Samaj Sebi Sangha bagged the True Spirit Model Puja award.

The 79-year-old Puja had “Korshon” as the theme this year highlighting rural Bengal and how humans have detached themselves from agriculture and cultivation because of globalisation, technological progress and more. This has led us to detach ourselves from nature, and the beautiful rural life that is vital for us. Upon entering the pandal it would transport you to a village. Women husking grains in a dheki, drying spices, mud walls and kulo could be spotted.

The most interesting part: Ma Durga’s serene idol by Raju Sarkar is seen sitting on a kulo holding only one weapon, the sickle, used for harvesting crops. “If farmers retreat, then what shall we eat? It is through cultivation (korshon) that our civilisation shall be unified. From ploughing the soil, sowing seeds to harvesting, needs teamwork and it is this korshon that inculcates the biggest form of religion — togetherness.” said a club representative.

Sabarna Para Barisha Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity was declared a Five Star Puja. Ma Durga’s idol is eye-catching. She is seen in her rudrani avatar which is in her feisty form. She, along with her children, Ganesh, Kartik, Laxmi and Saraswati are seen in the air with anger in their eyes. “Women are nature’s most beautiful and crafted creation. Despite being defined as delicate and soft by the virtue of creation, women hold huge worldly responsibilities, which are carried out with utmost precision. As described in ancient Indian scriptures and the Vedas, women are the strongest entities on this planet. At present, society has created certain scenarios that forced them to take on the rudrani roop, which is the fierce form of women,” said a club spokesperson.

Hazra Udayan Sangha’s simplicity of the theme and idol won the judges’ hearts. This is the 79th year of the puja. The pandal beautifully depicted nostalgia. “Just like our theme around para, Ma Durga is seen as a parar meye in atpoure sari but we have put weapons on her hands because this is what the time demands,” explained a club member.

The entire pandal is built in iron structure and decorated with threads from saris of women in our para,” explained another club member. The serenity of the idol wearing a quintessential Bengali red and white sari was gorgeous and evoked a sense of devotion. Hazra Udayan Sangha was also declared a Five Star Puja.

Lalabagan Nabankur

A resounding message to enhance the city’s green cover, a tribute to the workforce behind the pandals and a reminder of the business acumen of Bengal — this route of north Calcutta impressed the judges quite easily.

The expansive pandal of Ultadanga Bidhan Sangha with an imposing figure of a boat welcomed all. Reminiscent of an era when Bengal was the centre of business and Bengalis led the way, the façade enchanted all with its structures made of wood. The air filled with the song Amar nouka chole seamlessly melded with the theme. The pandal and its structure not only reminded one of a glorious past but stressed the need to reclaim business and make Bengal a hub once more. With a structure vulnerable to fire, they had stressed on fire-safety measures. It deservedly was named a Five Star Puja.

Lalabagan Nabankur lifted the True Spirit Model Puja trophy for its aggressive and impressive use of greens. An astounding 8,000 plants, all non-flowering varieties, were used to make this verdant pandal.

The sunlight became soft and the temperature dropped as soon as one entered the premises that looked like a nursery or a greenhouse— a reminder that we all need to plant trees to make the city pleasant and liveable, and avoid the effects of global warming. The whites of the mushrooms added a touch of contrast to the ambience. The deity, deviating from the traditional style of idol-making, also embraced leafy structures, making it eye and soul -soothing. What will they do after the grand festival is over? The puja committee, which has been nurturing the plants for five months, will donate them to interested people.

Visitors to Chetla Agrani Club

The Tala Prattoy pandal was a symbolic, awe-in- spiring representation of the void of human life. Themed "Bihin ­ the Void", it represents the emptiness and darkness created by the fast pace of life and our attempts to escape from it and be one with the infinite

Its superstructure made of iron sheets and fishing nets generated a sense of barrenness and meaninglessness despite its complex, large and undulating panels. Visitors approach the interior of the pandal through a dark, dungeon-like pathway to a space where a large circular structure seems suspended from above in which the formless faces of Ma Durga and her children

The Model Puja also pays tribute to its countless workmen and artisans through images of these craftsmen that adorn the walls as visitors weave their way out of the pandal

