Newtown Sarbojanin Year:

3rd Budget: Rs 1.8 crore

The look: Theme-maker Anirban Das has created a huge cart made of clay, inspired by the Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatik by Sudraka. On it stands Durga. The idol looks like a terracotta doll. It is housed under a 60ft wide shed of straw. The pandal is a slice of the ancient city of Ujjayini where the play is set. A naatmandir with a straw roof stands close by. Walls bear frescoes. A palace and some houses can also be seen.

On stage: Cultural programmes by block and housing complex residents daily from 6pm to 10pm, till October 13.

BJ Block Year: 41st Budget: Rs 50 lakh

The look: A 40ft Buddha sits over a 30ft base. The statue provides the surface on which projection lights will be beamed. “This will be akin to the light show we did on the Adiyogi statue last year. But this year, police is not allowing laser lights to avoid the kind of crowd we had last year. But it will still be a good show,” said Pradip Banik, who is erecting the pandal.

On stage: The puja will be inaugurated on October 6, at 7pm. Agomoni song by Dipayan Chatterjee, a musical collage by special children, group dance by residents, baul song. Oct 7- An extravaganza by Learn with Joy Music Academy, Sanskriti New Town will dance to live songs. Drama Mahishasurmardini to be staged by Ichhamati group. Oct 8- Programme by Airport Residency Sur Taal Chhondo, dance by Arpito Pranangan Music Academy, Kalakunja Dance Academy.

On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, fries, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, fried rice, navratan korma, chutney, mishti. Oct 12- Rice, daal, alu bhaja, alu-kopir torkari/ fish curry/ mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

FD Block Year: 39th Budget: Rs 55 lakh

The look: The puja traces the voyage of the Ganga from Gomukh to the sea. Thus visitors walk in by a giant statue of Shiva in whose mane the river owes its mythological origin and is transported to the Har ki Pauri ghat at Hardwar, replete with a replica of the riverbank watch tower. The ghat merges with Prayag Ghat of Varanasi, with fibre life-size figures of ascetics offering tarpan in the river. The pit will be filled with water closer to the Puja. The pandal’s facade resembles the Annapurna temple of Varanasi. The exit takes one by the banks of Calcutta, with landmarks like Kalighat temple and Howrah bridge looming. One walks out by Kapil Muni’s ashram in Gangasagar where the river meets the sea.

On plate: Oct 10- Basmati rice, moog dal with karaishuti, alu bhaja, chhyachra, fish kalia/ chhanar malai kofta, pineapple chutney, papad, doi, rasogolla. Oct 11 – Khichuri, beguni, labra, radhaballavi, alur dom, tomato chutney, payesh, lyancha, papad. Oct 12 - Basanti pulao, motorshutir kochuri, chholar dal, mutton curry/ fish curry/ dhokar dalna, navratan korma with paneer (veg), khejur-amsattwa chutney, papad, pantua, ice cream.

AK Block Year: 37 th Budget: Rs 75 lakh

The look: The theme is rainwater conservation in the context of impending drinking water crisis. With veteran theme-maker Bhabatosh Sutar at the helm, AK Block has created a symphony in rainfall. The pitter patter of artificial rain drops has created a soundscape that includes even the beat of the dhak. Utensils of various kinds have been set up in a pit to produce the wanted sound and the drops of water from above have been arranged to fall in a pattern designed on the computer. All around the middle chamber of the pandal, there are charcoal sketches by Krishna Banerjee of children enjoying themselves in the rain. In the first chamber, on entry, the wall explains the levels of the water table. The inner chamber has the deities drawn on pots. Above the pots towers a schoolgirl in clay, bereft of a touch of colour, with her palms outstretched as if to catch raindrops. At the basement level, in front of the pots symbolising the idols there is a whirlpool in which water is added by two women from time to time, in an act of groundwater replenishment. “This is the next global crisis which we are turning a blind eye to given our blessing of being a riverine city, which paradoxically is at threat of inundation,” said Sutar..

Sutar said he had wanted to work in Salt Lake for a long time. “When the opportunity came, I picked this theme as the township stands on the basin of the river Bidyadhari, where wetlands were reclaimed,” he said.

On plate: Oct 10- Rice, beguni, daal, phulkopi alur torkari, chhanar dalna, papad, chutney, lyangcha, doi. Oct 11- Luchi, alur dom, khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 12- Rice, alu bhaja, machher matha diye dal, mocha ghonto, katla kalia, chunomachher jhal, chutney, papad, mishti.

AJ Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 15 lakh The look: A simple pandal. The highlight will be the idol sculpted by Sanatan Rudra Pal

On stage: Oct 9- Inauguration, Rabindrasangeet, sitar and devotional music, performances by the children. Oct 10- Chandipaath in the morning; (evening) Music, recitation, audio drama Ki Gero, directed by Anushka Sarkar and Surajit Sarkar, play Lakshaner Shaktisheel, directed by Rano and Swagata Bhattacharya. Oct 11- Music, recitation, audio drama, modern music by Debasis Goldar, folk music directed by Sudeshna Kundu, Saheli Dasgupta, Diptarup Paul, Shubhajeet Saha. Oct 12- Music, recitation and dance. Oct 14- miscellaneous items by residents. Food fiesta: Community lunch will be served on three days but details are yet to be finalised.

