One of the most reputed clubs in Calcutta that celebrates community Durga Puja in traditional style, Telengabagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab committee has come a long way since it organised its first Durga Puja in 1967. Over the last few decades, the committee has dedicated itself to the revival of interest in primitive and folk cultures and the restoration of forgotten art forms through their installations during the festival. With this year’s theme being ‘Tusu: A Celebration of Bengal’s Rich Cultural Heritage’, Telengabagan’s offering will celebrate the triumph of good over evil while showcasing the artistic legacy of one of Bengal’s foremost ancient tribes.
(L-R) Tanmoy Bose, Sonali Chakraborty and Gopal Poddar. “Our pandal will be adorned with stunning artwork showcasing the essence of rural Bengal, featuring agricultural landscapes, Tusu songs and dances, and traditional craftsmanship. The ornated quadrupedal palanquins or choudols are the basic ingredients of our theme. We also intend to tell the stories of the ‘thongawalis’, who make and sell paper bags made from old newspapers. We will narrate a story about their fight for survival and knit it together with the music and fables of Tusu songs and their stories. The centrepiece of our celebration will be a stunning idol of Goddess Durga and her children, designed to capture the spirit of the Tusu festival, with traditional attire and unique expressions, mixed with folk flavour,” said Poddar. “Tusu songs are characterised by their melodious tunes, simple lyrics and repetitive refrains. They are often sung in groups, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie among the women. The lyrics typically revolve around themes of nature, agriculture and rural life. They also contain elements of mythology and folklore related to the goddess Tusu. Our music attempts to celebrate the women of these communities and their contribution to history, society and culture,” said Bose.
Theme artist Gopal Poddar will portray Tusu Parab with a unique and vibrant approach. A captivating experience awaits visitors who will be able to see how Tusu Festival is celebrated at harvest time. Inspired by the folk tradition of Tusu Parab, Tusu is a significant festival celebrated predominantly in rural Bengal. It is a tribute to Bengal’s rural roots and the agricultural backbone of its culture. According to Poddar, the theme will be reflected through a vivid representation of the tribals' traditions and culture, along with stories that give voice to their marginalisation and exploitation. Through intricate pandal decorations, awe-inspiring idols and an array of cultural programmes, which form the main attractions of Telengabagan's Durga Puja this year, the artist will transport visitors to the heart of rural Bengal.
With percussionist Tanmoy Bose having directed the music composition and arrangement of a Tusu song composed by Sonali Chakraborty and sung by Lopamudra Mitra, the theme will come to life as an audio-visual installation presentation.
Handmade Tusu-themed artwork is beingput up as part of the grand decorative installation work at Telengabagan Durgotsab pandal
The idol for the Puja has been designed and created by Pradip Rudra Pal, while Dinesh Poddar is in charge of pandal illumination.