Maa Tujhe Salaam (Pujo '10) Part II - Pandals in my Para
I stay at Kayasthpara, Kasba and we have a history of a vibrant Pujo Celebration, every year. Though this is an area with people of modest means – no efforts are being spared to make the event as exciting in terms of creativity in the use of eclectic themes.
My street, usually crowded and bustling with all kinds of vehicles – acquires a festive look with the lights and the music and the well dressed people.
To check the pandals of all sizes – we decide to walk it out. The serpentine Kayasthpara lane has its share of creative geniuses who emerge once a year from their carom and table tennis and “party” duties to create masterpieces which make their block proud.
This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of the favorite son of Bengal – Rabindranath Tagore and so it was not surprising to find a lot of pandals centered on the bard and his great works of art visually represented in myriad visual mediums. Like the pandal which were centered on his famous novel or the one which was built like a school! Scrolls with his quotes and a bust at the entrance were commonplace this year.
But two interesting themes which caught my attention this year were small pandals in the corner of the street.
Ramlalbazaar interestingly had one of the coolest pandals – with psychedelic lighting and trance like music with chants from the Ramayana.
This pandal was inspired from the story of Ram and it really stood out due to the use of fluorescent lighting and use of bright colors.
The other pandal which was unique was on a Tribal theme. Right from the entrance - with this tribal swords and shields, to the music - the ambiance of the place was truly exotic.
Good usage of a small space and lovely re-creation of tribal art with canvass paintings at regular intervals made this pandal interesting and a visual experience to cherish.
