sil and Seema Mondal, and a music item called Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. Ashtami evening will see recitation and a dance programme called Festivals of India. There will also be guest singers. Navami will have dance by little Madhurja Ghosal, a comedy drama Tele Jole and music by guest artistes. On Dashami will be music, recitation by residents and music by guest artistes. On Ekadashi, residents will perform dhunuchi and dandiya dance. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, labra, alur pakora, alur dom, amshwattar chutney, payesh. Ashtami- Luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, tomato chutney, bonde. Navami- Basanti pulao, potoler dorma, shahi paneer, kumro bhaja, plastic chutney, kulfi.

Block: AK

Year: 29th

Budget: Rs 25 lakh

Location: AK Park

The look: Bapai Sen’s beautiful pandal highlights the craft of 12 districts of Bengal and their diversity using natural products. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi, Melody, an  orchestra, takes stage. On Saptami, BK Block residents present a programme. On Ashtami, it is fusion band Banjara Notes.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, sukto, beuli dal, alu posto, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Khichudi, labra, beguni, alur dam, payesh, chutney, papad. Navami-  Salad, fish butter fry (paneer butter fry for veg), pulao/fried rice, fulkobi roast, fish  kalia (dhokar dalna for vegetarians) chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: AL 

Year: 18th

Budget: Rs 6.5 lakh

Location: AL Park 

The look: The pandal resembles a south Indian temple and the idol is traditional. 

Fun funda: An antakshari will take place on Sashthi morning and in the evening will be recitation, music and dance. Women will also stage Narayan Gangopadhyay’s Bharatey Chai. Besides miscellaneous programmes on Ashtami, a troupe from the government’s dance drama division will perform Gheratok. Women of the block will present another dance drama Loukik Durga. On Navami will be dance, recitation and folk songs by the block women titled Madol Bashir Surey. Women can take part in a conchshell-blowing contest on Dashami morning. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, bhaja, papad, chutney, mishti. Ashtami- radhaballavi, alur dom, pulao, chilli paneer, Navami- rice, fish kalia, dal, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami- rice, mutton, chutney, papad. 

Block: BA 

Year: 37th

Budget: Rs 9 lakh

Location: Community hall and adjacent park 

The look: The theme is kites and the pandal has been decorated with colourful kites and spools. The idol is traditional  

Fun funda: After inauguration on Sashthi, will be agomoni songs by women. On Saptami will be an Anandamela, where women will sell home-made food, followed by a quiz. On Ashtami, residents can take part in dhunuchi dance and a conchshell-blowing contest. On Navami will be dandiya dance and a game show for women called Didi no 1. On Ekadashi, children will stage a dance drama Keshavati Kanya and others will present Down Memory Lane, a collage of dances to old Hindi songs. On Dwadashi women will present a musical programme named Krishnakatha and youths will present a play Pandit Boday. On Traydwashi men will stage Joga Khichuri, directed by Subrata Hore and women will stage Ei Juger Subarna Golok, directed by his wife Satarupa Hore. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, sukto, narkel diye chholar dal, chhanar dhalna, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, darbesh. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, badhakopir ghonto, chutney, papad, bonde. Navami- khichuri, labra, beguni, alur pakora, badhakopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh, darbesh. Ekadashi (dinner)- dimmer devil, mutton biriyani, chicken dopyaza, chutney, papad, rosogolla, ice cream. 

Block: BB 

Year: 43rd 

Budget: Rs 18 lakh

Location: BB community hall

The look: The theme is “Puraton ke phire pawa” and the pandal resembles a typical zamindar house. 

Fun funda: On Ekadashi, women will stage a collage of Tagore’s puja songs titled Tomari Gaan Geye and youths will dance. On Dwadashi, they will stage a drama and a dance on Radha-Krishna titled Rai Amader. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, ghee, notey shak bori bhaja, alu bhaja, sukto, gajor koraishutir mug dal, dhokar dalna, alu phulkopir tarkari, aamer chutney, papad, payesh, rosogolla. Astami- radhaballavi, alur dom, veg chop, bandhakopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh, mihidana. Navami- khichuri, labra, beguni, mixed vegetable, chutney, papad, payesh, bonde. Vijaya Dashami (October 23)- rice, ghee, alu bhaja, machcher mathar chhyachra, alu phulkopir torkari, doi katla, mutton curry, chutney, papad, komola bhog, ice cream.

Block: BC 

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 23 lakh

Location: Plot next to community hall 

The look: The pandal will be shaped like an old zamindar house and the idol, by Pradip Rudra Pal, will be traditional 
Fun funda: On Sashthi will be miscellaneous items by residents and on Saptami Anjana Saha and Chaitali Mukherjee will present music. Married women of the block will also take part in a contest called Sreemati BC Block. Dressed in traditional attire, they will be judged on their talents, general knowledge, presence of mind etc. On Ashtami will be a dhunuchi dance contest and on Navami women will stage Chandan Sen’s play Darpan Sakshi. For Vijaya Dashami, Jagannath and Urnimala Basu will perform an audio drama on October 16. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, labra, alur dom, chutney, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, alu phulkopir tarkari, chutney, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, jhuri alu bhaja, alu potol mutton curry, chutney, mishti. Dashami- pulao, corn chop, mixed vegetables, fish masala, chutney, papad, ice cream.

