Take a look at how 10 My Kolkata partner pujas are celebrating the festival

The theme of Badamtala Ashar Sangha, which turned 83 this year, is ‘Padanko’ (footsteps). “We have recorded a footfall of around a lakh every day,” said Sandip Chakraborty, joint secretary of the puja committee

Ashim Paul

The theme of Telengabagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab this year is Torma, a ritualistic offering in Buddhism. “Footfall has been very good this year,” said Madhu Saha, secretary of the puja committee

Singhi Park Sarbojanin Durgapuja in Dover Lane has been welcoming visitors to the world of comics. The theme of the puja, in its 81st year, is 'Narayane Narayani'. “We have paid tribute to cartoonist Narayan Debnath this year. We want to make today’s children familiar with his cartoon characters,” said Jayanta Guchait, assistant treasurer of the puja committee

Amit Datta

66 Palli Club with its theme ‘Ekannoborti’ has a strong social message in its 72nd year of celebrations. “Our theme is based on the shift from joint families to nuclear families and its impact on society,” said Pradyumna Mukherjee, secretary of the puja committee

Ashim Paul

Manicktalla Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durgapuja has 'Sthapotyer Adirup' as its theme. “The pandal depicts how temples were built during the Chola dynasty. Everyone from 8 to 80 years seems to be enjoying it,” said Suren Khara, general secretary of the puja

Amit Datta

Kumartuly Sarbojanin Durgotsab has paid a tribute to the unsung heroes of the festival — the artisans who create the idols and the mandaps that lakhs flock to see. “This is the 92nd year of our celebrations. The theme is ‘Shironam’. It’s a tribute to all Kumartuli artisans who are unknown to the world,” said Arijit Pal, executive member of the puja committee

Ashim Paul

Babubagan Sarbojanin Durgatsav has a unique concept built around commemorative coins in its 61st year. “The theme is 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'! Where Maa is Mother India and Maa Durga. We have paid a tribute to the commemorative coins from 1947 to 2022, including those featuring freedom fighters and Nobel laureates,” said Sujata Gupta, treasurer and concept maker of the puja

Avik Dey

Samaj Sebi Sangha, in its 77th year, has revisited its first puja in 1946. “On August 16, 1946, the Great Calcutta Killings of Noakhali took place. At that time, residents of this area and some associated freedom fighters like Lila Ray and Jadunath Sarkar had collected funds to stand with the riot-affected people. When the funds were deposited with the Red Cross, the name Samaj Sebi came into being. That year, too, October 1 was Sashthi like this year. This year we have selected some students and will support their education and social development throughout the year,” said Arijit Maitra, general secretary of the puja

Ashim Paul

Mudiali Club is celebrating its 88th year with the theme ‘Pratiksha’. “Over the past two years, the pandemic had created havoc around the world. People were scared to come out of their homes. To break this momentum, the theme of 2022 is ‘Pratiksha’,” said secretary Arun Lal

Ashim Paul

Nalin Sarkar Street Sarbojanin Durgotsab has ‘Gorbodharini’ as its theme. “When we talk about ‘Gorbodharini’, we talk about mother. Here, we have portrayed Mother Nature and the relation of humankind with Mother Nature,” said Siddhartha Sanyal, the secretary of this 90-year-old puja

Ashim Paul