Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club Presents ‘Collage’, Blending Durga Puja, Bengal’s Heritage and Sustainability
By Antara Tripathy | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, 13 October 2026: Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club has marked its 73rd year of Durga Puja with the unveiling of an innovative pandal titled ‘Collage’, an artistic concept by Somnath Tamli that brings together mythology, Bengal’s cultural legacy and the changing face of communication.
The pandal was inaugurated by Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Minister of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, in the presence of Tarunjyoti Tewari, MLA, and other distinguished guests.
An Artistic Tribute to Unity in Diversity
At the heart of ‘Collage’ lies the idea that different elements can combine to create something meaningful and enduring. Drawing inspiration from the mythology of Maa Durga, whose divine power is traditionally associated with the combined energies of various deities, the installation conveys a message of collective strength, cooperation and unity.
A striking feature of the pandal is its use of thousands of kilograms of recycled newspapers. By transforming discarded print material into an elaborate artistic environment, the organisers have combined creative expression with an emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Celebrating Bengal’s Icons and Cultural Legacy
The installation also pays homage to distinguished personalities who have shaped India’s intellectual, cultural and social landscape. Among those represented are Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Satyajit Ray, Satyendra Nath Bose, Matangini Hazra, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Vivekananda.
Their inclusion highlights the enduring influence of Bengal’s reformers, thinkers, artists and national figures, connecting the region’s rich heritage with the contemporary spirit of Durga Puja.
From Newspaper Bundles to the Digital News Era
Adding a nostalgic dimension, the pandal recreates elements of the traditional newspaper distribution network, including bundles of newspapers and bicycle deliveries. This visual presentation recalls a period when printed newspapers were central to everyday life and public discourse.
The installation also encourages reflection on the transformation of journalism, from the circulation of printed editions to the rapid consumption of news through digital platforms. In doing so, ‘Collage’ connects memories of the past with the realities of the present.
A Message from the Organisers
Pintu Bhattacharya, Puja Secretary of Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club, said the theme reflects the belief that diverse ideas, traditions and contributions can come together to create something lasting. He explained that the organisers sought to connect the mythology of Maa Durga with Bengal’s cultural heritage and the changing times.
He also highlighted the significance of recycled newspapers in bringing back memories of an era when print media occupied a central place in daily life, while encouraging visitors to consider sustainability and the value of collective memory.
Tradition Meets Contemporary Creativity
With its distinctive use of recycled materials, references to mythology and tributes to eminent personalities, ‘Collage’ offers a creative interpretation of Durga Puja. The installation seeks to demonstrate how artistic innovation can preserve cultural memories while addressing contemporary concerns.
As Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club celebrates its 73rd Durga Puja, its presentation underscores a timeless message: unity in diversity can transform individual contributions into a shared cultural legacy.