Block: BD

Year: 38th

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: BD Park

The look: It’s a piece of rural Bengal. The pandal has a khorer chal. There are six dhaner golas at a side. The idol is traditional.

Fun funda: On Sashthi morning, a drawing competition will be held for the kids of the block. In the evening, Soma Basu will sing agomoni songs, followed by dance directed by Sharmila Dutta and Sathi Dutta. Tarun Goswami will present “singing whistling” after this. On Saptami, a tribal dance performance will open the evening after which block residents take over. The band Focus will sing folk songs. Ashtami will see a conch-blowing and candle lighting contests. In the evening, Debolina Chakraborty's Mon Fakira trio take stage. Navami, will witness a recitation by Barnali Sarkar followed by a prize distribution ceremony and a musical programme.

Food fiesta: Ashtami- luchi, alur dom, bnadhakopir torkari, khichudi, beguni, payesh, bnode. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, fish kalia, pulao, chutney, papad, mishti. 

Block: BE (EAST)

Year: 37th

Budget: Rs 17 lakh

Location: An empty plot at BE 365

The look: A world of illusion using diffused light has been created in keeping with the theme Mahamaya. Since all forms of life starts and ends in earth, the Devi is seen to be standing in the middle of a spiral which extends both upwards and downwards. A sage sits outside in meditation. 

Fun funda: Dance troupe Bijoyini led by Debarati Ghosh will perform from 7.30pm on Sashthi. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichudi, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Radhaballavi, alur dom, paneer, mishti. Navami-Rice, fish kalia, alur torkari, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: BE (WEST)

Year: 33rd

Budget: Rs 10 lakh

Location: BE Park

The look: Sanatan Rudrapal's idol is decked in clay sari and ornaments. The pandal looks like a two-storeyed temple. 

Fun funda: Sashthi- Inaugural songs by Megha, Priyanka and Mrinalini. Soumyadip Basu will present a dance item. The block kids will put up Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Saptami- The Be Block Ladies Forum will stage Manoj Mitra's play Bonojyotsna. Ashtami- Block kids Sayan Sanyal and Ilina Dutta will sing. Tanay Chaturvedi will play drums. Children will present a fashion show at the end. Navami- Quiz and antakshari. Programmes start at 7.30pm every evening. On October 12, there will be a Vijaya Sammelani where guest artiste Jessica Sen will perform. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichudi, labda, beguni, chutney, mishti, papad. Ashtami- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, bnode, papad, chutney. Navami: Pea pulao, navaratan curry, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: BF 

Year: 38th

Budget: Rs 12.5 lakh 

Location: BF children’s park 

The look: The puja turns the spotlight to the unsung artisans who create dokra items. So there are thermocol and plaster of Paris models of the artisans at work, all given a dokra finish. There also horses, elephants, people playing music etc. in the backdrop of black, gold and silver-like finish.  

Fun funda: The mayor will inaugurate the puja on Sashthi and children of an NGO Yahvi Charitable Trust would be felicitated. Residents will welcome the goddess with songs and a dance drama based on Rabindrasangeet. Saptami will see recitation, dance and a dance drama Amar Durga. On Ashtami will be solo violin, music and a play Khule Dao Dwar. A guest artiste will present Rabindrasangeet. On Navami will be dance, recitation and the Bangla band Pegasus. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- kichuri, bhaja, labra, chutney, papad, darbesh. Ashtami- luchi, cholar dal, alur dom, peas pulao, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, payesh. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, potoler dhorma, maacher kalia, chutney. Dashami- Dum pulao, dhoka, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, bonde.

Block: BG 

Year: 32th

Budget: Rs 16 lakh

Location: BG community hall and the space outside 

The look: The puja promotes dokra art and so there will be dolls and other specimens around the pandal. The idol has a metallic finish. 

Fun funda: Sashthi will see dance, music, recitation, Sanjib Chattopadhyay's audio drama — Shandhane Bhalo Chhele Achey — and Badal Sarkar’s play Sararattir. On Saptami, Snigdha Kar Acharya will conduct a scripted Rabindrasangeet item by ladies. There will also be dance and a quiz. Ashtami will see recitation, dance and a play by women on Shyamal Mukhopadhyay’s Lord Cornwalisser Chhata, directed by Suman Sengupta. On Navami will be a sitar recital, songs and dance. On Ekadashi, residents will present Sailesh De’s play Joy Ma Kali Boarding. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, veg pakora, special labra, phulkopi alurtarkari, tomato chutney, papad, payesh, gulab jamun, pan masala. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, Kashmiri alur dom, begun basanti, indrapuri, paneer butter masala, khejur-amshwattar chutney, papad, jalebi, pan masala. Navami- pulao, paneer pasinda, tomato chilli sauce, navratna curry, chhanar kalia, dhokar dalna, pineapple chutney, papad, malpoa, pan masala. Dashami (non-veg)- basmati rice, mug dal, jhiiri jhiri alu bhaja, chhychra, fish fry, dahi fish masala, mutton kosha, fruit chutney, papad, langcha, ice cream, pan. (Veg)- cheese veg cutlet, phulkopi roast, potoler dorma, malai kofta.

