Tollygunge Santipally ushers in 87th Durga Puja with Chalchitra theme

South Kolkata’s Tollygunge Santipally Puja Samity inaugurated its 87th Durga Puja with grandeur, devotion, and a blend of heritage and artistry. The celebration was marked by the gracious presence of Harbhajan Singh, Neelam Kothari, The Great Khali, Jeet, and Puja Banerjee, who joined the inaugural proceedings and immersed themselves in the cultural vibrancy that defines Kolkata’s Puja.

Their participation lent a star-studded charm to the evening while highlighting the festival’s universal appeal.

This year’s theme, “Chalchitra,” pays homage to one of Bengal’s most distinctive yet fading art forms—the painted backdrop traditionally adorning Durga idols. Conceptualized by theme artist Raj Narayan Saha Chowdhury, the pandal’s main entrance resembles a monumental Chalchitra, symbolizing Bengal’s rich artistic legacy.

Inside, the ambience unfolds in regal splendour, styled like a royal palace (Rajprasad), creating a striking contrast between the traditional façade and the majestic interiors.

The Durga idol, crafted by renowned artist Pradip Rudra Pal, completes the tableau, bridging cultural memory with contemporary craftsmanship.

Speaking on the occasion, Kalyan Kumar Paul, President of the Puja Samity, emphasized that the theme seeks to revive Chalchitra for modern audiences while honouring tradition and creativity.

The Chalchitra has historically depicted mythological tales from the Dashamahavidya, Navadurga, Vishnu’s avatars, Krishna’s leelas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Painted with natural colours on clay and chalk, it reflects Bengal’s cultural identity and the spirit of togetherness. By reinterpreting this heritage in a grand, immersive form, Tollygunge Santipally offers both a tribute to tradition and a reminder of its timeless relevance.