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Rice-Fueled Durga: Kolkata's Green Puja Returns
30 Sep
Summary
- Durga idol crafted from paddy grains embodies nourishment and abundance.
- Collected rice will transform into Maha Bhog for orphanages and old-age homes.
- Community engagements aim to integrate sustainability into festive celebrations.
The fifth edition of Kolkata's green Durga initiative, 'Shashya-er Shakti,' is set to be celebrated with a unique Durga idol fashioned entirely from paddy grains. This concept draws inspiration from the abundance and life-giving properties of food grain, a significant symbol in Bengali culture. This year's event emphasizes a more participatory and organic approach to sustainable festivities.
The 'Dhannyo Kalash' component invites citizens to contribute a fistful of rice, symbolizing a collective offering. This collected grain will be processed into Maha Bhog, a sacred feast, which will then be distributed to orphanages and old-age homes across the city. This act aims to share the spirit of abundance and nourishment.
An interactive 'Cycle of Shakti' experience will engage visitors, highlighting how individual participation can merge into a powerful collective force for positive change. Leading up to the Puja, the initiative will conduct engagements in 15 residential associations, 15 colleges, and 15 green centers to embed sustainability into local celebrations.
The culmination will be an open-air installation of the Shashya-er Shakti Durga idol at City Centre 1 Kund. This installation, set against the backdrop of Bengal's paddy fields, will merge tradition, sustainability, and community spirit, placing environmental consciousness at the heart of the Durga Puja experience.