AA Block Year: 48th Budget: Rs 8 lakh The look: In the backdrop of worldwide violence, the block has chosen the theme of the swastika to pray for universal well-being. The stretch to the sanctum sanctorum has big red swastikas overhead and on the walls. On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration by minister Sujit Bose. Go-as-you-like for children, and Rabindrasangeet, a scripted dance show on the current state of women in our country and an audio drama on women’s empowerment, both directed by Urmi Palchaudhuri. Oct 9- Kids’ events and baul music. Oct 10- Magic show. Navami- Quiz and antakshari. Food fiesta: Oct 9- Basanti pulao, paneer butter masala, dhokar dalna, veg chop, salad, papad, chutney, mishti. Oct 10- Luchi, chholar dal narkol diye, Kashmiri alur dom, bhaja, salad, papad, chutney, mishti. Oct 11- Khichuri, labra, beguni, payesh.

AB Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 20 lakh

The look: In the age of malls and plazas, the block looks back at pheriwalas - the once ubiquitous cycling salesmen. So cycles have been painted and placed in the pandal, along with toys, masks, flutes and other items they would sell. Amit-Arindam are in charge of the theme and the traditional idol is being sculpted by Sanatan Pal. On stage: Oct 7- Opening. Utsa, the block ladies club will treat needy children and distribute new clothes among them. Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- (snacks after anjali) Tea, club kachori. (lunch)- luchi, alur dom, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Rice, dal, katla curry/ paneer, chutney, papad, mishti.

AC Block Year: 47th Budget: Rs 10 lakh

The look: The pandal will be a replica of the Sri Ramkrishna Ashrama of Nimpith. The idol will be traditional but the idol’s crown will have an unusual look. On stage: Oct 6- The puja will be inaugurated by Swami Mukteshananda of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur. Actress Darsana Banik, minister and MLA Sujit Bose, mayor Krishna Chakraborty, and others will be present. Oct 8- Agomoni songs by ladies; Oct 9- Children’s miscellaneous shows; Oct 10- Dance drama Jago Banhisikha to show the atrocities on women down the ages and on how they have had to stand up for themselves. Oct 11- Musical tribute to Bengali lyricist Pulak Bandyopadhyay and Bollywood composer duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal. Oct 12- Manoj Mitra’s Dampati, to be directed by Tathagata Goswami and enacted by residents.

On plate: Oct 10- Rice, shukto, dal, alu bhaja, alu phulkopi tarkari, aamer chutney, papad, kamala bhog. Oct 11- Khichuri, beguni, luchi, alur dom, labra, papad, aam shotto-khejur chutney, payesh. Oct 12- Pulao, soyabean chop, veg navratna curry, dhokar dalna, anarosher chutney, saboor papad, chhanar goja.

AD Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 15 lakh

The look: The pandal will resemble a palace and Dipankar Pal is sculpting a traditional idol. On stage: Oct 7- Inauguration. Oct 9- Saris will be distributed to the needy. Food fiesta: Oct 10- Peas pulao, dhokar dalna, chhanar kofta, finger chips, chutney, mishti, papad; Oct 11- Khichuri / luchi, labra, beguni, alur dom, chutney, mishti, papad; Oct 12- Jeera rice, chhyachra, murighonto, machher kalia, chutney, mishti, papad.

AE (Part 1) Year: 41st Budget: Rs 25 lakh The look: Artistes Partha and Sidhartha Ghosh express the wrath of nature through a south Indian folklore of a deity who attacks man as he tries to destroy her forests and animals. Visually, the pandal will remind one of the 2022 the Kannada hit film Kantara, that was made on a similar theme of protecting wildlife. The look and colour tone of the pandal is rich and loud. On stage: Oct 6- Inauguration by MLA and minister Sujit Bose and mayor Krishna Chakraborty. Oct 12- music and dance. On plate: Oct 10- Pulao, veg chop, dhoka navratan korma, papaya chutney, papad, darbesh. Oct 12- Khichuri, beguni, labra, tomato chutney, papad, payesh, bonde.

AE (Part 2) Year: 48th Budget: Rs 12 lakh The look: The traditional idol by Sunayan Pal. A lamp will burn at the pandal throughout the Pujas in memory of Abhaya and special prayers will be offered for her after every sandhya arati. On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration and agomoni music by ladies. Oct 9- Dance, audio drama Hajabarala and drama Prankeshtor Kando, directed by Anindya Sen. Oct 10- Dance, music, recitation, drama Saath Phhankey Bandha. Oct 11- Miscellaneous items. Oct 12- music and dhunuchi dance. Oct 14- Show by Dancers’ Guild On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, finger chips, labra, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, alur dom, mix vegetable, chutney, papad, simui payesh. Oct 12- Pulao, French fries, alur dom, tarkari, chutney, papad, simui payesh.

AG Block Year: 38th Budget: Rs 25 lakh

The look: The theme prapti by Gouranga Das shows how people’s desires never seem to end. Silhouettes of human figures have been created at the entrance and, inside are tiny aluminium and paper-wrapped human figures climbing ropes and chairs as if to show their progress in life and careers.