Block: BH

Year: 33rd 

Budget: Rs 10 lakh

Location: Outside BH Park

The look: The pandal will resemble a temple and the idol traditional like the one at the Baghbazar puja. 

Fun funda: Teachers of at a block-based school for the underprivileged will present Amra Shobai Raja on Sashthi, followed by dance and recitation. On Saptami, resident Amit Rudra’s play Knacher Gudiya will be enacted and on Ashtami will be dance, recitation and baul music by Brojogopal Das. On Navami residents will sing, recite and watch a magic show.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, payesh. Asthami- luchi, alur dom, paneer butter masala, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, murighonto, fish kaliya, (veg) chhannar kofta, chutney, papad.

Block: BJ

Year: 33rd

Budget: Rs 30 lakh

Location: BJ Park

The look: A tribal village in Africa is the inspiration behind the pandal. There are 12 huts with typical tribal colourful patterns, including a natmandir which houses a tribal goddess.

Fun funda: On Sashthi, a collage on the changing aspects of Durga puja. Saptami- a dance performance by Santhal artistes followed by a debate on ‘Corporatisation of festivals’. Gopa Achrya will present a bouquet of folk songs. Ashtami will see block residents present song and dance performances followed by a song recital using traditional instruments like pots. Artiste Tarun Goswami will present ‘whistling songs’ on Navami. This will be followed by songs by Zee Bangla  Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestants. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, labra, alur dom, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Luchi, chholar dal, navratan qorma, vegetable chop, fried rice, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- Pulao, kasha mangsho/ fish curry. For vegetarians, fried rice, dal, fry and phulkopir torkari. Plus papad, mishti.

Block: BK 

Year: 30th

Budget: Rs 14 lakh

Location: BK Park

The look: The puja highlights the patience and tolerance of women,hailing Sita as an example. So her are patachitra paintings of Sita as well as the Ramayana all over the pandal. The idol is traditional. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi tots will sing and others will present modern Bengali songs. Women will perform a dance drama based on Tagore’s poems and songs on love. Youths will put up a dance on songs from different states of India. On Saptami kids will perform a collage of rhymes and songs called Natoker Moton and on Ashtami will be a musical programme Ababahika where modern Hindi and Bengali love songs will be performed. A guest troupe will present a dance drama. On Navami morning will be a puja adda with participants like Tripura governor Tathagata Roy, advocate general Jayanta Kumar Mitra, former IAS Bikram Sarkar, founder of Anandalok Hospital D.K. Saraf, actor Debraj Roy etc. In the evening youths who meet up at BK Park (they have called themselves Thek Mates), will perform a play and a guest singer will round off the day. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, panner curry, alur dom, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, sukto, dal, alu bhaja, potol-chingri, rui machcher kalia, papad, mishti. Dashami - rice, dal, alu bhaja, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti. 

Block: BL

Year: 30th

Budget: Rs 9.5 lakh

Location: BL Park 

The look: The exterior has long strips of bamboo (dorma) as if peeling out of a hut. The theme is “strength of the woman” and the dominant colour inside is red. A grid of bamboos has been created with red ribbons tied to them. The idol is in a sitting position with angry eyes. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi, residents will sing and the ladies wing will stage the drama Tarapoda and Co. Kids will take part in a sit-and-draw on Saptami morning and in the evening will be songs from the golden era, recitation, and a dance drama by a guest troupe. On Ashtami morning will be contests like lamp-lighting, conchshell-blowing and “best couple”. Tagore will be celebrated through songs, recitation, drama, a guest group will perform the drama Baba Elen Martodhame and a dance drama Chitramala. A dhak-playing contest is on Navami morning and in the evening will be recitation and music followed by the band Aalo.

Food fiesta: Ashtami- khichuri, luchi, chholar dal, pulao, alur dom, chhanar kofta, tomato and khejur chutney, papad, payesh. Navami (Veg)- Basmati rice, sukto, moog daal, alu kopir tarkari, paneer and alu curry, pineapple chutney, papad, rosogolla. (Non-veg) machcher matha diye mug daal and katla curry. 

Block: CA 

Year: 38th

Budget: Rs 9 lakh

Location: The plot behind the community hall 

The look: The theme of the puja is dokra art so there are dokra dolls and other items from 8-inch to 3.5-ft tall spread over the venue. The idol has a traditional face but is adorned in dokra jewellery. 

Fun funda: Sashthi will see an audio drama, Subrata Mukhopahdyay’s Pranay Bibhrat, by CA Block Ladies’ Circle and guest artistes will perform music and a dance drama. On Saptami, residents Debaparna Dutta and Anushree Mukherjee will recite and sing respectively and it will be over to a guest singer. On Ashtami, resident Debosmita Dutta will recite and a slew of contests like phuchka-eating, conchshell blowing, dhunuchi dance and antakshari will take place. Navami will feature Mahisasuramardini by a guest troupe. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, panchmisheli torkari, alur dom, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, dhokar dalna, kofta, chutney, papad, ice cream. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, khashi mangsho (paneer curry for veg), papad, curd, mishti. Visitors to the pandal will be served prasad, tea/ lemonade on Saptami, Ashtami, Navami evenings. 

