Ultadanga Bidhan Sangha Durgotsav
Brief History of Ultadanga Bidhan Sangha Durgotsav
- Establishment & Age: Ultadanga Bidhan Sangha Durgotsav began in 1969 and celebrates its 57th year in 2025.
- Location: 31/A, Kath Gola, Ultadanga, Kolkata- 700 067, opposite Telengabagan, easily accessible from the Bidhannagar Railway Station, North Kolkata.
Themes:
- 2025 Theme: “Srishtisukh” (The Joy of Creation) / Waste-to-Art – The 2025 pandal and décor are created entirely using discarded and waste materials (like tin shades, broken bottles, used oil cans, damaged footballs, torn jute bags, tires, plastic chairs, and old cloth), showcasing how an artist can imagine joy, value, and beauty from what most consider trash. The goal is to inspire visitors to rethink what is “useless” and to appreciate the joy of creativity and recycling.
- 2024 Theme: “Banijye Bosoti Lakshmi” (Lakshmi Dwells in Trade) – The theme celebrated Bengal’s historical tradition of riverine trade through a recreated port scene, featuring a full-sized “Betnai” boat (a now-extinct Sunderbans trade boat) with markets, lighthouses, and ghats. Pandal art and installations narrated Bengal’s vibrant history of entrepreneurship, river commerce, and heritage boats.
USP:
- Theme Innovation: Known for dazzling, artistic pandals exploring eco-friendly concepts (waste to art) and Bengal’s heritage (trade, boats, river culture).
- Authenticity & Storytelling: Detailed research goes into the narrative – such as the authentic Betnai boat and depiction of old-world markets.
- Artisan Involvement: Craftsmen and artists from Bengal’s boat-making and craft traditions are directly involved, adding realness to installations.
- Recycling & Sustainability: The 2025 pandal sets a citywide example for sustainability and creativity using upcycled materials.
Additional Notes:
- Crowd Appeal: Its thoughtful themes and detailed craftsmanship draw large crowds and media attention, making it among the North Kolkata puja circuit’s “must-visits”.
- Community Participation: Strong neighbourhood involvement and support for artisanal skills sustaining Bengal’s legacy.
In summary:
Ultadanga Bidhan Sangha Durgotsav, established in 1969 and now 57 years old, stands out for inventive themes like “Srishtisukh” (waste-to-art, 2025) and “Banijye Bosoti Lakshmi” (trade heritage, 2024). It blends local culture, sustainability, and immersive storytelling, making it one of North Kolkata’s most dynamic and meaningful Durga Pujas.