AH Block Year: 41st Budget: Rs 17 lakh

The look: The pandal will depict the various forms of Durga through paintings etc. Artist Shyama Das of the art group Moner Milan had organised a workshop of 70 artistes who came to the block to paint their impression of the goddess. Theme-maker Malay Das has mounted these canvases on frames, and lampshades, which will be put up inside and outside the pandal. Lights will focus on a rotating alpana on top of the pandal. Resident Bulbul Karmakar Dutta, has sung the puja’s background score.

On stage: Oct 7- Opening and felicitation of eminent block residents, including five who have been working for the block’s puja since inception. Board exam candidates who have scored above 90 per cent will also be feted. There will be variety programmes between Oct 8 and 10. On plate: Oct 10- Luchi, alur dom, fried rice, paneer curry, chutney, papad, mishti, ice cream. Oct 11- Bhog will be sent to residents’ homes.

AL Block Year: 23rd Budget: Rs 16 lakh

The look: The children’s rhyme Shib Thakur er Biye is being depicted through alpona-like art across the walls of the pandal. The idol is traditional ekchala. On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration, dance, music. Oct 9- Quiz, antakshari, and solo performances. Oct 10- A women’s empowerment dance directed by Debalina Samanta. Oct 11- Narayan Gangopadhyay’s Bhim Badh enacted by kids and directed by Poulomi Dutta, chorus of Salil Chowdhury songs in their Bengali and Hindi versions, directed by Madhumita Sen Chhowdhury. Oct 12- Manoj Mitra’s Chokhey Angul Dada, directed by Debashis Jatua. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, begun, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Kachuri, chholar dal narkol diye, pulao, alur dom, mixed vegetable, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Rice, sona moong dal, alu bhaja, tarkari, machher matha diye chhyachra, fish curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

BA Block Year: 45th Budget: Rs 15 lakh

The look: The block wants to familiarise children with the art of string puppets and so theme-maker Jaidip Gupta, who is also a block resident, is installing a mechanism that will make the puppets appear to move on their own outside the pandal. The dolls will be dressed as characters from Satyajit Ray’s film Hirak Rajar Deshe and some fairy tales. The theme’s underlying message is that we are all puppets in the hands of god. The traditional idol is by Dulalchandra Rudra Pal. On stage: Oct 7- Inauguration by elderly residents of the block and councillor Rajesh Chirimar. Students of Workshop for the Blind will get a touch-and-feel experience of the idols. This will be followed by devi vandana, music and dance by residents. Oct 9- Quiz by residents Debarpita Mitra and Tirthakar Dasgupta, antakshari and puppet dance by a professional, Pradip Sarkar. Oct 10- Anandamela and dandia dance. Oct 11- Dhunuchi dance and conchshell-blowing competition. Oct 13- Music and dance by kids, felicitation of Board exam toppers, and music by Kinshuk and Srabani Mitra. There will also be a musical show on Tagore’s influence on the silver screen. Oct 14- Music, dance and Ek Pashla Brishti, adapted from Suchitra Bhattacharya’s play Uro Megh and directed by Ankur Mukherjee. Oct 15- music, dance, and two plays – Lakshmaner Shaktishel and Dushtu Prajapati, both directed by Subroto Hore.

On plate: Oct 7- (After inauguration) Tea, biscuits, radhaballavi, alur dom, paneer cutlet, mishti; Oct 10- basmati rice, ghee, jhuri alu bhaja, shukto, sona moog dal, potoler dorma, dhokar dalna, anaroser chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, begun bhaja, chholar dal, basanti pulao, enchor/ kanchkolar kofta, bonde, aamer chutney, papad. Oct 12- Khichuri (gobindobhog rice, moog dal), beguni, labra, katla maach bhaja, khejur-aamswatto chutney, papad, payesh, mishti. October 13 (dinner)- Mutton/ chicken biryani, haansher dimer devil, mishti. (Veg) Pulao, paneer curry, tarkari, mishti.

BB Block Year: 51st Budget: Rs 18 lakh

The look: The theme is the sacred kitchen of lord Jagannath. Artiste Goutam Das will depict handi, khunti, utensils, as well as the cooking process, the lord’s favourite foods like goja and khoi, and the bhog that is offered at the lord’s temple. The walls are adorned with stone finish-images of the dashaavatara, along with various rituals of Jagannath. The idol, in a peaceful pose, is also by Das. There will also be a corner with pictures or sculptures paying homage to the slain RG Kar hospital junior doctor. On stage: Oct 6- Agomoni songs after inauguration. Oct 10- Kids’ do-as-you-like and play Kazir Bichar, directed by Ruby Gangopadhyay. Arijit Roy and Subhabrata Chakraborty will then direct a music and dance collage of protest songs, in solidarity with the RG Kar incident. On plate: Oct 10- Pulao, navaratna curry, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, rosogolla. Oct 11- Radhaballabai, chholar dal, alur dom, veg chop, sujir halwa, chutney, papad. Oct 12- Khichuri, beguni, labra, alu bhaja, chutney, papad, bonde.

BC Block Year: 48th Budget: Rs 9 lakh The look: The pandal will have attractive lights and interiors, and the traditional idol is by Dulal Chandra Paul. On stage: Oct 7- Anadamela by residents. Oct 8- inauguration by elderly residents, and a dance on women’s empowerment conceptualised by Soma Sen and Swagata Dasgupta. Oct 9- a musical programme with protest songs asking the audience to awaken from their slumber. Oct 10- a drama where deceased women recall the torture they faced in their lifetime such as dowry death, sati and being sold into prostitution. Oct 11- in the segment called Sudhu Abhayar Jonyo, residents will assemble not on stage but around the Durga idol and sing and recite relevant pieces.