Block: CB 

Year: 37th year

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: CB community hall

The look: The idol will be adorned in daker saaj. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi residents will stage Banani Mukhopadhyay's audio drama Biliti Pishi and a group led by Esha Goswami will present Tagore’s dance drama Tasher Desh. Saptami will see dance and music and on Ashtami residents will stage Obosheshe, directed by Diptendu Banerjee. Next is a dance programme Amar Mukti Aloye aloye under Anurekha Ghosh’s direction. On Navami will be Bengali and Hindi music and an audio drama by residents.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, papaya chutney, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, jeera rice, chhanar kofta, aamshwatta khejurer chutney, papad, rasgolla. Navami- rice, mug dal, beguni, pineapple chutney, papad, gulab jamun. Dashami (dinner)- baby nan, kali dal, veg cutlet, pulao, paneer butter masala, dahi vada, veg chowmin, veg manchurian, chutney, papad, jilipi.

Block: CD 

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 15 lakh

Location: CD Park 

The look: The theme is “bamboo” and so bamboo has been used to build the cottage-shaped pandal as well as make birds, flutes and ektaras for decoration inside. A network of colourful sticks further sets the mood inside. The idol is traditional. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi, Agnik Bakshi will play the keyboard, residents will perform miscellaneous items and a scripted dance piece, titled  Sreebhumir Samparke, will be reformed. On Saptami will be an audio drama Durbuddhi and a residents’ group Mohona will play music. Children will dance to an item called Hasna Mana. Senior citizen Geeti Gupta will sing on Ashtami and women will dance in a show called Bhalobashi Bhalobashi. There will also be a magic show. On Navami, another senior citizen Lakshmikanta Pal will sing. There will be an audio drama, kids will stage Sukumar Ray’s Lakshmaner Shaktishel and others will perform a dance item titled Searching. For Vijaya Sammelani, singer Monomoy Bhattacharya and Bharatanatyam and kuchipudi dancer Malabika Sen will perform on October 16. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, llabra, beguni, chutney, mishti, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, alu bhaja, dhokar dalna, chholar dal, chutney, mishti. Navami- fried rice, alur dom, paneer pasinda, another tarkari, chutney, mishti. 

Block: CE 

Year: 37th 

Budget: Rs 5.25 lakh

Location: CE Park

The look: The idol is traditional.

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be the dance drama Mahisasuramardini and kids will stage Parashuram’s Chikitsha Sankat. The highlight of Saptami is the play Boudir Biye and on Ashtami residents will stage an audio drama and a dance drama titled Ganga. On Navami, youths will dance to songs of different states of India. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, fried rice, Kashmiri alur dom, channar dalna, chutney, papad, payesh. Navami- pulao, veg chop, dal, alu-phulkopir tarkari, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, payesh.

Block: CF 

Year: 38th

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: CF Park

The look: The puja encourages visitors to shun metal and return to using natural materials like bamboo. For this the pandal has been divided into two. One section uses models and paintings and depict the adverse effects of industrialisation and the other gives a calming effect of nature. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be a dance drama Doriyar Nao, followed by dance and music. Twenty-five residents of the old age home Little Sisters of the Poor in Minto Park will join residents for lunch and a day of fun on Saptami. In the evening will be music and a comedy Bachelor Bor. On Ashtami will be a Bengali musical programme Meghdoot Sedin Edin and Mrinalkanti Bandyopadhyay’s one act play Ushul. On Navami will be music by guest artiste Payel Majumdar and guest band Metronome.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, tomato chutney, papad, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, panner butter masala, pineapple chutney, papad, bonde. Navami- dum pulao, navratna curry, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, rosogolla.

Block: CG 

Year: 32th

Budget: Rs 8 lakh

Location: Community hall and green verge 

The look: The highlight here are the 11 thermocol statues of gods like Brahma, Shiva and Ganesha that are placed on the exterior walls of the pandal. The idol will be traditional. 

Fun funda: There will be a sit-and-draw for on Sashthi morning and in the evening will be a show based on Mahisasuramardini by Supriya Chakraborty and kids’ play Borobabur Byamo, directed by Indrani Ghosh. Saptami will have an antakshari in the morning and in the evening will be a song and recitation piece Phire Chalo Matir Taane, directed by Kalpana Basak. There will also be modern songs and a play Taskar Brittanta by a guest theatre group. Ashtami morning will have Ms Beautiful Hair contest for women and a Beautiful Dress competition for people of all ages. In the evening will be dhunuchi dance contest, dance drama Hinghsute Daitya directed by Tanya Nandy and the audio drama Jiban Je Rakam. There will also be baul music by guest artistes. On Navami morning will be a quiz and a debate and in the evening will be Rabindrasangeet by a resident and music by participants of Zee Bangla’s  Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. On Dashami evening will be Raibeshe folk dance by a guest troupe.  

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, papad, tomato chutney, payesh. Ashtami- nany naaan, channa masala, Kashmiri alur dom, begun basanti, pineapple chutney, papad, jilipi. Navami- dum pulao, paneer butter masala, shokar dalna, amshwatto chutney, papar, darbesh. Dashami (dinner)- chicken biriyani. 

