Durga Puja Meets Street Art in Kolkata
Durga Puja in Kolkata has always been more than just a religious festival—it is a celebration of art, creativity, and culture. This year, the city has unveiled two breathtaking artistic marvels that have captured national attention. From a massive 500-foot alpana adorning the streets of Newtown to a Shivalinga crafted with three crore rudraksha beads at Chetla Agrani Club, the festival has transformed into a grand showcase of Bengal’s artistry and resilience.
Longest Alpana Painted in Just Five Days
In Newtown, a 500-foot-long alpana has been unveiled, marking one of the largest ever attempted for Durga Puja. Covering nearly 13,000 square feet, the artwork was completed in just five days by a team of 20 dedicated painters led by artist Anindita Deb. The concept was digitally designed by artist Suvranil Nath using artificial intelligence (AI), blending traditional artistry with modern technology.
Despite facing heavy rainfall that caused waterlogging and disruption across the city, the painters continued their work, hand-painting every intricate detail. The massive alpana is not only a decorative element but also a symbol of devotion, resilience, and cultural pride. For many, it has redefined how traditional art forms like alpana can take on a contemporary and large-scale public dimension.
What is Alpana?
Alpana is a traditional folk art of Bengal, typically created on floors during religious or festive occasions using rice paste and natural colours. Traditionally modest in size, these motifs often depict flowers, leaves, geometric patterns, and spiritual symbols. Over the years, alpana has evolved to incorporate modern artistic expressions, but its cultural roots remain deeply significant. The Newtown creation has transformed this age-old tradition into an open-air gallery, merging heritage with innovation on a grand scale.
🏵️ 500 ft. long. 13,000 sq.ft. wide.
At Newtown, Kolkata unveils the longest alpana ever for Durga Puja.
15+ artists, 4 days of devotion & creativity. #DurgaPuja pic.twitter.com/qy2ZoQZi3i— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 23, 2025
Kolkata’s Rudraksha Shivalinga at Chetla Agrani
Meanwhile, at the Chetla Agrani Club, one of the city’s most prominent pujas, another extraordinary spectacle has been unveiled. Inspired by the theme “Amrit Kumbher Shondhane” (In Search of the Nectar), the pandal showcases a giant Shivalinga constructed from more than three crore rudraksha beads. This unique display draws inspiration from the mythological Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
Organisers explained that the Shivalinga also pays tribute to the Maha Kumbh Mela and Bengali literature, particularly Samaresh Basu’s novel Amrit Kumbher Shondhane. Within the pandal, Durga is presented in her Brahmacharini form, while dramatic depictions of Lord Shiva slaying demons add to the narrative depth.
More than 3 crore Rudraksha beads were used to make this beautiful Durga Pujo pandal in Chetla, Kolkata highlighting the SamudraManthan saga.
Don’t miss this excellent handwork of the artists if you’re in Kolkata during this Pujo season.
Location: Chetla Agrani club. pic.twitter.com/8biDReXTW9
— Sourav || সৌরভ (@Sourav_3294) September 24, 2025
Artistry, Music, and Tradition
To enhance the spiritual and artistic atmosphere, artists from Allahabad and Varanasi are performing live with traditional instruments such as the damru and tasha. The immersive experience transports visitors into the heart of mythological storytelling, blending sound, sight, and devotion.
Shatabdi Das, a member of the organising committee, highlighted that the theme represents both cultural heritage and divine symbolism. “We have used three crore rudraksha beads to create the Shivalinga. Along with mythological scenes, the pandal is also equipped with safety arrangements like fire extinguishers, wheelchairs for senior citizens, and additional exit points,” she said.
A Festival of Resilience and Innovation
This year’s Durga Puja preparations faced significant challenges due to unseasonal heavy rains, which left pandals inundated and caused financial losses for business owners. Yet, artists and organisers persevered, ensuring that the festival spirit remained undampened. The massive alpana and the rudraksha Shivalinga together stand as testaments to Kolkata’s resilience, artistic brilliance, and spiritual devotion.
Durga Puja 2025 has once again proven why UNESCO declared the festival as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” It is not just about worship—it is about community, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of Bengal.
