Archive · 28 Sep 2025
Durga Puja: Social Impact, Workers, and Artistic Expressions
Durga Puja in Calcutta is a big festival with amazing art.
People build creative structures called pandals, often with messages about important issues like the environment, equality, and society.
Artists and organizers spend a lot of time creating these displays.
Many workers are involved, from the people who carry the idols to those who build the structures.
The work is tough, and the laborers come from various backgrounds, some even travel to different states to earn a living.
Even though the art is impressive, the serious themes presented don't always make a big impact on the viewers.
Durga Puja pandals showcase artistic expressions and often reflect contemporary themes.
The artwork includes visuals, sculptures, and commentary on social issues.
Workers, including porters, carpenters, and laborers, play crucial roles in constructing the pandals and idols.
Workers involved in Durga Puja often come from villages and rely on this seasonal work for income.
Despite the art, the viewers are often not greatly influenced by the serious themes.
- Who
- Artists, organizers, workers, and viewers
- What
- Durga Puja pandals reflect contemporary themes through art, while highlighting the work of laborers involved in the process.
- When
- Annually, during Durga Puja season (September-November).
- Where
- Calcutta, India (Kumartuli, various pandals)
- Why
- To celebrate Durga Puja with creative expressions, showcase social commentary, and earn livelihoods.
The Artistic Expression of Social Commentary
Limited Impact and Lack of Awareness
Themes Presented
The Artistic Expression of Social Commentary
Durga Puja pandals are used to visually represent current topics such as environmental concerns and social injustice.
Limited Impact and Lack of Awareness
The serious themes may not always lead to a change in awareness or behavior among the viewers.
- Main Event
- Durga Puja
- Key Locations
- Calcutta (Kumartuli, various pandals)
- Primary Focus
- Pandals, artwork, and workers involved in Durga Puja
- Themes
- Social commentary, environmental concerns, unity, caste, gender equality
- Key Figures
- Dalim Middya, Debkumar Basu, Subal Pal, Partha Dasgupta