On plate: Oct 10- Pulao, tarkari, misthi. Oct 11- Kochuri, tarkari, mishti.

BD Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 20 lakh The look: An eight-foot bamboo Shivalinga will be installed, along with figurines of Shiva and chandeliers overhead. The traditional idol is being sculpted by Ayan Dutta. On stage: The opening is on Chaturthi On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, begun bhaja, labra, alu phulkopi tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, pulao, navratna korma, chhana kofta/dalna, chutney, papad, pantua. Oct 12- Rice, dal, jhuri alu bhaja, chhyachhra, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

BE (East) Year: 45th Budget: Rs 20 lakh The look: The pandal is modelled on a palace and the idol is ekchala. On stage: Oct 7- Opening and agomni songs. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, pulao, alur dom, chhanar kalia, chutney, papad, darbesh. Oct 12- Rice, ghee, moog dal, alu bhaja, salad, fish chop/ mocha chop, doi katla/ paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, rosogolla/ kamalabhog/ ice cream.

BE (West) Year: 41st Budget: Rs 10 lakh The look: A simple pandal and traditional idol sculpted by Santatan Rudra Pal. On stage: Oct 7- inauguration. Oct 8- recitation, music, guitar, dance and play Kalpatram, directed by Sulekha Chakraborty. Oct 9- music. Oct 10- a dance drama on women down the ages. Oct 11- dance and music. October 12- dances On plate: On plate: Oct 10- khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, veg chop, chutney, papad, mishti.

BF Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 10 lakh The look: The pandal will resemble the office building depicted in the web series Panchayat. The idol will be in daker saaj. On stage: Oct 9- Inauguration, agomoni music and dance. Oct 10- A music school run by the block association will perform chorus, and block ladies will sing protest songs. Oct 11- Audio drama on Bani Basu’s Chorabali and a dance on women’s empowerment titled Banchar Utsav, directed by Shanoli Majumdar. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, bhaja, tarkari, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Rice, dal, tarkari, alu bhaja, chicken/ paneer, chutney, papad, mishti.

BG Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 25 lakh The look: The block showcases the celebration of Durga by tribal folk. Their festival will be depicted inside a pandal decorated with eco-friendly materials like bamboo and hogla leaves. The idol is by Sutanu Maity. On stage: Oct 9- Music, dance, recitation and yoga-based dance and two audio plays. Oct 10- Miscellaneous programmes. Oct 11- Variety shows and drama Chokhe Angul Dada and audio drama Kaman Dadar Itibritya. Oct 11- Ladies to enact Solution X, directed by Prasenjit Sanyal. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, beguni, labra, alu phulkopi kosha, chutney, papad, payesh, amriti, pan masala. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, radhaballavi, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, kheer, malpoa, pan masala. Oct 12- Basanti pulao, paneer cutlet, potoler dolma, chhanar kofta, dhoka, chutney, papad, sitabhog, pan masala. Oct 13- Rice, dal, jhuri alu bhaja, chhyachra, fish fry with salad, doi machh, mutton kosha, stuffed capsicum, chutney, papad, komolabhog, ice cream, pan masala; (veg options will be paneer pasinda, chhanar kalia and phulkopir roast)

BH Block Year: 40 th Budget: Rs 12 lakh The look: A traditional idol will be placed in a simple pandal On stage: Oct 9- Opening, followed by cultural programmes by a charitable school in the block, Amra Sabai Raja. There will also be a feature to inspire the youth towards harmony and prosperity, directed by Madhurima Banerjee and scripted by Tannistha Mukherjee. Oct 10- Dance by the youngest kids of the block, directed by Priyadarshini Singh, a mime on women’s oppression and empowerment. Oct 11- Chikitsha Bibhrat, a satirical presentation on the relationship between doctors and patients.

On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, rosogolla. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dam, bonde.

BK Block Year: 38th Budget: Rs 25 lakh The look: The block is recounting how 12 friends pooled funds back in the day to start “baro-yari” pujas. The pandal has scrolls with patachitra and writings of this history. The theme is by Prabir Saha and idol by Saha and Swarup Sutradhar. On stage: Oct 6- Inauguration. Oct 7- Children’s music and drama Digital Mayajaal, directed by Swati Ghosh and Sampa Dey. Oct 8- Music performances. Oct 9, 10, 11- Miscellaneous items by residents. Oct 10- A musical programme of Bengali and Hindi songs on the theme of oppression and empowerment of women, directed by Chandrasekhar Bag. Oct 11- Manoj Mitra’s play Kothay Jabo, directed by Surajit Ghosh. Oct 13- Cooking competition for block ladies in the morning and guest singer Sovan Ganguly sings in the evening.

Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, alur dom, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 12- Rice, dal, jhuri alu bhaja, machher matha diye chhyachra, katla curry, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti, ice cream.

