Naktala Udayan Sangha Durgotsav

Brief History of Naktala Udayan Sangha Durgotsav:

• Establishment & Age: Naktala Udayan Sangha Durga Puja began in 1986, making the 2025 celebration its 39th year.
• Location: 1/250, Naktala Road, Naktala, Garia, Kolkata- 700 047, South Kolkata.

Themes:

• 2024 Theme: Ekannoborti Poribaar (“Joint Family”) – The 2024 pandal revisits memories of Bengal’s large, multi-generational joint families. The installation and ambience evoke nostalgia for the interconnectedness of yesteryear – children playing, shared kitchens, and everyday joys – contrasting today’s nuclear family model. Artistic direction was by Rintu Das.
• 2023 Theme: Arambho (“A New Beginning”) – Signifying a fresh start, this theme represented transition and renewal for the puja committee, focusing on collective strength and community legacy after a phase of leadership change.
• Notable Past Themes:
  • “Chalchitra (2021)” depicted migration during Partition, using trunks, train motifs, and narrative artistry.
  • “Mota Kapor (2022)” focused on textile workers and the dignity of labor.
  • Previous years have explored the plight of migrant workers (2020), the passage of time (“Kaal”, 2018), and the cycle of birth (“Jonmo”, 2019).

USP:

• Socially Reflective Themes: The club is recognized for addressing migration, displacement, labor issues, and changing social values with sensitive, high-impact storytelling.
• Immersive Artistry: Large-scale installations, evocative atmospheres (including realistic models and lived-in sets), and participatory experiences draw huge crowds and critical acclaim.
• Awards & Recognition: Frequently wins citywide accolades for innovative concepts, artistic excellence, and making tradition relevant to contemporary life.
• Community Engagement: Runs year-round welfare initiatives and remains a cultural focal point for the Naktala-Garia area, involving multiple generations and local talent in its projects.

Additional Notes:

• UNESCO Recognition: Part of Kolkata’s Durga Puja ecosystem now included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
• Visitor Magnet: Consistently draws massive footfall during Puja season, featured in “must-visit” Kolkata pandal guides.

In summary:

Naktala Udayan Sangha Durgotsav, since 1986 and now in its 39th year, is famed for thoughtful, immersive themes – from the nostalgia of “Ekannoborti Poribaar” to social stories of migration and labor. It leads South Kolkata in creative innovation, social consciousness, and crowd appeal, making it a highlight of Kolkata’s Durga Puja circuit.