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

Titled ‘Jojon’ (Connection), this year’s celebration will retain the traditional form of Maa Durga while introducing environmentally conscious practices, including recycled branding materials, plastic waste collection and floral-waste composting.

Focus on recycling and reuse

The committee has replaced flex with canvas and fabric for its current branding and will prioritise digital promotion during the Puja. Any flex used will be recycled through associated organisations.

The committee has also partnered with an NGO working with street children to convert used flex into market bags and pencil pouches.

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

Another NGO will manage floral waste generated during the celebrations. The collected flowers will be converted into compost for use as fertiliser in organic farming.

Traditional Puja with a contemporary connection

Ballygunge Cultural Association Secretary Dr Saptarshi Basu said the 76th anniversary was an emotional milestone for the committee.

“The 76th anniversary is an emotion for us. We have been carrying this tradition with us since our childhood,” Basu said, adding that the traditional idol, the face of Maa Durga and the dhoti-punjabi have remained part of the Puja for 76 years.

“We hope that the next generation shall follow this tradition as well,” he added.

Association President Anjan Ukil said the traditional form of Maa Durga would remain unchanged, while the Puja would also explore the connection between contemporary art and culture.

“Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which has now acquired the Intangible Cultural Heritage tag from UNESCO, will be reflected in our Puja this year,” Ukil said.

Srijit Mukherji recalls Puja memories

Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, who attended the announcement, recalled visiting the Ballygunge Cultural Association Puja during his childhood.

“When I was young, this Puja was one of the main Pujas I visited. So there are a lot of memories here,” he said.

Mukherji also referred to the release of several of his films during the Durga Puja period, which led to him being called “Sharadiya Srijit” by people in the Bengali film industry.

“Last year there was no film during Puja, and people wrote to me asking why there was no film of mine. Hence, this year Sharadiya Srijit is back, with 'Emperor vs Sharatchandra',” he added.

The announcement comes a year after Ballygunge Cultural Association celebrated its 75th anniversary. This year’s Puja will combine its longstanding traditional practices with a focus on waste reduction and recycling.