The Suruchi Sangha pandal is made of scrap metal, nets, plastic and wood. Beautiful and colourful in impact, the décor strikes us in its innovative use of broken and damaged parts of motorbikes, rickshaws, pipes, mosquito nets and other discarded items. The pandal and décor depict people travelling along the journey of life. Shaped like a giant ship with sails, crossing a stormy ocean, the pandal represents the struggles and travails of survival

Besides its commitment to environmental consciousness through showcasing recycled elements, the Five Star Puja is also committed to power conservation and the safety of visitors. Inclusivity is another highlight of this pandal which had special ramps for the specially-abled

The Chetla Agrani pandal portrayed the ghats of Varanasi. It also highlighted pollution hazards from smoke emitted from factories, industrial waste and water pollution. A depiction of Ganga arati and the chants of Har Har Mahadev evoke an ambience true to the ghats in Varanasi. The interior of the pandal was like a brightly lit temple with a huge idol of Goddess Durga and her children sculpted in the style of illustrations found in old religious texts. Though portrayed in the traditional image where she is seen slaying Mahisasura, Ma Durga is also depicted in her benign aspect and is painted in soft colours that add to the impression of a protective, benevolent power that destroys evil forces.

The Durga idol at the North Tridhara Sarbojanin Durgotsav committe pandal.

VOICES

I have now been associated with CESC The Telegraph True Spirit Puja for more than a decade . I have seen it grow to a movement that has kept safety at its core. And the movement keeps getting stronger. Joyneel Mukherjee Executive director, RPSG Group

I have been born and raised in Calcutta, I have always been associated with the Pujas. I am very involved in the puja near where I live. Going for pandal-hopping and watching idols have been a thrilling experience.This year, it was more exciting to be a part of the CESC The Telegraph True Spirit Puja. I have been associated with t2 and The Telegraph since my St Xavier s College days. The art and craftsmanship that we have in Bengal are mind-blowing and today s experience proved that yet again. Durga puja is the biggest street festival we have and it was amazing to be a part of it

Rajendra Singh Co-founder, Kolkata Wecare Beauty lies in safety.

That is the `True Spirit of the CESC The Telegraph puja event. This event is into its 22nd year and I like to think that we have seriously contributed to make the Puja safer for everyone with our focus on electrical safety, fire safety, medical safety, safety of crowds, safety in emergencies and so on. It is very difficult to choose amongst the extremely wellorganised pujas visited by us. But a consensus opinion has to be reached! And Calcutta will continue to improve with all our efforts. Gargi Chatterjea (Executive director, CESC (regulatory affairs and corporate services) "I have been part of True Spirit Puja for the last 10 years and it has been a remarkable journey. What is most satisfying is people have become really aware of the true spirit of the Puja. From taking care of fire safety norms to sustainable measures and coming together as a community, they are doing it all. None of the idols at the pandals had clothes or any other material coated with toxic paints. That s truly remarkable

Mukti Gupta, MD, Mukti Group

"This year, Puja takes on a profound new meaning. We shift our focus from the artistic grandeur and creative splendour of puja pandals to a more fundamental concern ­ the safety and well-being of every individual. It s no longer just about ensuring secure pandals, but about bringing a sense of security and belonging in our homes, workplaces, and communities, where everyone feels safe and valued.

Dr Rupali Basu, President, brand research and management, RPSG Group

Judging the CESC The Telegraph True Spirit Puja contest was a truly inspiring experience.The artistry displayed in each pandal reflects not only creativity but also a deep commitment to community welfare.This competition is commendable for recognising the Puja clubs that prioritise the safety and comfort of visitors alongside aesthetics.Their focus on fire-fighting and evacuation preparedness ensures that this much-anticipated festival remains joyous and safe for all. I am grateful to have witnessed such dedication to both tradition and citizen care during this vibrant celebration

Rupak Barua, Managing director & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Ltd

I am proud to be a part of this initiative of promoting a safe, happy and meaningful Puja. It is a well-thought out event that awards prizes on some very important parameters

Miraj D Shah, Vice-chairman The Bhawanipur Education Society College

"I loved how scrap materials were used to design such gorgeous and spectacular pandals, like in Suruchi Sangha, which was my favourite.The True Spirit Pujas not only endorsed recycling, but they were also environment-friendly. Another aspect of these pandals that struck me as unique was their emphasis on cleanliness.... I am sure endeavours like this will help to make Calcutta a cleaner and greener city in every way

Yogesh Kathuniya, Paralympic athlete