KOLKATA: "Atrocities" against Bengalis in several states is set to be one of the major Durga Puja themes across Kolkata this year. Highlighting how alleged persecution of Bengali-speaking Indians and attempts to brand them "Bangladeshis" undermine the community's contributions to Indian society, several puja committees have decided to go big on themes underlining the heritage of Bengal, plight of migrant workers, and cultural and historical contributions of prominent Bengalis.
From big players to new entrants, puja committees will focus on the "harassment" of migrant workers for speaking Bengali. While Behala's Adarshapally Club has set its theme on the plight of Bengali refugees during Partition, Baguiati Ashwininagar Bandhumahal will trace Bengal's history back to human existence in the delta 42,000 years ago.
In its 81st year, Chaltabagan Sarbojonin's theme is 'Ami Banglay Bolchhi (I am speaking in Bangla)'. The pandal, interestingly, stands adjacent to the house of poet, playwright and lyricist Dwijendralal Roy. "Our pandal will focus on the oppression of Bengalis," said organiser Mousam Banerjee.
"Our puja theme will focus on how Bengali speakers are being illegally deported to Bangladesh and their basic rights being snatched, judging them on the basis of the language they speak," said Sanjay Das, chief organiser of the puja at Dum Dum Road Hanuman Mandir Jayashree Club.
Bandhumahal is marking its 45th year with the theme 'Bangla o Bangali. Banglar Itihaas (Bengal and Bengalis. History of Bengal)'. The pandal will have installations of Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
"Durga Puja is no longer limited to idol-viewing, offering prayers or grabbing a quick bite. Our festival is now honoured and admired on the world stage. That's why Puja theme ideas today are like complete thesis papers," said club secretary Swarup Nag.
At Adarshapally, the focus is on filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak's works, particularly his film 'Meghe Dhaka Tara (The Cloud-Capped Star)'. Organisers say the theme draws parallels between the turmoil of Bengal during Ghatak's era and contemporary threats to Bengal's cultural fabric. "It's about Bengal in peril - then and now," said organiser Shankar Ghosh.
39 Pally Durgotsav Samiti's puja, primarily being organised by youths struggling with Down syndrome under the supervision of artist Snehasis Das, will focus on the theme of ' language terrorism '. "In society's eyes, we are either outcasts or objects of pity. We wish to be tempered and hardened by the fiery struggles of life," an organiser said.
From big players to new entrants, puja committees will focus on the "harassment" of migrant workers for speaking Bengali. While Behala's Adarshapally Club has set its theme on the plight of Bengali refugees during Partition, Baguiati Ashwininagar Bandhumahal will trace Bengal's history back to human existence in the delta 42,000 years ago.
In its 81st year, Chaltabagan Sarbojonin's theme is 'Ami Banglay Bolchhi (I am speaking in Bangla)'. The pandal, interestingly, stands adjacent to the house of poet, playwright and lyricist Dwijendralal Roy. "Our pandal will focus on the oppression of Bengalis," said organiser Mousam Banerjee.
"Our puja theme will focus on how Bengali speakers are being illegally deported to Bangladesh and their basic rights being snatched, judging them on the basis of the language they speak," said Sanjay Das, chief organiser of the puja at Dum Dum Road Hanuman Mandir Jayashree Club.
Bandhumahal is marking its 45th year with the theme 'Bangla o Bangali. Banglar Itihaas (Bengal and Bengalis. History of Bengal)'. The pandal will have installations of Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
"Durga Puja is no longer limited to idol-viewing, offering prayers or grabbing a quick bite. Our festival is now honoured and admired on the world stage. That's why Puja theme ideas today are like complete thesis papers," said club secretary Swarup Nag.
At Adarshapally, the focus is on filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak's works, particularly his film 'Meghe Dhaka Tara (The Cloud-Capped Star)'. Organisers say the theme draws parallels between the turmoil of Bengal during Ghatak's era and contemporary threats to Bengal's cultural fabric. "It's about Bengal in peril - then and now," said organiser Shankar Ghosh.
39 Pally Durgotsav Samiti's puja, primarily being organised by youths struggling with Down syndrome under the supervision of artist Snehasis Das, will focus on the theme of ' language terrorism '. "In society's eyes, we are either outcasts or objects of pity. We wish to be tempered and hardened by the fiery struggles of life," an organiser said.
You may also like
Jamie Carragher singles out Liverpool new boy for criticism in Crystal Palace loss
'Friendship lasts off the mat...', Aslam and Akash on PKL 12 opening night showdown
ITR: Do this work within 30 days of paying Income Tax, otherwise ITR will become invalid, refund may get stuck..
Anti-terrorist operation in J&K's Kishtwar enters 2nd day
Tommy Fleetwood faces £23million agony as Justin Rose wins St Jude Championship
