In pics: From ‘moksha’ to menstrual hygiene, Kolkata theme pujas dare to be different

Bakul Bagan, one of the oldest pujas in south Kolkata, is completing 96 years this time. The theme of the puja located opposite Bhowanipore police station is ‘Moksha’ (salvation). Aditi is the artist behind the entire theme. There was no woman among theme artistes in Kolkata pujas, she was the first to surprise the crowd of male artists. This time, Aditi will highlight the eternal Benaras (Kashi to Bengalis) through the ‘Moksha’ theme at Bakul Bagan. An eclectic mix of history, food, sari and culture will be portrayed in the pandal and its surroundings

The theme for Darpanarayan Tagore Street Pally Samity is ‘Kham Kheyali’ (fancy-free). Bright cut-outs of buildings, wild animals and various other objects extend from the side-panels to the ceilings giving an immensely positive feeling

The theme for Badamtala Ashar Sangha, a popular Durga Puja just off Rashbehari More, is ‘Protiroop’ (replica). The pandal this year is being made with 10,00,000 saal leaves, dry branches and trunks of trees, ropes made from coconut fibres. Along with ambient lighting, the idol of the goddess and her children in the mammoth pandal truly promises to give visitors a never-before experience

The theme for Pathuriaghata Panch-er Pally this year is ‘Menstrual hygiene’ or ‘Ritumati’. ‘It is about time we stop looking at menstruation as a taboo,’ said a club member. ‘Menstruation is a normal biological process and need not be kept under veil,’ said another member

The theme for Haridevpur 41 Pally in its 66th year of Puja is ‘Obogahon’ (ignorance). Club secretary Aranya Bhattacharya said: ‘Taking a holy dip is self-cleansing before starting a puja. It not only helps cleanse the body but also cleanses one’s soul. We want Ma Durga to bless us before we embark on a new journey’