BL Block Year: 38th Budget: Rs 10 lakh The look: The theme of the pandal is astra daan, depicting how the various gods handed their weapons to Durga. The idol is traditional. On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration by elderly residents, dance drama Aar Kobe, where Moon Moon Chakraborty is directing children in what would be their interpretation of the RG Kar agitation. Tripti Majumdar is directing children in Upendrakishore Roy Chowdhury’s Khagyashur. Oct 9- Kids’ dances, drama Bharate Chai by the ladies wing and guest artiste Koel Goswami to sing various kinds of songs. Oct 10- Miscellaneous items and dance based on Tagore’s Brahmasangeet, directed by Jonaki Bhowmik. Oct 11- dance troupe Palajyoti, led by Odissi dancer Monalisa Ghosh, and a theatre group to perform. Oct 13- An open-to-all quiz in the morning, residents’ performances in the evening. Then Ujaan, a folk bank led by Subrata Natta, takes the stage. On plate: Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, basanti pulao, kumro bhaja, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 12- Rice, moog dal, jhuri alu bhaja, machher matha diye chochchori/ alu phulkopir tarkari, katla kalia/ paneer curry, chutney, papad, golap jam.

CA Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 11 lakh

The look: The pandal is shaped like a hay hut and there are trenches with paddy growing outside. Inside there are paintings of rural Bengal. The idol will be traditional. On stage: Oct 7- Opening. Oct 8- Agomoni songs by ladies. Contests such as conchshell-blowing may take place on different days. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, tarkari chutney, papad, mishti. Ashtami- luchi, chhanar kofta, chholar dal, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti, payesh. Navami- rice, dal, mutton/ paneer, chutney, papad, mishti

CB Block Year: 45th Budget: Rs 13-15 lakh

The look: The pandal will be shaped like a Shivalinga and the idol will be a traditional one. On stage: Oct 4- a team of delegates from various embassies will visit the puja. Oct 6- Inauguration followed by music by residents. Sajal Kanti Mandal, the headmaster of Laban Hrad Vidyapith in AD Block, will recite stotro. Oct 8- Folk music, dance, and scripted music recital titled Shuddhaswar, directed by Sujata Chowdhury, play Devtar Janma directed by Kaushik Basu. Oct 9- Music, audio drama Pratima Darshan, directed by Amit Chakraborty, play Gunupanditer Gunopona, directed by Dalia Ghosh and Manidipta Banerjee, scripted music show, play Kushalgirnir Bishalyakarini, directed by Diptendu Banerjee. Oct 10- Vocal and sitar performance, music by guest group, folk dance Chhande chhande taley taley by residents. Oct 11- Fusion dance, drama Mutton Curry, directed by Diptendu Banerjee and classical dance show titled Shakti Rupena. Food fiesta: Oct 10- boxes to be delivered home comprising khichuri, five kinds of bhaja, labra, payesh, chutney, papad, bonde. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, fried rice, chhanar kofta, potoler dorma, chutney, papad, malpoa. Oct 12 (dinner)- Dahi vada, veg cutlet, salad, chowmien, veg Manchurian, kachuri, Kashmiri alur dom, basanti pulao, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, kulfi.

CD Block Year: 48th Budget: Rs 32 lakh The look: The pandal asks visitors to change their perspective and not judge others based on their looks. Theme-maker Hirak Das has paintings of weighing machines, mirrors, as well as sizes like XXL painted on panels inside to sensitise visitors about body shaming, skin colour etc. On plate: Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, begun bhaja, butter paneer, chutney, papad, golap jam. Oct 12- Pulao, alur dom, chhanar kofta, chutney, papad, golap jam.

CE Block Year: 45th Budget: Rs 11 lakh The look: A traditional idol in a simple pandal. On plate: Oct 10- Khichudi, beguni, kumri, alur dom, labra, chutney, papad, ladykeni. Oct 11 - Luchi, chholar dal, Basanti pulao, dhokar dalna, chhanar rasha, chutney, papad, bonde.

CF Block Year: 46th Budget: Rs 24.5 lakh The look: In the 250th year of the General Post office, the pandal is shaped like the GPO. Some information and pictures of the institution would be put up inside too On plate: Oct 7- Opening by a monk from Bharat Sevashram Sangha, MLA and minister Sujit Bose and local councillor Sabyasachi Dutta. Oct 9- Recitation, music and a scripted musical show Aaj Baje Mon Majhe. Oct 10- Songs, audio drama Abosheshe and Panchatantram dance drama directed by Srabani Chatterjee. Oct 11- Music, Rama Sadanandar Sath Kahon, directed by Utpal Das. Oct 12- Rituranga dance on season, by the block-based Sapphire Creations, directed by Sudarshan Chakravorty.

On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, Kashmiri alur dom, chholar dal, chhanar kofta, chutney, papad, bonde. Oct 12- Veg chop, pulao, navratan curry, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

CG Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 14 lakh The look: The pandal will feature items from rural Bengal like kulo and wicker baskets. The cultural programme stage has been named Tilottoma Mancha and a lamp in memory of the RG Kar hospital victim will burn through the four days of Puja round the clock. On stage: Opening is on Oct 8 and there will be cultural programme on four days of the Pujas. On plate: Oct 10- Dehradun rice, shukto, moog dal, jhuri alu bhaja, potoler dolma, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, kamalabhog. Oct 11- Gobindobhog chaler khichudi, bandhakopir tarkari, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 12- Basanti pulao, veg cutlet, stuffed alur dum, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, rajbhog. Oct 13- Chicken biryani, raita, gulab jamun (veg options are veg biryani and paneer lababdar)

