Celebrating festivals with its values and traditions holds a deeper spiritual significance for me. Kolkata truly lives up to the title of City of Joy during Durga Puja. The creative lighting, mesmerising pandals, the fragrance of dhuno and the sound of dhaak all blend to create a festive aura.
Ma Durga is considered the goddess of power and Durga Puja is a celebration of her victory over the evil demon Mahishasura. Her favourite colour, red, symbolises power and strength. No other festival truly captures and symbolises the energy of feminine Shakti like Navratri.
The modern-day Mahishasura has taken a new form of endangering life on Earth. It lies in each of us, polluting the atmosphere, the land, and the water. We have already released weapons of negativity and toxins and continue to do so. Ironically, the good that needs to come forward to save the planet also lies within us. So, during the festival where we celebrate the victory of good over evil, can we offer to serve and save our planet before it’s too late?
Festivals are a time when families celebrate togetherness and new beginnings. Let’s take inspiration to keep the celebrations creative, clean and functional without compromising on the aesthetics.
Eco-Friendly Idols
Majority of the idols are made in Kumartuli from the clay collected from the banks of River Hooghly. However, these days non-environment-friendly idols have infiltrated the market, many are making idols with plastic too. Let’s get the mitti ki khushboo feeling back.
Look for idols that are authentic and made of clay. Make sure it’s not painted with toxic colours. Even terracotta idols that are not painted at all might give an earthy feel when you place them.
Thakur Ghor Decor
- am totally a traditional at heart when it comes to decorating the thakur ghor. So let’s get creative with locally sourced decor.
- Let’s stack brass urli/handi and create different heights in front of the idol.
- Use shola flowers /motifs for decor .
- We also worship the banana tree on the day of Saptami. Hence, a banana plant is an excellent choice to place next to the idol.
- The lotus represents beauty and non-attachment, a flower that retains its beauty and cleanliness even in a muddy pond.
- Liberally use rajnigandha or tuberose. It has a beautiful fragrance and brings positivity around the home .
- I have used a lot of mango leaves/aam patta as no puja is complete without the use of it .
- You can also consider hibiscus, red and white chrysanthemums, jasmine, yellow or orange marigold.
- Get creative and use beautiful saris to create a backdrop.
Home Decor
Lets think of brightening and getting our home festive ready. A little bit of rearranging corners and consoles gives a new feel to the home. Plants are always my constant to bring instant life and positivity to any space and one can never have enough of them.
- Use them liberally to spruce up your balcony. Add some flower plants inside your home to create a festive vibe.
- Plants are easily available and can be kept even after the festivals. You can decorate the pots for an added dash of creativity.
- Pick any space as a focal point for decor. Create different heights. Keep your most beautiful plant on top and create a pyramid-like feel in your decor.
- Use indoor air-purifying plants such as snake plant, spider plant, Xanadu, and dacena.
- Use foliage of different colours to add drama.
- Some beautiful flowers like the adenium/desert rose, flowering jasmine brighten up the space and spread a natural fragrance.
- Light a few aroma candles or LED strips and you will have a magical feel during the evening adda sessions.
The festive season is when we awaken the traditional side within us. Taking inspiration from the good in the past and the creativity in the present, we can begin a new journey towards making our festivals, homes, and surroundings greener and purer. Wishing you all a new beginning this year as you spend a joyous Durga Puja.
Monika Poddar owns plant boutique Chlorofyl. Reach her on @ChlorofylKol on Facebook and @chlorofyl_giftinggreens on Instagram