From Sarada Ma to human-nature bond, themes galore for Kolkata Durga Puja pandals

The theme at Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojonin Durgotsab in its 91st year is ‘Sambhabona’ (Possibility). Huge hands in the ‘mudra’ pose and made of coconut coir adorn the side panels. The brain behind the idea Shantanu Bhattacharya said: ‘When we pray to the goddess for everyone’s welfare but there remains a possibility of betterment’

Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha has decided to surprise everyone this year through its theme on relationships, ‘Samparka’. This puja committee will highlight the relationship between nature and God with people. Country boats, bamboos, coconut coir, dry branches of trees and a host of eco-friendly raw materials are being used to make the pandal and its decorations

The theme for Hatibagan Sarbojanin in its 89th year is ‘Dosor’ (The Companion). The idea behind the theme is a companion cannot be made, companionship happens without any demands. That relation is being portrayed through a lot of metalwork in the props and the pandal decorations. Big oil tins have been carved into lamp stands

The theme of Jorasanko Sadharan Durgotsab Samity in its 87th year is ‘Ayiswarik’ (Divine). The brain behind the theme, Prasanta Paul, said the puja has drawn its inspiration from South India. Big colourful masks would adorn the interiors of the pandal. Artists could been seen busy at giving the finishing touches to paintings

The theme for Ahiritola Jubak Brinda is ‘Aamader Ghorer Durga - Ma-er Bari’ (Our Very Own Durga - Mother’s Abode’, implying Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s wife Sri Sarada Ma. Her residence at Bagbazar in north Kolkata draws hundreds of visitors throughout the year. The pandal is a replica of that heritage building