Sunderbans and its conservation, the highlight of the Behala Club Sarbojonin Durga Puja, fetched it the top prize in the Serader Sera Nirmal Puja Puroskar 2024.
The pandal was the outcome of three-and-a-half years of field work with the entire theme conceptualised by Pradip Das. “Everything here is related to the Sunderbans, from the relationship between tigers and humans to how the forest cover is depleting. The pandal is adorned with depictions of real stories of people who have escaped from tiger attacks and more,” said Pratim Chakraborty, a member of the Behala Club Sarbojonin Durga Puja committee.
Celebrations at Behala Club Sarbojonin Durgotsav Puja
Serader Sera Nirmal Puja Puroskar 2024, also known as Green Puja Awards 2024, is an initiative by the non-profit Environment Governed Integrated Organisation (EnGIO) aimed at reducing pollution and promoting environmentally friendly celebrations of Durga Puja. This year’s edition was supported by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the West Bengal Disaster Management Department, Exide, Indian Oil, Vikram Solar, and others.
A 50-strong jury, including officials from the US Consulate, the British Deputy High Commission, the Japanese Consulate, environmentalists, academics, journalists, senior government officials, and other prominent figures, evaluated around 300 applications. Members of the jury visited the shortlisted pandals over several days and announced the winners on Saptami after multiple rounds of judging.
Judges like the US consul general in Kolkata Kathy-Giles-Diaz and British deputy high commissioner Andrew Fleming were a part of the selection process
“This is not just an award; it's actually a movement. It's heartening to see improvements in various environmental aspects, whether it's energy usage, green themes, or similar initiatives. However, there is certainly more room for progress. What has been most satisfying this year is the level of research that has gone into planning and executing the themes, such as the Sunderbans by Behala or water conservation by K Block," said Jayanta Basu, founder-director of EnGIO.
Other winners
AK Block Association won the second prize with its theme of water conservation
The AK Block Association pandal with its message of water conservation was adjudged second. The pandal illustrated the importance of saving water and its impact on the ecosystem. Divided into three rooms, the first depicted the Salt Lake Mati Layer with the help of a geomorphological institute. The second room had a charcoal stretch on all four walls with an installation that played falling water droplets in the rhythm of a dhaak. The third room is where the idol of Durga was placed in front of a whirlpool.
Alipore Sarbojonin brought back the art of ‘bohurupis’ and was placed third
Alipore Sarbojonin won the third prize with a theme based on the traditional cultural art form called bohurupee. The pandal featured decor inspired by the outfits and makeup done by the bohurupees. Around 80 performers have come down from neighbouring towns to perform at the pandal from 6pm to 5am everyday. The secretary of the Alipore Sarbojonin, Kaushik Bhattacharya, accepted the award along with his team.
Special theme award
Priyadarshini Hakim (centre, in blue sari) accepted a special theme award on behalf of Chetla Agrani from the Serader Sera Nirmal Puja Puroskar team
Chetla Agrani was awarded the Best Social Theme award for highlighting the issue of Ganga pollution. The pandal depicted the river’s plight through artistic installations of polluted water, worn-out and drowned idols and more. At another end, several statues of gods and goddesses were placed to show how people consider the same river that they pollute as holy.
“We have almost 10 lakh people coming in and out of here. If we are able to at least convince 10 per cent of them, then I call it a win. The same river that we consider precious to us is the one that we destroy with pollution,” said Priyadarshini Hakim.
Lalabagan Nabankur received the best climate theme award for their emphasis on tree planting and reforestation message
Lalabagan Nabankur won the Best Climate Theme award for its focus on plantation and reforestation. The pandal was designed as a lush green forest with 49 species of plants demonstrating the significance of tree plantation in combating climate change. “Treat trees like your children. Six months ago, we booked these plants from a nursery and treated them everyday. Post Puja, the West Bengal government will be adopting all the trees from us,” said Rakesh Saha, assistant secretary of the Lalabagan Nabankur puja committee.
Suruchi Sangha was honoured with the award for Best Safety Arrangements, recognising its efforts in crowd control
Suruchi Sangha received the award for Best Safety Arrangements for its measures in ensuring crowd control, fire safety, security cameras and overall security.
‘Purono Sei Diner Kotha’ is the theme of the Suruchi puja. “We have worked with non-living items that can't tell stories. So we have used the source of all our recent equipment, including radios, landline wires, old cabs, hand pull rickshaws and more to feature where everything originated from. This is our way of saying ‘don't move away from your roots. Develop but don't forget the roots,” said Debshis Das, the organising secretary.
Special mention
Tridhara Akalbodhan, Golf Green Sarodotsava, Shibmandir, and Dakssinpara Yuba Parishad received special mentions
Tridhara received a special mention for its Outstanding Social Contributions. Golf Green Sarodotsava was recognised for its initiatives in recycling and empowering women. Shibmandir and Dakhsinpara Yuba Parishad were commended for spreading important environmental messages.