Kolkata O Durgapuja by Anjan Mitra [Hardcover]

Durga Puja is a unique festival that belongs exclusively to the city of Kolkata. From its inception, this festival has been intertwined with social and cultural thinking. As a result, it is free from any form of religious fanaticism. People of all communities, irrespective of caste or religion, who reside in Kolkata, respond to its humanistic appeal and immerse themselves in the celebrations. The festival stands as an endeavor to rise above limitations, showcasing rare expressions of art, artistic thinking, and imagination, making Kolkata’s Durga Puja a hub of unparalleled possibilities. What triggers such transformation? From where do these sources originate? Who are the people involved in this process, and what is the nature of this process? These and similar questions repeatedly arise. Is Durga Puja the occasion in urban Kolkata where the city’s social, political, and economic subconscious thoughts spontaneously come to the surface? Perhaps there is a connection to its historical context that contributes to the evolution of such expressions. In this book, the author explores the aesthetics of Durga Puja, its alternative perspectives, and the relationship between the design of the festival and the social consciousness of this city. It also investigates the recent efforts to explore Bengali culture and the potential of art. The core of this book lies in delving into this grand festival up close while exploring the recent endeavors of Bengali culture and artistic potential.