Kolkata housing societies are using this year’s Durga Puja celebrations to promote digital detox, reading, traditional Bengali art, world peace and community participation across South Bypass, New Town and Rajarhat.
At South Bypass’s South Winds housing complex, the theme is ‘Pixel to Puthi’, highlighting concerns that growing mobile-phone use is reducing people’s reading habits. In New Town, Sunrise Symphony is focusing on the effects of excessive mobile-phone and digital-screen use through its theme ‘Mobile Phone and Digital Screen: The New Asura’.
Children at Sunrise Symphony are taking part in preparing the pandal decorations, alpana designs and traditional artworks. The organisers have presented their participation as part of the wider effort to connect the festival with social awareness and cultural activity within residential communities.
At Siddha Pines in Rajarhat, ‘The Saga of Chalchitra’ is centred on Bengal’s traditional chalchitra art. Human Mehra, associated with the residents’ welfare association, said the initiative aims to introduce younger residents to the art form’s history, craft and cultural significance and help preserve the tradition.
Sanjiva Town in New Town is taking a global theme with ‘Mayer Ancole Bishwo Shanti’, or world peace in the mother’s protective embrace. The pandal is planned in the shape of a globe and will be covered with a large sari anchal. A special walk for grandparents is also scheduled on Panchami.
South City residential complex is celebrating the birth centenary of Bengali actor Uttam Kumar. Music programmes that began on Mahalaya, along with dance-dramas, are scheduled to continue through the Durga Puja festivities.
The programmes show how large residential complexes are combining religious celebration with shared cultural programming, intergenerational participation and public messaging within their neighbourhoods. The reported themes range from concerns about screen use and reading habits to the preservation of regional art and the promotion of peace.
