Disneyland, Burj Khalifa, St Peter’s Basilica, pyramids... Kolkata has embraced the world and melded artistic sensitivities and faith in its grandest celebration.
This year, a Durga puja in Chelmsford, Essex, turned out to be a picture of mini-India.
Sankalpo, an association of over 100 members at Chelmsford in Essex, this year collaborated with Kolkata-based creative art organisation Goomti Experience Centre to support artisans from Bengal and various parts of India to showcase their creativity on a global platform.
Six paintings, three from Goomti Experience Centre and three from a Chelmsford artist, Shweta, were auctioned by Sankalpo on the occasion of Durga Puja. The proceeds will be spent for the welfare for artisans in Kolkata and the rest of the country and also on other welfare projects of Sankalpo.
“This was a small way for us to start something unique for the first time. We plan to scale it up to bigger levels by next year,” said Meghdut “Bobby” Biswas, an entrepreneur and a core member of Sankalpo.
Sankalpo aims to explore art crafted by artisans from India and give them the recognition they deserve.
“I am filled with immense joy to embark on this meaningful collaboration with Sankalpo. I firmly believe that arts is a vital cornerstone of a thriving society, and my dedication lies in empowering India’s rural artisans, instilling in them dreams and a hopeful future,” said Prasenjeet Mukherjee from Goomti Experience Centre.
“What truly stands out to me is Sankalpo’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. By championing the cause of the marginalised and often-overlooked artisans, they are not only enhancing their lives but also showcasing their exceptional talents on a global stage.”
Sankalpo’s Durga Puja focusses on inclusivity, mental health awareness and community engagement in Chelmsford.
“We had guests from Belfast, Leeds, Leicester, Birmingham, Somerset and other areas. We also had visitors from the Isle of Man. Together we have created memories, nurtured friendships and created a family who champion diversity, respect, love and commitment,” said Debalina Sengupta, a Sankalpo volunteer.
Guests included local MP Vicky Ford, Chelmsford mayor Linda Mascot and the high sheriff of Essex, Charles Bishop.
“What an atmosphere! Lovely, welcoming, colourful, noisy, multi-cultural Durga Puja organised by SANKALPO in Chelmsford,” the high sheriff wrote on X.
“The entire community has been there supporting, encouraging and believing in us and acting as our family away from home. Sankalpo is a movement and not just a community organisation. This year our puja theme focusses on addressing social isolation and strengthening communities,” Sengupta said.
Beyond rituals and traditions, Durga Puja is an emotion for Sankalpo. “When you walk into the kitchen you often find new faces serving food. People who attend our puja are made to feel welcome and make it their own, ” Sengupta said.
The younger ones, around the age of nine, helped with distributing flowers for pushpanjali.
A founding member of Sankalpo, Bhaskar Sengupta, said they wanted to bring in a slice of “the typical para’r pujo to Chelmsford”.
“The most amazing thing that happened to our puja is how the whole Indian community in Chelmsford, from south to north to east to west of India, got involved and how they identify it as their puja, too,” Sengupta said.
“The Sankalpo family has been celebrating ‘being together’ — irrespective of ethnicity, language or any such diversity,” said Aparna Gangopadhyay, a new member of Sankalpo.
People of all faith and backgrounds come together and rejoice at the Puja here.