Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Behala Durga Puja Committee Apologises Over Zakir Hussain Poster Controversy
A Durga Puja group in south Kolkata made a poster showing a tabla.
The poster used the Bengali words "Fakir Hussain."
Some people thought it was disrespectful to the late musician Zakir Hussain.
The group said it did not mean to make fun of or insult him.
It apologised to anyone who was hurt.
The group said the poster was meant to look like a child's idea.
This year's theme is called "Chhuti," meaning holiday.
The theme compares childhood imagination with the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Artist Sanatan Dinda said he did not design the poster.
Behala Young Men's Association apologised over a controversial Durga Puja theme poster.
The poster showed a tabla with the Bengali caption "Fakir Hussain."
Several people alleged that the poster disrespected late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
The committee said it intended a childlike representation and did not mean to insult anyone.
Artist Sanatan Dinda said he was not involved in preparing the poster.
- Who
- Behala Young Men's Association, critics of the poster, Zakir Hussain, and artist Sanatan Dinda.
- What
- The Durga Puja committee apologised after its poster caused controversy over an alleged reference to Zakir Hussain.
- When
- The apology was issued on Sunday.
- Where
- The committee is based in Behala, in south Kolkata.
- Why
- Several people considered the poster disrespectful, while the committee said it was intended as a childlike representation for its theme.
Critics' View
Committee's View
Meaning of the poster
Critics' View
Several people alleged that the tabla image and "Fakir Hussain" caption were disrespectful toward Zakir Hussain.
Committee's View
The committee said the poster was intended as a childlike representation and was not meant to belittle or mock any legendary personality.
Responsibility for the design
Critics' View
The controversy focused on the poster associated with the Durga Puja committee.
Committee's View
Sanatan Dinda said the poster was not part of his work and that he was focused on the idol and pandal decoration.
- Committee
- Behala Young Men's Association
- Poster
- An image of a tabla with the Bengali caption "Fakir Hussain"
- Controversy
- Several people alleged the poster was disrespectful toward late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
- Committee's response
- The committee issued an unreserved apology and denied any intention to insult or ridicule him.
- Puja theme
- "Chhuti," or holiday
- Theme focus
- The contrast between childhood imagination and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
- Artist's role
- Sanatan Dinda said he worked on the idol and pandal, not the poster.