CJ Block Year: 39th Budget: Rs 15 lakh The look: A traditional idol in a pandal resembling an old zamindar house. On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration by mayor and block resident Krishna Chakraborty. Oct 9- Agomoni songs by kids and block-based elocutionist Sangita Saha will lead a performance of Priyo Bandhu 2, an imagined sequel of Anjan Dutta’s popular audio drama from the 90s. Oct 10-After sandhya arati, the lights in the park will be switched off for 15 to 20 minutes to mourn the RG Kar hospital murder. Guest dancers will then stage Nava Durga. Oct 11- Kids will present a collage of Tagore’s poems and songs and Moromia group to stage a street play inspired by the RG Kar hospital issue. Oct 12- Baul music. On plate: Oct 10- Rice, alu bhaja, moog dal, shukto, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, khichuri, labra, chutney, papad, bonde. Oct 12- Luchi, navratna curry, veg chop, salad, fried rice, beguni, chhanar kalia, pineapple chutney, papad, golap jam.

CK-CL Block Year: 38th Budget: Rs 20 lakh The look: The pandal will be a replica of the Itachuna Rajbari, complete with courtyard, khorkhori windows and typical balconies. On stage: Oct 8- Puja opening. Oct 9- Solo performances by kids. Oct 10- Guest artiste Suman Manna to sing miscellaneous songs. Oct 11- Items by residents and performance by a dance troupe. Oct 12- Antakshari, dances to patriotic songs by ladies, music by blind school students and a scripted musical show called Achena Agomoni, inspired by the RG Kar hospital incident. On plate: Oct 10- Rice, shukto, dal, potato chips, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, chhanar malpoa. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Rice, moog mohan dal, potato chips, alu potol prawn curry, doi katla, chutney, papad, mishti; (veg) alu-potol curry, dhokar dalna, alu jhinge posto. Oct 13 (dinner)- Egg devil, salad, Afghani pulao, mutton kosha, chutney, papad, golab jamun; (veg) radhaballavi, Kashmiri alur dum, veg chop, salad, Afghani pulao, chhanar malai kofta, navratna korma.

DA Block Year: 44th Budget: Rs 8 lakh The look: The pandal is simple and idol traditional On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration, followed by music, group recitation by ladies and a medley of modern songs. Oct 9- music on matri vandana, dance, agomoni songs and a musical presentation with poetry and dance. Oct 10- Medley of Hindi songs, audio drama, and Ichhe Ronger Sakh, a musical presentation on one’s childhood memories. Oct 11- Medley of modern songs, Rabindrasangeet chorus, drama Rahasyo Romancho. Oct 12- music, dhunuchi dance with dhak On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, beguni, labra, chutney, papad, bonde. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, fried rice, chilli paneer, papad. Oct 12- Radhaballavi, alur dum, peas pulao, paneer pasinda, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad.

DB Block Year: 47th Budget: Rs 7 lakh The look: The wheel of a chariot will be shown as if stuck, representing obstacles in life but also giving us hope to overcome them. The walls behind the idol have been plastered with earthen pots painted with human faces in distress. The idol will be ekchala. On stage: Oct 8- Opening. Oct 9- Stotra path with music by resident Loknath Sastri. Miscellaneous items by residents on the following days. A separate stage is being erected for residents to perform for Abhaya. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, bhaja, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, pulao, paneer curry, mixed vegetable, chutney, papad, ice cream. Oct 12- Bhuna khichuri, beguni, vegetable Manchurian, chutney, mishti. Oct 14 (dinner)- Luchi, alur dom, bonde.

DL Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 27 lakh The look: The puja will have a simple pandal and a traditional idol On stage: Oct 8- Unveiling of the idol by a monk from Ramakrishna Math (Balaram Mandir). Agomoni songs by ladies, music and dance. Oct 9- Music, flute recital by Aishi Pal, dance, recitation and the play Bibaha Barshiki, directed by Pradeepta Roy. Oct 10- Recitation and kids’ zamindar-era fashion show, curated by Priyadarshini Guha. Oct 11- Dance, music, ukelele and mandolin performance by Tanisha Chakraborty and Angshuman Chakraborty, kids’ audio drama directed by Nibedita Bhanja Chowdhury and performance by a guest musician. Oct 12- Performance by block-based Karate Training Centre, mouth organ by Neel Bose, audio drama and dandiya by residents. Oct 13- Baul music On plate: Oct 10- Bhuna khichuri, labra, kumro bhaja, labra, bandhakopir tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, alur dom, chholar dal, basanti pulao, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, bonde. Oct 12- Basmati rice, shukto, bhaja monger dal, jhiri alu bhaja, chhanar kofta, chutney, papad, gulab jam.

EC Block Year: 48th Budget: Rs 20 lakh The look: Artiste duo Amit-Arindam will bring alive the Nabanna festival, where the season’s first rice is harvested and paddy is worshipped and offered to the gods. The pandal will use natural items like paddy, hay, mud walls, kulos etc . On stage: Oct 7- Inauguration by the founder of Bandhan Bank Chandra Shekhar Ghosh. Oct 9- Arati, agomoni songs. Oct 10- Music, dance drama Nava Angika Ritumala, directed by Sarbari Datta. Oct 11- Drama Byapika biday directed by Arup Ghosh. Oct 12- ladies’ drama Dattak directed by Arup Ghosh On plate: Oct 10- Basanti pulao, paneer butter masala, veg chop, alu phulkopir tarkari, papaya chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, khichuri, chholar dal, beguni, labra, tomato chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Basmati rice, mooger dal, alu bhaja, mutton curry/ mixed vegetable, khejur-aamsattwor chutney, papad, mishti.

