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In 2021, I was invited to design the Kali Puja pandal for a club in my childhood village on the occasion of their 35th anniversary. They wanted something unique that had never been seen in the village before. Inspired by their vision, I developed the concept and, after approval, formed a team with local club members and children to bring the design to life.
Theme & Concept
Theme & Concept
Since this was a Kali Puja celebration, the color palette for the entire pandal was inspired by the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple and the traditional colors used in Shyama Maa’s idol. I wanted to stay true to the divine essence while also creating a modern and visually striking structure.
Layout for selection
chandi mukhosh
At the very top of the pandal, there was an oval-shaped design with a Chandi mask at its center. This mask, famous in Cooch Behar, is crafted by local artisans, and its inclusion was a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Materials & Execution
Materials & Execution
I always aim to use local materials in innovative ways. For this project, I utilized wooden frames, bamboo mats, ropes, and cloth, reinterpreting traditional construction methods to give the pandal a contemporary yet rooted feel.
The workforce for this project consisted entirely of local artisans, including painters, seamstresses, and bamboo craftsmen. I believe in supporting local talent, and this project provided employment opportunities for many skilled workers from the community. All the materials, including the bamboo mats and decorative elements, were sourced locally, making this an entirely eco-friendly project.
One of the key aspects of this pandal was its zero-plastic policy. Every element used in its construction was natural and biodegradable, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in art and festive decorations.
Lighting & Aesthetic
Lighting & Aesthetic
Since Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights, I wanted the lighting to play a crucial role in the experience. I experimented with dreamlike lighting effects, blending red, blue, yellow, and green hues to create an immersive atmosphere. The interplay of colors and shadows transformed the pandal into a mystical and divine space for visitors.
Challenges & Learnings
Challenges & Learnings
This was my first large-scale, high-budget project, and it taught me invaluable lessons in team coordination, visualization, project management, and execution. Working with a large team and ensuring that every detail aligned with the vision was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Public Reception
Public Reception
The pandal was widely appreciated by the local residents, YouTubers, social media users, and news agencies. The organizers of the Puja played a key role in making this project successful, and their enthusiasm and support were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Making & BTS
Making & BTS
behind-the-scenes efforts that went into building this
This project was not just about building a pandal—it was about celebrating art, sustainability, and local craftsmanship. The overwhelming response from the community reinforced my belief in the power of creativity and collaboration. I look forward to continuing to explore new artistic avenues that blend tradition with innovation.
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