Kolkata, often referred to as the "City of Joy," truly comes alive during the much-anticipated Durga Puja month. This culturally vibrant metropolis in West Bengal undergoes a remarkable transformation as it gears up to celebrate the grand festival of Durga Puja every year. For an entire month, Kolkata's streets, neighborhoods, and open spaces are adorned with dazzling pandals featuring elaborate and creative themes.
Every year, Kolkata introduces unique themes that make the celebrations even more special. Let's take a look at some of the most beautiful themed pandals this year.
In the yogic culture, Shiva is not known as a God but as the first Guru or the Adi Guru. He is the Adi Yogi or the first Yogi. Shiva's name Adiyogi originates from this concept.
You must have seen Tamil Nadu's famous Shiva statue, which looks even more magnificent at night with its lights and projections. Taking inspiration from this viral statue, Saltlake in Kolkata created a Pandal that also features light projections.
Take a look:
Breathtaking right?
You must have watched and loved the movie Kantara, which showcases the relationship between the tribes and the forest, along with the age-old tradition of Bhoota Kola.
Based on and inspired by the movie, this Pandal was created in Teen Koniya Park, near Girish Park Metro.
Located in Sribhumi Maidan, this is one of the most famous Pujas every year, breaking various records consistently. This year, Sribhumi Maidan presented a Disney-themed Pandal.
Take a look:
Menstruation is still a taboo for many even in 2023. However, this Puja committee in Kolkata's Pathuriaghata introduced a unique theme centered around Menstruation. The Pandals showcase everything, from pads to women suffering from cramps.
The Pandal located in Kashi Bose Lane, Hatibagan, is one of the best-themed pandals for Durga Puja in Kolkata this year, highlighting child trafficking. It displays posters and artworks to raise awareness about the atrocities against women and children.
There is no doubt that Kolkata is a city known for its literature and art, and this Pandal is a testament to that. Located in Hatibagan Nabin Pally, this year's Pujo theme is Sukumar Ray's book of nonsensical poetry, Abol Tabol.
The Pandal is filled with live characters representing the poems, bringing the book's multi-storied buildings to life.