EE Block Year: 27th Budget: Rs 20 lakh The look: The pandal will resemble Delhi’s Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and sculptor Kartik Pal is creating the traditional idol. On stage: Oct 8- inauguration, miscellaneous cultural programmes till Oct 12 only by children.

Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, alur dom, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 12- pulao, chicken/ paneer curry, dhokar dalna, chutney, papad.

FC Block

Year: 42nd

Budget: Rs 6 lakh

The look: The pandal is shaped like a zamindar house and the idol is traditional ekchala.

On stage: Oct 7- Inauguration and residents’ performances. Oct 8 performance by Poulomi’s Dance Troupe. Oct 9- Nataraj Dance Troupe to perform. Oct 10- Poushali of Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame to take stage. Oct 11- Beleghata Nritya Academy and Bangla band Atmojo to perform. Oct 12- Purbasha Dance Academy to take stage. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, payesh. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, paneer curry, chutney, payesh. Oct 12- Pulao, veg chop, phulkopir tarkari, alur dom, chutney, mishti.

FC Block

FE Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 31 lakh The look: A traditional idol in a pandal decorated with pitchers. On stage: Opening on October 7 by Swami Debrajananda of Belur Math, followed by agomoni songs by block residents, inauguration of puja souvenir, dance item titled Yuge Yuge Esho Durga Durgatinashini.

FE Block

Oct 14- Songs by Aditi Mukherjee and Kalyani Bhattacharya, self-composed poems recitation by Swapna Das, skit by Debraj Sengupta, recitation by Kayani Bhattacharya, dance by Kaushiki and Ketaki Bhattacharya, songs by Sanghamitra Shah, programme by Workshop for the Blind. Oct 15- Songs by Shalini Mukherjee at 6.30pm, dance by Anushka Basak, group dance, recitation by Tejaswi Roy and Samriddhi Pal, drama Sakuntala, directed by Parthasarati Bose. On plate: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, papad, mihidana. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, alur dom, basanti pulao, chhanar dalna, pineapple chutney, pantua. Oct 12- Fried rice, doi katla/ vegetable cutlet and mirchi pakora, mutton kasha/ paneer butter masala, mixed fruit chutney, papad, rajbhog.

GC Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 15 lakh The look: Residents are decorating the pandal themselves and the idol will be decked in daker saaj. On stage: Oct 8- Opening. Oct 9- Shakuntala enacted by children, directed by Ankita Das Nandi. Oct 10- A dance item on festivals of India, directed Susmita Das, a street play by a guest group Moromia on gender sensitisation, folk music by guest group Nagar Khyepa. Ashtami- Audio drama and individual events. Navami- A guest artiste will perform miscellaneous songs. On plate: Oct 10- Rice, moog dal with koraishuti, bhaja, chhyachra, fish kalia, pineapple chutney, papad, doi, lebu, lanka; (veg) kachuri, jeera rice, moog dal with koraishuti, paneer masala (red gravy), veg malai kofta, alur dom, pineapple chutney, papad, doi. Oct 11- Khichuri, beguni/ kumri, labra, tomato chutney, papad, amriti. Oct 12- Basanti pulao / peas polao, dhokhar dalna, alu phulkopi roast, kacha aamer chutney, papad, payesh. Oct 13- Dry fruits fried rice, motorshutir kachuri, chholar dal, chicken curry/ navratan korma with paneer, khejur- aamsatwo chutney, papad, kulfi.

GD Block Year: 40th Budget: Rs 40 lakh The look: The pandal will be shaped like a conchshell, that is considered an auspicious symbol in Indian culture. On stage: Oct 8- Opening, agomoni songs, drama, Odissi dance. Oct 9- Music, recitation, children’s dance Krishna Katha, directed by Sanchari Samaddar, audio drama, dance Jago Nari.

GD Block

Oct 10- Variety programmes by residents. Oct 11- Children of an NGO will take stage, besides block residents’ music, dance and a play Petuk, directed by Doel Sarkar and Poulami Saha. Oct 12- music, antakshari, audio drama Ami Nari Ami Mahioshi, directed by Ila Nandi.

On plate: Oct 10- Gobindobhoger khichuri with moog dal and vegetables, beguni, bandhakopi tarkari/ labra, aamsotto-khejur chutney, papad, gulab jamun. Oct 11- luchi, chholar dal, alur dum, pulao with kaju-kismis, paneer butter masala, pineapple chutney, papad, boondi. Oct 12- Basmati rice, sona moong dal, jhuri alu bhaja, machher matha diye chhyachra, katla kalia, mutton kasha, aamer chutney, rasogolla; (veg) veg cutlet, radhaballavi, alur dum, chholar dal, fried rice, kadai paneer, aamer chutney, papad, rasgolla. Oct 13- Veg fried rice, butter chicken/ chilli chicken, papad, tomato chutney, sandesh.

HA Block Year: 39th Budget: Rs 13 lakh The look: The pandal is a simple one and the idol is traditional. Food fiesta: Ashtami- khichuri, labra, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Navami- rice, dal, machher matha diye bandhakopi/ paneer curry, chicken/ katla/ veg koftta, chutney, papad, bonde.

