KOLKATA: Chandrayaan-Themed Ganesh Pandals: Kolkata, known for its vibrant cultural diversity and enthusiastic celebrations, is gearing up for the much-awaited Ganesh Puja. What sets this year’s festivities apart is the emergence of theme-based celebrations, with the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon taking centre stage. In this article, we explore how the fusion of science and devotion is becoming a captivating trend in Kolkata’s Ganesh Puja pandals.
Over the past few years, the trend of organising Ganesh Puja has gained momentum in Kolkata. Theme-based celebrations have become a major attraction, offering a unique blend of cultural reverence and contemporary relevance. This year, one of the most captivating themes is India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon.
In Salt Lake’s BB Block, organised by Sree Sree Ganesh Chaturthi Mahotsav, a model of the Chandrayaan rocket graces the pandal’s top. Inside, a stunning setup features a Ganesh idol against a backdrop of the moon’s surface, with Earth in the distance.
Lander Vikram and rover Pragyan are depicted in the background, creating the illusion that Lord Ganesh is seated on the moon’s surface.An interactive experience awaits visitors with voiceover commentary every 30 minutes, recounting Chandrayaan’s journey to the moon. Smoke emanates from the rocket’s thrusters, providing a realistic touch.
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The theme, “Pari Dite Pari” (we can undertake the voyage), celebrates India’s achievements in space exploration and instil a sense of pride.
The BB Block Ganesh Puja committee dedicates its celebration to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), which successfully guided Chandrayaan-3 to the moon’s south pole on August 23.
Another puja committee near VIP Road in Baguiati also showcases ISRO’s feat through its pandal, emphasising the historic significance of Chandrayaan-3.
At the Executive Palace complex in the city’s northeastern fringes, a five-foot tall Ganesh idol with lunar surface imagery and Indian flags on the moon’s surface greets devotees.
Models of the rocket and lander Vikram accompany the idol. Multimedia displays of stars, planets, and the moon’s night sky create a mesmerising atmosphere. Blue LED lamps illuminate the pandal, while multimedia images of the moon add to the celestial ambiance.
While some puja committees like Parnasree Pally in south Kolkata opt for traditional celebrations, others embrace innovative themes.
A Salt Lake puja committee in the Baishakhi area chooses to replicate Rajasthan’s Karni Mata Mandir, known for its thousands of rats. Two idols—Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishnu—are placed inside the unique pandal, symbolising prosperity and protection.
Kolkata’s Ganesh Puja celebrations are evolving, blending age-old traditions with contemporary themes that resonate with both cultural and scientific significance. The Chandrayaan-themed pandals, with their immersive experiences and tributes to ISRO’s achievements, exemplify this exciting fusion of science and devotion, creating a unique and captivating festive atmosphere in the city.
