Written By Swastik Chakraborty
In the heart of Kolkata, the Naw Para Puja Committee has come up with a theme that goes beyond decoration and spectacle for Durga Puja 2025. Titled “Taan” or The Bonding, this year’s concept explores the intricate web of relationships that connect human lives, weaving together threads of love, respect, and shared experiences.
Explaining the inspiration, committee head Anjan Paul shares: “Relationships are not just about physical bonds, but also about emotional connections. Husband-wife, parent-child, teacher-student, friend-friend – all these relationships are intertwined like threads. We’ve woven this theme around the concept of bonding, a thread that connects all relationships. This bond will be reflected in the installation through various elements, especially threads creating a harmonious blend. Every relationship will showcase its uniqueness yet connectedness. We believe that in today’s time, these bonds are more needed than ever. We present this theme to you, hoping it touches your heart.”
A Harmonious Blend of Art and Emotion
Bringing the artistic vision to life, Sandip Mukharjee explains how different mediums reflect the many forms of relationships: “The installation features a diverse array of elements, including clay, wood, metal, and more, carefully woven together to create a harmonious blend of art and emotion. Each relationship is showcased in its uniqueness, yet connectedness, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human bonds. By doing so, I hope to touch the hearts of visitors, reminding them of the importance of nurturing these relationships.”
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For Tapasi Mukharjee, the cultural head, the theme resonates strongly with today’s world: “In an era where physical distances and technological advancements often overshadow emotional connections, the theme takes on a profound significance. I believe that these bonds are more needed than ever, serving as the foundation of a healthy, balanced society. By celebrating the beauty of relationships, the Naw Para Puja Committee aims to inspire visitors to reflect on their own bonds and cherish them.”
A Celebration of Human Connections
Club member Vikram Mondal captures the spirit of the initiative: “The Naw Para Puja Committee’s theme promises to be a poignant reminder of the power of human connections. Through ‘The Bonding,’ the committee invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-reflection, celebrating the intricate web of relationships that make life meaningful.”
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Echoing this thought, Kunal Ghosh, another member of the committee, adds: “We have tried to portray the relation stability of people as simply as possible. We believe the viewers who enter our bonding-themed pandal will be able to experience the importance of bonding. As they walk out of the exit gate, they will probably have a changed mindset about how important togetherness and bonding is, not only with family but also friends and close ones.”
(Swastik Chakraborty is an intern with The Theorist)
