Durga Puja in West Bengal has always been a celebration of devotion, community, and creativity—but in recent years, it has taken on a bold new identity: that of a massive, city-wide public art festival.
Puja pandals, once known primarily for traditional decor and idols, have now become immersive, contemporary art installations. Artists and architects collaborate to build temporary structures inspired by themes ranging from climate change to feminism, tribal traditions to global conflicts.
Some pandals use recycled materials, creating awareness through art. Others experiment with light, sound, and interactivity—inviting visitors to not just view, but experience. One may walk through a bamboo maze shaped like a DNA strand; another may feature sculptures made entirely from earthen pots.
This creative transformation has drawn international media attention and inspired dialogue around the role of art in public life. It has also encouraged the involvement of young artists, design students, and installation experts, who treat the pandals as serious exhibition spaces—despite their temporary nature.
For ten days, Kolkata becomes an open-air museum, accessible to all. Art spills into streets, alleys, and parks, making Durga Puja not just a religious ritual but a dynamic cultural phenomenon.
It is a celebration where tradition meets experimentation, and the goddess arrives not just in divine form, but in artistic expression.