Written by Khushi Singh
This year’s Durga Puja in the city has turned into a striking visual spectacle with the pandal themed “Operation Sindoor”, a concept that paints Kolkata’s festive spirit in red. The pandal, with its bold exterior and serene interiors, has already begun drawing attention for its unique storytelling through design.
The idea originated from Sajal Ghosh, a councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation who heads the puja committee. He said, “I wanted to represent Operation Sindoor and dedicate this to the Indian Air Force. The exterior of the pandal is divided into two parts—the left side symbolizes India and the right side Pakistan. There are tunnels inside that give visitors a sense of crossing through conflict, but once you enter, you feel calmness. That shift was very important to me.”
Adding to this, Swaroop De Roy, joint general secretary of the committee, underlined the social thought behind the theme: “We always try to work around current affairs, and this year’s theme is a way to give a powerful message to the audience. At the same time, we’ve made sure the pandal is inclusive—there are ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers ready to assist senior citizens and specially-abled people.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the inauguration of the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja, in Kolkata on Friday.
The responsibility of shaping the interiors was handed over to young artist Reema Paul, who explained: “Mr. Ghosh was very clear—outside, the pandal should symbolize the operations, the intensity, almost like a battlefield of emotions. But once people enter inside, they must feel peace.”
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Paul further said, “Sindoor in our culture plays a very important role. Across India, wedded women have different styles of applying it, and we tried to represent that inside the pandal. Sindoor is also deeply tied to our devotion—Durga Maa herself wears it. Through this, we wanted to showcase nari shakti.”
Prashant Mishra, a member of the Puja committee, emphasized the journey designed for the visitors: “We want visitors to feel something different as they move through the pandal. The design reflects the diverse cultures and energies of India—contrasting emotions—so that when one steps inside, they experience a shift in space and spirit.”
True to this vision, the exterior of the pandal is designed with rugged, mountain-like structures, representing the struggles and operations symbolized by the theme. Inside, however, visitors are greeted with a calmer, more harmonious space—an intentional contrast meant to embody the journey from chaos to serenity.
As organiser Sajal Ghosh put it, this year’s Durga Puja is not just about celebration but also about dedication to the Indian Air Force—a tribute woven into faith, artistry, and collective spirit.
(Khushi Singh is an intern with The Theorist)
