EC Block

There were — not one but — two sacred poles worshipped at EC Park this year. “The block had decorated one but then we realised the theme artistes had decorated another as well. So we decided to worship both,” smiled Sanjoy Banik, the puja convenor. “And double khuti means double the fun,” quipped Mousumi Das, cultural in-charge of the festival.

Despite being located next to the mammoth FD Block, EC puja holds its own and over the past few years has managed to draw huge crowds. “This year we shall be celebrating the Nabanna festival,” said Amit of theme artiste duo Amit-Arindam. He was referring to the worship of the season’s first harvested rice that is offered to the gods.

“The pandal will recreate rural Bengal and use natural items like paddy and hay. There will be mud walls and kulos too. The colour scheme will match the setting,” said Amit.

“The artiste approached us with this theme and we liked it,” said Banik. “This is our 48th year so we are building up for the jubilee celebrations soon.”

CK-CL Block

Visit CK-CL Block puja to see a replica of the Itachuna Rajbari this year.

Artiste Manirul Molla may not have been to the popular tourist site himself but has enough reference to be executing this theme not once but twice in recent years. “I had designed a pandal on the same theme at New Town’s Uniworld City in 2019. This year’s puja will have a few changes but without disturbing the old world charm of the courtyard, latticework windows and typical balconies.”

Puja at CK-CL Park before the khuti is installed

CK-CL is Molla’s only pandal in Salt Lake but in New Town he’s doing around 10 more. “I may belong to a different community but I’m true to my vocation. Visitors of all communities appreciate my artwork,” he smiled.

Office-bearers of the block association were sanguine about the theme. “We chose this rajbari as it is a popular destination for quick holiday-makers from Calcutta, who will all want to come and see it. A pandal of this nature will keep the budget in check too,” said the block’s general secretary Shanti Ranjan Pal. “We are saving up to execute some new projects for the block — including innovative sports facilities — to be rolled out in coming months.”

AA Block

Given the current climate of violence, the residents of AA Block felt that the swastika would be the most fitting theme for Durga Puja.

Sujit Bose holds the sacred pole with others at AA Block

“The swastika is an ancient symbol of auspiciousness, well-being, and prosperity,” said block secretary Partho Chakraborty after their khuti puja. “In the light of the turbulence between Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, and even closer to home at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, peace is what we seek the most. We believe this is the appropriate theme this year.”

MLA and minister Sujit Bose, councilors Ratna Bhaumik and Tulsi Sinha Roy had gone to attend the ceremony. The pandal will be created by Trinayani Decorators of GD Market and the idol by Arnab Pal.