Block: CJ 

Year: 31st

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: CJ Park

The look: The pandal will resemble a Rajbari and the idol will be ekchala in golden attire. 

Fun funda: The puja will open on Sashthi with a kids' dance on the goddess and a collage of rhymes. Children will also stage play Bali Sugreev Kathan. There will be audio drama titled No Touch, written by Banani Mukhopdhyay. This is a funny act about a courting couple where the woman won't let the suitor touch her. Saptami will see residents singing S.D. Burman and R.D. Burman songs. Children will play patriotic tunes on the keyboard. Women will stage the humorous drama Krome Krome Prosthan about the search for the perfect match. On Ashtami will be dance and music by residents and two plays — Lathi and Saral Anko — both written by Mohit Chattopadhyay. Guest singers will sing Bengali songs across genres on Navami. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, sukto, dhokar dalna, payesh, papad, chutney. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, khichuri, labra, pineapple chutney, papad, darbesh. Navami- radhaballavi, Kashmiri alur dom, fried rice, beguni, chhanar kalia, chutney, gulab jamun. Ekadashi (dinner)- rice, machcher matha diye dal, chyachra, fish curry, mutton curry, gulab jamun, ice cream. (Veg)- rice, dal, veg chop, phulkopir tarkari, paneer curry, gulab jamun, ice cream. 

Block: CK-CL

Year: 30th

Budget: Rs 15 lakh

Location: CK-CL Park and community hall 

The look: The idol will be traditional 

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be a kids’ play Bantu-r Bondhu. There will also be Rabindrasangeet and modern Bengali songs by residents. Saptami morning will have a sit-and-draw for kids from 10.30am and music and dance in the evening. K.P Sorcar, a student of PC Sorcar (Sr) will present magic. Ashtami will begin with a quiz in the morning. In the evening guest artistes will present recitation, Manna De songs and a play Sei Toh Tomar Alo based on the life of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. There will be an antakshari on Navami morning and modern songs in the evening. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice with ghee, moog dal, jhuri alu bhaja, alu phulkopir tarkari, chhanar kofta, aam shwattar chutney, papad, gulab jamun. 

Ashtami- motorshutir kochuri, begun bhaja, sweet chholar dal, chhoto alur dom, pineapple chutney, papad, raj bhog. 

Navami (non-veg)- rice, mug dal, beguni, gobindobhog chal diye muri ghonto, katla posto sorse diye, aam shwatto chutney, papad, ice cream. (Veg)- tomato soup with cream, veg chop, club kachori, chhotto alur dopm, peas pulao, mushroom with green peas, pineapple raita, Russaian salad with cream, dahi vada, papad, aam shwatto chutney, gulab jamun. 

Dashami (dinner) (non-veg)- Dimer devil with mutton keema, mutton biriyani, chicken chaap, salad, mixed-fruit chutney, papad, ice cream. (Veg)- crispy motorshutir puri, palak corn with cream, chilli baby corn, kaju paneer, jeera rice, veg gratin, aam shwatto chutney, papad, ice cream. 

Block: DA 

Year: 36th

Budget: Rs 10-12 lakh

Location: Community hall and part of the road outside 

The look: The idol will be traditional 

Fun funda: Block ladies will perform a song-and-script collage to welcome the goddess. Children and youths will then present Rupashi Bangla. Directed by Puloma Sen, this has participants dancing to songs and poetry celebrating Bengal. A guest artiste will sing modern songs. On Saptami, residents will stage the play Gulshan, directed by Rupak Chandra, and two audio plays —Shamanno Bhul and Serial Killer. Children will stage Tagore’s Kabuliwala on Ashtami, directed by Nandini Sen, and residents will present music and a music-and-recitation collage titled Amar Rabindranath. On Navami, children will present a dance under the guidance of Soma Chandra. Sagnik Chatterjee of Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame, will sing. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, papad, mango chutney, payesh. Ashtami- dum pulao, hing-er alur dom, luchi, chholar dal, chhanar dalna, amshwattor chutney. Navami- fried rice, dhokar dalna, mixed vegetables, papad, pineapple chutney, dahi vada, kesar kulfi. 

Block: DB 

Year: 39th 

Budget: Rs 10 lakh

Location: In the park outside DB community hall

The look: The path to the goddess has canvases painted with festivals of Bengal like Poila Baisakh and Rathyatra, and even a glimpse of kashphool. A huge mirror stands opposite the idol, along with a stream, such that the image of the goddess would reflect on the mirror and then on water. On the way out visitors would see paintings of other rituals like sindur khela, Lakshmi puja and bhaiphnota.  

Fun funda: On Sashthi, resident Loknath Shastri would do stotrapath and sing agomoni songs. Residents will also perform an audio drama, music and dance. On Saptami will be a scripted dance piece by kids, a comedy play Nari o Sari, and Sukumar Ray’s play Abak Jolpan by kids. On Ashtami kids pay tribute to Lata Mangeshkar by dancing to her songs in a show directed by Paramita Saha and on Navami Abhijeet Sarkar will direct the play Jular Saat Bhoot. On Dashami residents will play dandiya.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, pulao, channar paturi, potoler dorma, chutney, papad. Navami- fried rice, alu phulkopir tarkari, vegetable chap, chutney, papad.