HB Block

Year: 40th

Budget: Rs 26 lakh

The look: The block is paying tribute to dhakis, who are an intrinsic part of Durga puja. Artiste Prabir Saha has conjured up an imaginary dhak player named Paran Dhaki and will be showcasing his life – his village, his hut, the fields where he works etc. The entrance is through a large dhak, and there are patches with real paddy growing inside. The idol is artistic.

On stage: Oct 6- Opening by the senior-most resident and performance by kids.

HB Block

Food fiesta: Oct 10- khichuri, labra, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- luchi, chholar dal, chutney papad mishti. Oct 12- rice, dal, machher matha diye chhyachra, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti.

IA Block Year: 39th Budget: Rs 8 lakh The look: A traditional pandal will be placed inside a simple pandal On stage: Oct 8- Inauguration, agomoni music and stotra directed by Ranajay Roy. Oct 9- Individual items and kids’ dance on the theme of Durga, directed by Tumpa Dutta. Oct 10- A kid’s NGO Mukti to present Tagore’s Daakghor, dances, and a youth’s dance Hari Khela, directed by Sree Chakraborty. Ashtami- Go-as-you-like. Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, bhaja, chutney, misthi. Oct 11- fried rice, paneer curry, chutney, misthi.

IB Block Year: 38th Budget: Rs 2.5 crores The look: IB Park now looks like a futuristic city, what with 100ft tall skyscrapers, bullet trains, and hydrogen plants. The theme is Calcutta in 2050, created by artist Prasanta Pal, who is renowned for his work on the Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmaavat-themed pandal at Mohammad Ali Park a few years ago. There will also be a large drone-like “air ambulance” that the maker believes will be in use in 2050 and it will fly from one skyscraper to another off and on. The idol, by Pradip Rudrapal, is adorned in jewellery worth Rs 15 crore. On stage: Oct 4- Chief minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated the puja earlier but today boxer Mary Kom, actor Dev and MLA Sujit Bose will come for a physical opening. Petals will be showered on the guests by the drone. Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, alur dom, beguni, chutney, papad, payesh. (Dinner) rice, ruti, dal, alu potoler tarkari, alu bhaja, tarkari, chutney, papad, payesh, mishti. Oct 11- Koraishutir kachuri, chholar dal, dhokar dalna, chhanar kofta, chutney, papad, gulab jamun. (Dinner) rice, ruti, dal, two tarkaris, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Pulao, fish chop, paneer butter masala, mutton curry, chutney, papad, mishti. (Dinner) rice, ruti, machher jhol, tarkari, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 13- Rice, dal, shukto, jhiri alu bhaja, tarkari, katla kalia, chingri malai curry, chutney, papad, kulfi. (Dinner) mutton biryani, chicken chap, firni.

IB Block

JC Block Year: 26th Budget: Rs 7 lakh The look: The puja is getting a simple idol On stage: Oct 9- Opening, followed by dance, music, recitation. Oct 10- block-based cultural group Sajhbati to sing protest songs, directed by Sikha Chatterjee. Swarnali Mukherjee will also dance to Bistirno Dupare on a similar mood. There will be more items. Ashtami- miscellaneous items. Food fiesta: Oct 10- Khichuri, labra, bhaja, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11- Luchi, chholar dal, chhanar kalia, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Pulao, paneer butter masala, chutney, papad, mishti.

Karunamoyee G Block

Year: 42nd

Budget: Rs 20 lakh

The look: A ground where the pandal has come up is made to resemble a lotus pool, in keeping with the theme Padmalaye Parameshwari, conceived by theme-maker Gopal Dutta. Six-foot tall lotus flowers stand neck to neck with visitors as they walk in. On stage: The pandal will be inaugurated by US consul general Kathy Giles-Diaz on Monday, at 6,30pm. There will be cultural programmes every evening during Puja.

On plate: Oct 10- Rice, shukto, mocha, alu bhaja, dal, chicken/fish/ paneer, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 11 - (Breakfast) luchi, alu fulkopi, bonde, tea (Lunch) Luchi, chholar dal, polau, begunbhaja, dhokar dalna, chhanar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- khichudi, beguni, labra, alur dom, chutney, papad, mishti.

Labony

Labony Abasan Year: 50th Budget: Rs 40 lakh The look: The 70ft pandal is a citadel in glass panels. Two huge Shiva lingas stand by the entrance. Inside, a toned and muscular Shiva features in a series of glass paintings. The idol is a traditional one. On stage: Oct 5- Inauguration by Swami Kamalasthananda, principal, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, followed by dance, music and recitation, 6.30pm. Oct 6- Songs sung in chorus and solo, collage of group recitation, dance. Oct 7- Dance, 6.30pm. Oct 14- Play at 7pm. On plate: Oct 10- Karaishutir kachuri, Chholar dal, Begun bhaja, rice, katla kalia/ chhanar dalna, chutney, papad, misti. Oct 11- Khichudi, labda, alur dom, beguni, chutney, papad, mishti. Oct 12- Basanti pulao, fish/ vegetable chop, mutton kasa/ dhokar dalna, chutney, papad, mishti.

AE Block, New Town

* Schedules are subject to last-minute changes