Tollygunge Santipally Puja Samity, one of South Kolkata’s most celebrated puja committees, ushered in its 87th Durga Puja with grandeur and devotion in the gracious presence of Harbhajan Singh, Former Indian Cricketer; Neelam Kothari, Renowned Bollywood Actress; The Great Khali, Indian Professional Wrestler; Jeet, Renowned Tollywood Actor and Puja Banerjee, Renowned Actress. The celebrities engaged in the inaugural proceedings and experienced the cultural essence that Kolkata’s Durga Puja represents, marked by artistic craftsmanship, thematic innovation, and deep-rooted tradition. Their participation added distinction to the occasion, making the evening a memorable blend of heritage and star presence.
This year, Tollygunge Santipally celebrates Bengal’s timeless artistic heritage with the theme “Chalchitra.” The pandal’s main entrance, conceived as a monumental Chalchitra under the expert guidance of Theme Artist Raj Narayan Saha Chowdhury, pays homage to this fading yet enduring art form. Inside, the grandeur unfolded in an ambience inspired by royal opulence, with interiors styled like a majestic Rajprasad (royal palace). The Durga idol, crafted by celebrated Idol Artist Bhaskar Sri Pradip Rudra Pal, complemented the thematic splendour, bridging tradition and artistry. The contrast between the traditional Chalchitra façade and the regal palace interiors created an immersive experience, celebrating both heritage and magnificence in equal measure. At a time when themed pujas and larger-than-life spectacles dominate, Tollygunge Santipally’s Chalchitra-themed pandal seeks to revive and reinterpret this declining art through modern techniques, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalyan Kumar Paul, President, Tollygunge Santipally Puja Samity, said, “Durga Puja has always been more than a festival, it is a celebration of our roots and creativity. With Chalchitra as our theme, we aim to remind people of the artistic richness that defines Bengal while presenting it in a way that resonates with today’s generation. It is our humble tribute to tradition, devotion, and cultural pride.”
About “Chalchitra”:
The Chalchitra, a painted backdrop traditionally adorning the Durga idol, is a distinctive art form that brings alive stories from the Dashamahavidya, Navadurga, Chandi, Vishnu’s avatars, Krishna’s leelas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Painted with natural colors on clay and chalk, the Chalchitra embodies Bengal’s cultural identity while representing the spirit of togetherness rooted in joint family traditions. Over the centuries, the art has seen varied forms, such as the Bangla Chali, Markini Chali, Mathchauri Chali, and Tanachaudi Chali, while several other styles have faded into history.