Block: DL 

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 18 lakh

Location: DL Park 

The look: The pandal is a replica of Delhi’s Akshardham temple. The idol, by Pradip Rudra Pal, will be traditional. A portion of the lighting is by technicians from Chandernagore. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be recitation, children’s dance Nrityer Taley Taley and baul music by resident Souradeep Mitra. Saptami will being with recitation, a chorus of modern Bengali songs and group dance by kids. Badal Sircar’s play Solution X will also be enacted. On Ashtami will be recitation, Rabindrasangeet and the ladies’ play Rokompher. An audio drama Paka Dekha will also be presented. Navami will feature recitation, music, guitar by a resident Sutapa Banerjee, and a play Raj Jotok based Anton Chekhov’s comic play The Proposal. The evening will end with dandia dance. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, kumri, bandhakopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, bhaja, pulao, phulkopir tarkari, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, alu bhaja, mug dal, chhyachra, chhanar dalna, chutney, papad, payesh.

Block: EC

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 18.5 lakh

Location: EC Park

The look: The pandal will be a replica of Rajasthan’s Shudni Mata temple. The idol will have a bronze finish. 

Fun funda: Sashthi will begin with arati nritya by block ladies, followed by agomoni music and dance. On Saptami children of a Habra orphanage will spend the day with residents and perform Bir Purush at night. Block kids will also perform a dance show on the various states of India. Ashtami will feature music and women will stage the play Chirantani. Guest artists will sing Hindi and Bengali songs on Navami.  

Food fiesta: Saptami- fried rice, dal, alu bhaja, dhokar dalna, phulkopir tarkari, aam shwattor chutney, payesh, rajbhog. Ashtami- luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, peas pulao, bandhakopir tarkari, chutney, darbesh. Navami (veg)- khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, pantua/rajbhog. (Non-veg)- rice, dal, alu bhaja, mutton curry. 

Block: EE

Year: 19th 

Budget: Rs 14 lakh

Location: EE Park

The look: The green coloured pandal is a replica of a Rajbari and the traditional ekchala idol is in daker saaj.

Fun funda: On Sashthi morning there will be sit-and-draw, conchshell-blowing, recitation and dance contests. In the evening will be recitation, dance and a women’s drama Shomikoron. On Saptami will be a quiz and a “dance to the rhythm of the dhak” contest. In the evening will be dance, recitation and a mouth organ recital by resident Alok Das. Ashtami evening will feature dance and music and on Navami morning an impromptu acting contest open to all ages. There will be a guest orchestra in the evening. Ekadoshi will see a debate and extempore speech. 

Food fiesta: Ashtami- khichuri, labra, beguni, payesh, chutney, mishti. Navami- fried rice, veg cutlet, beguni, chicken curry, chutney, mishti, ice cream.

Block: FC

Year: 33rd 

Budget: Rs 11 lakh

Location: FC Park

The look: The pandal resembles a palace and there is a palanquin, horse carriage and fountain outside. A 100-lamp chandelier is also put up. The idol is traditional and ekchala.

Fun funda: There will be a magic show and puppet show on Sashthi. On Saptami will be folk music by a guest artist, baul performance by Brojogopal Das and on Ashtami there will be a talent hunt for residents. Guest artist Debasree Dasgupta will present Rabindrasangeet on Navami, along with Bangla band Mukti. Residents will take part in dandiya dance.

Food fiesta: Saptami- pulao, paneer butter masala, dhokar dalna, chutney, mishti, payesh. Ashtami-  luchi, chholar dal, tarkari, chutney, mishti, payesh. Navami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, mutton curry. (Veg)- Paneer tarkari, chutney, mishti, payesh.

Block: FD

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 75 lakh

Location: FD Park

The look: The pandal toasts technology. Logos of a variety of apps and search engines — Google, Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp etc — dot the walls of the pandal and the central installation. 

Fun funda: Residents Mita Das and Smita Mukherjee will lead a group in performing a musical programme titled Swadesh sangeet on Sashthi. This will be followed by audio drama Radharanir Kolkata darshan, directed by Monika Mukherjee and a recitation of Rabindranath Tagore’s poems by Pompiya Basu Nath. The band Ecstasy will bring the evening to a thrilling close. On Saptami, resident Shonali Das will present Maa, a dance recital, followed by Bahanno Barti, a play staged by the women of the block. Ashtami will witness a slew of audio plays performed by the residents, including Aaj basanto by Shikha Basak. Drama Ram Dhakka will be staged by residents of the block. East Meets West, a recital by Sohin Das, will entertain audiences on Navami followed by Abar Teen Bochhor Por, directed by Supratik Biswas. On October 22, Alka Yagnik will star at the Vijaya Sammelani. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- Rice, fish, dal, alubhaja, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Luchi, khichudi, rice, dhokar dalna, mixed vegetable, beguni, chutney, mishti. (For vegetarians also chhanar dalna and alur dom). Navami- Mutton kasha, pulao, rice, dal, sabji, chutney, papad, mishti. 

