What: Seagram’s Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water presents The Telegraph Puja Premier League 2023, powered by the Indian Institute of Hotel Management
The pandal's exterior was crafted to depict the decline of humanity beneath collapsing hills, a consequence of the destructive human interventions in nature
Where: 33 Pally
(l-r) Subroto Banerjee, the pandal's creator, came to pay his respects to the structure he built, Parimal Dey, president of 33 Pally
The theme: 33 Pally Durga Puja pandal’s theme in its 23rd year is ‘Shailarti’ meaning ‘the voice of the Himalayas’. With it, the makers creatively depict the impact of human interventions on the Himalayan environment. What makes this pandal even more remarkable is that it is entirely made of eco-friendly canvas paper, demonstrating the artists’ commitment to both creativity and environmental consciousness. Subroto Banerjee, the mastermind behind this creation, skillfully brought forth the essence of the Himalayas, urging viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the urgent need for its preservation. The construction of this remarkable pandal involved the hard work of 80 labourers from various parts of West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Birbhum, Midnapore, and Diamond Harbour, spanning over three months. This pandal not only serves as an artistic marvel but also as a powerful reminder of the need for responsible environmental stewardship.
Post the fun talk session, Koneenica joined the couples for a group photo
Organiser speak: The president of 33 Pally, Parimal Dey, said, “People nowadays are being reckless, they are thoughtlessly exploiting the Himalayan environment by constructing homes, cutting down trees, and controlling nature through activities like mindless dam constructions. The pandal is divided into three parts, each conveying a powerful message. The first section illustrates the devastating consequences of human intervention in nature, showcasing mountains and hills crumbling due to mankind’s advancements. All the incidents happening in India, for example, Himachal Pradesh, are entirely the outcome of mankind’s advancements in nature. In the next part, visitors will witness the captivating sound effects, capturing the serene essence of the Himalayas. The pandal’s final part features the symbolic representation of Maa Durga, the daughter of the Himalayas. You can have peace in your mind and you can ask her to give her blessings to us to save nature. We can ask her to give better ideas to man to save nature because if we do not save nature, the future will not be safe for us and the next generation.”
Rooting for the club is: Koneenica Banerjee. Expressing her excitement on returning to The Telegraph Puja Premier League at 33 Pally in Beleghata, she said, “I love the entire concept of the pandal. This year, they have made a very interesting and unique pandal, which represents the voice of the Himalayas. I would request everyone to come to visit this pandal.”
Activities: The evening commenced with a captivating performance by a young girl named Tanishka De, who showcased impressive dance moves and emotive expressions to the tune of the groovy song Dugga elo. Following her performance, there was an interactive session with married couples from the neighbourhood. This was a Q&A session in which couples shared insights into their married lives as well as the dynamics of households where traditional gender roles were challenged. As the evening drew to a close, Koneenica captured moments on her phone and interacted with visitors to the pandal.
(l-r) Actor Saayoni Ghosh also dropped by. She posed with Koneenica Banerjee, Tanishka De stole the show with her moves
By Shaina Ahmed (t2 intern)
Pictures: Rashbehari Das