Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Durgotsav

Brief History of Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Durgotsav:

• Establishment & Age: Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Durgotsav organised by the Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Durgotsab Committee, which was established in 1950. In 2025, it celebrates its 75th year. The puja is a local icon in Kasba, South Kolkata, and came to national fame in 2001 by pioneering the concept of the “theme-based Durga Puja,” which changed Kolkata’s festival forever
• Location: 1/27, Bosepukur Road, Tal Bagan, Bosepukur, Kolkata- 700 042, South Kolkata.

Themes:

• 2025 Theme: “Kaal Rokhon” (Time Preservation) – The current year’s pandal theme explores the preservation of culture and memory through the lens of time.
• 2024 Theme: “Shanchoy” (Savings) – The pandal featured dramatic use of earthen pots and traditional “bhnar” (clay cups), honoring the Bengali “lakhi bhandar” – a traditional cash box made of pottery. There were dual pandals: one inspired by pottery items and one recreating their iconic 2001 clay cup pandal.
• Previous Iconic Themes:
  • 2001: Pandal of 900,000 clay cups, launching Kolkata’s theme-based puja tradition.
  • 2016: Utshoh Shokti (“Festival Power”), highlighting joy and collective festivity.
  • The puja regularly selects powerful stories from Bengali life-savings, rural life, folk symbolism, and environmental consciousness.

USP:

• Theme Pioneer: Bosepukur Sitala Mandir is credited with launching Kolkata’s “theme puja” movement in 2001, inspiring pandals across the city to experiment with immersive storytelling and materials.
• Sustainability & Materials: Year after year, the club leverages eco-friendly, rural techniques – clay, bamboo, jute – and crafts sustainable, dramatic installations.
• Award-Winning, Community Favourite: Multiple civic and media honours for innovation, artistry, and eco-friendly practices. The pandal attracts massive crowds and is regularly featured in “must-visit” puja lists.
• Cultural Programming: Hosts music, dance, food, and folk events celebrating Bengal’s diverse heritage and creating vibrant street culture during Puja season.

Additional Notes:

• Neighbourhood Spirit: The puja is also centered around the year-round Sitala Mandir, which has deep local roots and religious importance.
• Legacy of Change: Their themes educate, entertain, and celebrate rural and urban Bengal – positioning Bosepukur Sitala Mandir as a leader in both artistic and social innovation.

In summary:

Bosepukur Sitala Mandir Durgotsav, in its 75th year in 2025, is celebrated as the birthplace of Kolkata’s theme-pandal revolution. With iconic eco-friendly themes like “Shanchoy” and bold narrative choices, it remains a beacon of creative excellence, sustainability, and vibrant local culture.