Block: FE

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 15 lakh

Location: FE Park

The look: Puja is being held in a run-down zamindar house. Next to it is a village of the Asur community which claims its descent from Mahishasura and spends the Durga period in mourning for their valiant ancestor. They are known to be among the earliest smelters of iron. A video clip has been shot on their lifestyle which will be screened. The block organisers are trying to bring some members of the Asur tribe from Jharkhand. If they come, they will demonstrate the art. 

Fun funda: A plethora of audio plays and songs by block residents will mark Sashthi. On Saptami, there will be recitations by Debraj Sengupta, Parbati Mitra and an audio drama by Dr Samirendra Ghosh. This will be followed by songs by Anubhab Sengupta and a performance on the synthesiser by Diya Mitra. On Ashtami, there will be a musical quiz. On Navami, residents will present recitation and songs.

Block: GC 

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 14 lakh

Location: Community hall and park outside 

The look: The pandal will be a replica of a Bishnupur temple and the idol will be traditional 

Fun funda: Children will present dance and the play Rokompher by Leela Majumdar on Sashthi. Singers of Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will perform on all three nights.

Food fiesta: Saptami- rice, dal, alu bhaja, phulkopir tarkari, bhetki paturi, rui machcher kalia, chutney, papad, mishti. The vegetarian fare on Ashtami and Navami will be sent from the New Town branch of Iskcon's Govinda’s kitchen. The sweets will be sent from there everyday too. Ashtami- khichuri, labra, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- pulao, paneery curry, two vegetables, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami (dinner)- pulao, mutton curry, dimmer devil, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

Block: GD

Year: 32nd 

Budget: Rs 17 lakh

Location: GD community centre 

The look: The pandal is based on a temple in rural Bengal. It tapers towards the top and jute ropes make up the exterior. Earthen pots are used to decorate the ceiling. The terracotta idol will be decorated with clay jewellery. 

Fun funda: On Sashthi will be drama, dance and music by residents and on Saptami kids will stage the play Nak Kata Raja and a folk dance. Students from an institute for the mute will present a mime on Ashtami and on Navami guest singers will perform. There will be a conchshell blowing contest on Dashami evening. For Vijaya Sammelani on October 22, a slew of guest performers will take stage. There would be miscellaneous music by singers Anweshaa and Satish Kavi, Rabindrasangeet by Swarup Pal and Anindita Maitra, an instrumental show by the Violin Brothers and dance drama by Bhavna dance troupe. 

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, payesh. Asthami- luchi, pulao, alur dom, shahi paneer, papad, bonde. Navami- rice, jhuri alu bhaja, mug dal, machher mathar chochchori, fish curry, mutton curry, papad, mishti. 

Block: HA

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 15 lakh

Location: HA Park

The look: The temple is a replica of the Kedarnath temple. The idol is adorned in daaker saaj.

Fun funda: Guest artistes Anubhab Sengupta and Dipak Mitra will sing puratani songs and variety Bengali songs respectively from 6.30pm. Saptami- A group of block women, called Ganer tori, will present two audio plays Kolkatar kopalkundala and Teebradahan. A magic show by B. Asish will conclude the evening. Ashtami- Block children will put up a variety programme directed by Subhashree Sengupta. Navami- Guest artiste Srija Chakraborty and resident Payel Mukherjee will sing. Next will be a conchshell-blowing contest.   

Food fiesta: Rice, daal, alu pakoda, puin shaak with fish head, doi katla, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- Khichudi, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- Fried rice, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti. Dashami- Pulao, alur dom, Sitabhog (in packets).

Block: HB

Year: 32nd

Budget: Rs 25 lakh

Location: Community hall

The look: the pandal is inspired by Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace with three massive chandeliers on the ceiling and scenes of The Ramayana recreated high up on the walls. The idol is traditional in daker saaj.

Fun funda: On Sashthi guest singer Badal Sarkar will sing Manna Dey hits and elocutionist Anita Gupta will recite. Saptami will see a sit-and-draw in the morning and in the evening residents will present a musical piece Matrishakti Aradhona and an audio drama Ashokar Oshuk. A recitation contest will take place on Ashtami morning. In the evening resident Pradeep Chakrabarty will play the keyboard. This will be followed by a Bangla band performance. On Navami will be a conchshell-blowing competition.

Food fiesta: Saptami- khichuri, labra, beguni, paneer curry, chutney, papad, mishti. Asthami- radhaballavi, alur dom, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami (veg)- pulao, paneer kofta, chutney, papad, mishti. (Non-veg) rice, mutton curry, machher chhyachra, mug dal, chutney, papad, gulab jamun.

Block: IA 

Year: 31st 

Budget: Rs 12 lakh

Location: IA Park 

The look: The pandal, primarily in blue and white, resembles a temple. The idol is traditional.

Fun funda: Saptami- Residents will sing, enact the play Biliti Pishi and the comedy Ongo Rongo Bhongo. Ashtami- A musical show Dur Bangalir Phul by former residents who are back for the Pujas. Also a musical collage by senior residents. On Navami, there will be a dance drama Kanya Bichchhed. Maitrayee Choudhury will present Odissi.

