Behala Club Sarbojanin Durgotsav
Brief History of Behala Club Sarbojanin Durgotsav:
- Establishment & Age: Behala Club Sarbojanin Durgotsav was established in 1945, making 2025 its 80th year.
- Location: 58/1/1, Banamali Naskar Road, Naskarpur, Behala, Kolkata- 700 060, South Kolkata.
Themes:
- 2024 Theme: “Aranyak” (The Forest) – Sunderbans & Survival – The theme “Aranyak” brought the daily human-tiger conflict and survival stories from the Sunderbans delta into the heart of the city. The pandal featured actual maps of the Sunderbans, photos of rivers, creeks, local women, tigers’ paw prints, and intimate portraits of “tiger widows.” One central element was Bonbibi, protector deity of the Sunderbans, invoking myth, courage, and environmental conservation.
- Recent Themes:
- Strong focus on nature and heritage, often highlighting local crafts, eco-balance, and cultural storytelling.
- Past years have seen themes cantered on “community survival,” “environment,” and “human resilience.”
- Artistic Collaboration: For 2024, art was by Pradip Das and the idol by renowned sculptor Pintu Sikdar.
USP:
- Ecological Awareness: Behala Club excels in eco-centric narratives, pioneering “green” puja practices, and mindfully representing pressing environmental issues like Sunderbans’ survival and human–nature coexistence.
- Research-Based Storytelling: The club engages in long-term fieldwork and research – collaborating with local communities – to present authentic stories, setting it apart for narrative depth and real-world relevance.
- Award Recognition: Winner of the Serader Sera Nirmal Puja Puroskar 2024 (“Green Puja Award”) for outstanding environmental and artistic achievement.
- Inclusive & Community Driven: Known for connecting deeply with both local and visiting audiences through accessible narratives, crafts, and extensive para (neighbourhood) involvement.
- Massive Popularity: Attracts large crowds and draws consistent media attention for both grandeur and message-driven puja execution.
Additional Notes:
- Cultural Leadership: Actively organizing community cultural events, sports (including the Behala Cup tournament), and social welfare work year-round, not just during Puja.
- Narrative Richness: Puts a spotlight on Bengal’s riverine culture, women’s work, folklore, and rural resilience, making every year’s theme not just decorative, but emotionally resonant and educational.
In summary:
Behala Club Sarbojanin Durgotsav, since 1945 and now 80 years old, is a torchbearer for ecological and cultural themes – such as 2024’s “Aranyak,” focusing on the Sunderbans. Celebrated for innovative, research-driven storytelling, spectacular artistry, and its eco-conservation message, it is a must-visit South Kolkata puja blending spectacle with substance.
