Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Kolkata Puja Pandal Explores Coal Miners’ History and Hardships
SB Park Sarbojanin’s 2026 Durga Puja pandal is called “Colliery.”
It is about coal mines and the people who work in them.
The display shows how hard miners work underground and the difficult conditions they face.
It also shows how coal travels from mines to help power homes, factories and cities.
The theme takes inspiration from the Raniganj Coalfield, which is in parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand.
The article says coal mining there has a history dating back to the 18th century.
Commercial coal production began in 1774.
Artist Raju Sarkar designed the pandal and made the Durga idol.
SB Park Sarbojanin’s 2026 Durga Puja theme, titled “Colliery,” focuses on coal mining and miners’ lives.
The pandal recreates the dark, confined working conditions and physical labour of miners.
The theme traces how underground coal work connects to energy used in homes, factories and cities.
It draws inspiration from the Raniganj Coalfield, spanning parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Artist Raju Sarkar conceptualised the pandal and created this year’s Durga idol.
- Who
- SB Park Sarbojanin and artist Raju Sarkar.
- What
- A Durga Puja pandal themed around coal mining, miners’ labour and the history of the Raniganj Coalfield.
- When
- For the 2026 Durga Puja.
- Where
- Behala Thakurpukur, Kolkata; the theme draws inspiration from the Raniganj Coalfield in parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand.
- Why
- To highlight miners’ lives and labour, coal’s role in powering industries and cities, and the history of coal mining.
- Puja year
- 2026
- Organiser
- SB Park Sarbojanin
- Theme
- “Colliery”
- Location
- Behala Thakurpukur, Kolkata
- Inspiration
- Raniganj Coalfield, spanning parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand
- Commercial coal production
- Began in 1774, according to the article
- Artist
- Raju Sarkar conceptualised the pandal and created the Durga idol