Food fiesta: Sashthi (dinner)- luchi, begun bhaja, alu phulkopir roast, chholar dal, chutney, papad, bonde. Saptami (non-veg)- rice, dal, alu bhaja, rohu fish curry, papad, chutney. (Veg)- fried rice, paneer pasinda, phulkopir roast, dal makhani, chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, khichuri, labra, payesh. Navami (non-veg)- rice, dal, fish (rohu) curry, tarkari, chutney, mishti. (Veg)- Rice, dal, paneer curry, dal makhani, mishti. Dashami (non-veg)- rice, dal, tarkari, fish curry (rohu), mutton curry, chutney, mishti. (Veg)- rice, dal, paneer curry, dal makhani, mishti, chutney. 

 

Block: IB

Year: 30th 

Budget: Rs 9 lakh

Location: IB Park

The look: The pandal is shaped like the goddess’s third eye. The idol is dressed in sari from Krishnanagar.

Fun funda: Residents will recite, dance and sing on Sashthi and Saptami. Local band Hujug will perform on Ashtami and on Navami will be a play, Somporko, and kathak performance by resident Shrabana Mitra. On Ekadashi, a guest troupe will pay tribute to R.D. Burman.

Food fiesta: Saptami- Khichuri, beguni, alu pakora, labra, alur dom, chutney, papad, payesh. Ashtami- luchi, begun bhaja, chholar dal, paneer butter masala, navaratna curry, chutney, papad, sawaiyan payesh. Navami- pulao, fish butter fry, paneer kofta, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti, ice cream.

 

Block: JC

Year: 18th

Budget: Rs 5-6 lakh

Location: JC Park 

The look: The idol will be traditional 

Fun funda: Sashthi - recitation. Saptami- Sishu Mahal, where kids perform whatever they please. There will also be music, dance and an audio drama Fusion, featuring resident Minakshi Sinha. Ashtami will have a mixed plate. Navami- recitation by resident Anita Gupta. 

Food fiesta: Saptami (lunch)- rice, dal, phulkopir tarkari, fish curry, mishti. (Dinner)- luchi, badhakopir tarkari, chholar dal, bonde. Ashtami (lunch)- pulao, dhhokar dalna, beguni, chutney, mishti. (Dinner) karaishurit kochuri, alur dom, mishti. Navami (lunch)- rice, dal, sukto, mutton curry, chutney, ice cream. (Dinner)- channa batura, mishti. Dashami (lunch)- khichuri, labra, alur dom, chutney, mishti. (Dinner)- radhabalavi, Kashmiri alur dom, chutney, mishti. 

 

Labony Estate

Year: 42nd

Budget: Rs 12.5 lakh

Location: The central ground 

The look: Bapai Sen's pandal focuses on the dying jute industry. Murals on the walls depict stages of jute processing. The idol’s ornaments and sari are of jute.

Food fiesta: Saptami- Luchi, alur dom, chholar dal, dhokar dalna, mishti. Ashtami- Khichuri, labra, torkari, chutney, papad, mishti. navami- Mutton biryani, raita, mishti.
 

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NEW TOWN

BALAKA ABASAN

This puja is grand from the outside and has detailed handiwork on the inside. The theme is “recycling” . A 40-ft Shivling has been coated with shards of glass from broken green bottles and its base is covered with bits of thermocol plates. 

Inside are 100 images of Ganesha and many of Shiva, each created out of different waste items — broken bangles, straws, wood shavings, toothpicks, matchsticks, plastic spoons, CDs, bottle caps, onion sacks, corn peels, strips of cloth from tailors, shampoo sachets... The ceiling and chandeliers have also been made of out of bottle caps, cola cans, earthen cups.

“We used 66,000 glass bottles, 2,000 plastic bottles, 50kg bangles and 10kg shampoo sachets for the decoration,” smiles Uttam Mondal, the theme-maker. Residents have also contributed in kind. The idols, by Dulal Pal, feature Durga’s children on the left and gods and sages on the right. 

This is the 14th edition of the puja and the budget is Rs 22 lakh. “Last year we had footfall of 70,000 per day,” says Prasanna Kumar Roy, secretary of the puja committee. “We hope people not only appreciate our theme but also try to reuse things instead of dumping them right away.”

To reach Balaka from the Salt Lake side, take a right turn after Axis Mall and then the second right thereafter. 

Also: In its fifth year New Town’s Action Area 1D Sarbojanin Durga Puja committee has scaled up its celebrations. The pandal is based on an imaginary temple. The puja combines blocks DA to DF and is being held in DC Park, opposite Tank 7.
Chandernagore lights lead the way from Narkelbagan.

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The Telegraph
 Salt Lake

Super Souvenir Contest 2016

The souvenir that you bring out this Puja in Salt Lake or New Town can actually go places. To take part in The Telegraph Salt Lake Super Souvenir Contest, send in your block or puja committee’s souvenir for 2016. The last date for submission is February 14, 2017.

The story you write or the poem you compose for the souvenir can all be part of the contest if your published work reaches us. So hurry with the submission.

Mailing address

The Telegraph Salt Lake  
6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, 
Calcutta 700001.