AMALGAMATION OF DREAMSCAPES: THE DURGA PUJA NEIGHBOURHOODS OF KOLKATA
September 16, 2020 In a world where rapid urbanization is disconnecting people from their modern urban spaces, and paralyzing the urban neighborhoods , the “Community Durga Pu ja Pandals” of Kolkata breaks away from the urban norm. Durga Puja is the annual celebration of Goddess Durga, done for 5 days and nights, during the months of September-October. The festival is characterized by the act of building the community “pandal”- a temporary shelter that ho uses the idol of Goddess Durga. The Pandal is a skillful combination of craftsmanship, symboli sm and various cultural, political and artistic intents. Underwater-themed community Durga puja pandal in Kolkata - The Wire At the base of the festival structure is the neighborhood. Every neighborhood builds its own Pandal, and their identity is articulated in the symbolism of it. The temporary space of the festival provides in the lives of people continuously engaged in their daily fight for survival, a momentary phase for dreaming an
