Gallerist Sharan Apparao's annual pilgrimage to Kolkata's Durga Puja pandals has become a highlight of her year, and this year's installations have left her in awe.
With their creative themes and collaborative spirit, the pandals are a masterclass in generosity and teamwork, employing hundreds of people and taking an entire year to complete.
Key Takeaways
- The Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata are a masterclass in collaboration and generosity
- The pandals feature stunning artistic creations and strong storylines
- The artists and artisans behind the pandals are pushing the boundaries of their creativity and collaboration
- The pandals have become important platforms for social and political activism
- The upcoming India Biennale in New Delhi promises to be an exciting event
Who is behind the pandals
Each pandal is the result of a team effort, with a main artist conceptualizing the theme and commissioning various elements to different artisans and designers.
Artists like Raju Sarkar and Anirban Das have created stunning installations, from the Colliery at S.B. Park Sarbojanin to the Ramayana pavilion at Alipore Sarbojanin.
What makes the pandals special
The pandals are experiential, with photographs unable to do them justice, and this year's focus on technology, traditional performances, and strong storylines has made them even more impressive.
From the planning to the techniques used, the mixed disciplines, and the strong storylines, each pavilion is presented like a major museum show.
By the numbers
- 50-100 people are employed to create each pandal
- 1 year is taken to complete each pandal
- 10 pandals were visited by Sharan Apparao
What the pandals mean for the city
The Durga Puja pandals are an integral part of Kolkata's culture and identity, and this year's installations have shown that the spirit of collaboration and generosity is alive and well in the city.
The pandals have also become important platforms for social and political activism, with many installations addressing topical issues like ecology and water conservation.
What's next for the artists
With the success of this year's pandals, the artists are already looking to the future, with many planning to showcase their work at the upcoming India Biennale in New Delhi.
Sharan Apparao, who is coordinating the visual component of the biennale, is excited to see how the artists will continue to push the boundaries of their creativity and collaboration.
How the pandals are created
The creation of each pandal is a labor-intensive process, with artists and artisans working together to bring the theme to life.
From the initial concept to the final installation, the process takes several months, with each element carefully crafted to create an immersive experience for visitors.
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What to expect from the pandals
Visitors to the pandals can expect an immersive experience, with stunning visuals, traditional performances, and strong storylines.
Each pandal is unique, with its own theme and message, and visitors can expect to be inspired and educated by the installations.
Expert perspective: Sharan Apparao
Sharan Apparao, a renowned gallerist, shares her perspective on the Durga Puja pandals, highlighting their significance and the impact they have on the city's culture and identity.
Implications for readers in India
The Durga Puja pandals are not just a celebration of art and culture, but also a reflection of the city's values and traditions.
Readers in India can expect to be inspired by the creativity and collaboration on display, and can look forward to experiencing the pandals firsthand.
What to watch next
As the Durga Puja celebrations come to a close, readers can look forward to the upcoming India Biennale in New Delhi, where many of the artists featured in this year's pandals will be showcasing their work.
The biennale promises to be an exciting event, with a wide range of artistic creations and installations on display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, typically held in October.
What are the Durga Puja pandals?
The Durga Puja pandals are temporary structures created to house the idols of the goddess Durga and other deities during the festival.
Who creates the Durga Puja pandals?
The Durga Puja pandals are created by a team of artists, artisans, and designers, led by a main artist who conceptualizes the theme and commissions the various elements.
