In Kumartuli, the old potters’ quarter of north Kolkata, from the Hooghly’s banks and the straw armatures lie supine. The idiom has changed. When younger, one could see the deity and pandals from the car. We made lists and competed for maximisation. There was some tweaking in the design of the pandals but the idol was mostly Sabeki. The dadas collected “chanda” cajoled, coaxed even threatened. The collections were reflected in the grandeur of the presentation.

We visited and shortlisted favourites to be revisited with sureness that there would be a new design. Splendid surely. This became my pilgrimage list.

The perimeter over years has moved out of this familiar beat. Layered with the Politics of Durga Puja. Where a goddess may arrive with the face of a migrant mother or the bearing of a flood survivor, and where a pandal could ask a city to look at what it preferred to ignore. Famous artists huge corporate munificence. Competitions prizes. We gingerly started exploring and were mesmerized by abstract themes, philosophy, social issues. Art becomes centre stage, reflections, debates about what the installations meant. . Dark pathways, subdued lighting, props. One has to visit the pandal and instead of focussing on Durgas achievements we need to think about relevance meanings concepts. A selfie moment?

Bhabatosh Sutar built “Ek Pukur Bhalobasha” at Telipukur, an immersive underwater soundscape about the pollution and disappearance of the city’s ponds. Sushanta Shibani Pal returned to Tala Prattoy with “Biyojan”, a meditation on separation and renewal. This is akin to a biennale. An exposition for shock awe and gawking.

What about sadbhavana? The spirit, the true significance of victory of good over evil becomes a byproduct.

I trudge persistently avidly through these but my favourites remain Chakraberia, Mudiali, Shibmandir, Nalini Sarkar Street among some old world others. Calm, with some stunning memes on themes. A casual stroll through lines of hawkers. No policemen controlling crowds, putting u behind dividers like circus animals. Pushed ahead with barely a second to look at the Devi. She is now glamorous with newer color palettes. Maybe subdued. Not the bold or strong.

Changing times. No time to stand and stare. Fast paced and competitive. Does the “dil” really want more?

We wait for the next year. Dugga Dugga

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