Kolkata's Ballygunge Cultural announces zero-waste theme for 76th Durga Puja

Titled ‘Jojon' (Connection), this year’s celebration will follow a reduced waste approach during the festivities. The committee said it aims to ensure that no waste materials from the Puja decorations and related activities are sent to landfills.

Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, who was present at the theme launch, said, "When I was young, this Puja (Ballygunge Cultural Association's puja) was one of the main Pujas I visited. So there's a lot of memories here.

"Then these memories changed after 2010, because after that memories of cinema add up, as my film Autograph releases, then Baishe Srabon, and gradually 10 films released in 10 years during Durga Puja. These releases made the people of Tollywood call me, Sharadiya Srijit."

Srijit Mukherji speaking at the launch. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

As part of the initiative, the committee has avoided flex for its current branding and used canvas and fabric instead.

Digital branding will also be prioritised during the Puja, while any flex that may be required will be recycled through associated organisations.

"Last year there was no film during Puja, and people wondered why. Hence, this year Sharadiya Srijit is back, with Emperor vs Sarat Chandra", Mukherji added.

The committee has partnered with an NGO, which works with street children, to recycle used flex from the Puja branding into market bags and pencil pouches for children.

Dr. Saptarshi Basu, Secretary of Ballygunge Cultural Association said, "The 76th anniversary is an emotion for us. We have been carrying this tradition with us since our childhood. The traditional Durga statue and the face of Maa Durga and the traditional Dhoti-punjabi, have been a part of us for the last 76 years. In the coming years, we hope that the next generation shall follow this tradition as well."

Plastic bottles and wrappers from food packets will be collected and handed over to another organisation, for recycling. The recycled material will be converted into products such as flower pots, vases, planters and benches, which will also be available for purchase.

"The traditional form of Maa Durga will remain as it is but this time with some uniqueness. Along with that, there is a connection between contemporary art and culture. Kolkata's Durga Puja which has now acquired the Intangible Cultural Heritage tag for UNESCO, that reflection this year will be seen in our Puja", President of Ballygunge Cultural Association, Anjan Ukil added.

The Puja Committee of Ballygunge Cultural Association unveiling the theme of this year's Durga Puja in presence of filmmaker Srijit Mukherji. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

The committee has also partnered with another NGO, to manage floral waste generated during the Puja. The flowers will be collected and converted into compost, which can be used as fertiliser for organic farming.

The announcement was witnessed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Srijit Mukherji along with other members of the Puja committee.

The initiative comes a year after Ballygunge Cultural celebrated its 75th anniversary and marks its 76th year with a traditional Puja alongside its focus on a zero-waste celebration.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)