AMALGAMATION OF DREAMSCAPES: THE DURGA PUJA NEIGHBOURHOODS OF KOLKATA
In a world where rapid urbanization is disconnecting people from their modern urban spaces, and paralyzing the urban neighborhoods, the “Community Durga Puja 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 houses the idol of Goddess Durga. The Pandal is a skillful combination of craftsmanship, symbolism 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 and imagining. The process becomes a discovery of ideas, thoughts and community solidarity. The Pandals become a medium to stage, shape and transform public opinion by stimulating dialogue, debate and confirmation. People of the neighborhood, irrespective of age, gender, occupation, economic class, religion and cast gather to dream and debate.
As thousands of neighborhoods engage in imagining and building their pandals, the entire city, set in the vibe of the festival, transforms into a surreal world. This actually creates a distinctive landscape of the city, one which unravels the dynamics of the various neighborhoods, the interactions arising within and amongst them, their ethos, dreams and aspirations.
Workers give finishing touches to a community puja pandal - The Wire
Some neighborhoods build Pandals in which traditional temples’ imagery is replicated, whereas some perfectly replicate popular monuments, just for seeing them magically land in their neighborhood. Some think of the Pandal either as an artistic installation in space or aim to deliver a message, either showcase a story or recreate a lifestyle. The city becomes a platform for multitudes of enactments.
The festival ends. The street dreamscape reverts to the neighborhood of everyday-life. What is left is people’s renewed zest for the life ahead. And for the next festival season, imaginations are new with the same street turning into an altogether different dreamscape.
Artisans work on a ‘Thai White Temple’ themed pandal - The Wire
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