Make Calcutta Relevant Again in collaboration with Y-East and Hulladek Recycling, will be for the first time hosting Onyo Pujo – a Durga Pujo with a difference. Onyo Pujo is a students’ initiative celebrating Tradition, Sustainability & Innovation through Regeneration. The initiative aims to focus on the cultural significance of Durga Puja with modern sustainability practices, creating an innovative Pujo experience that bridges heritage and environmental responsibility.
The Onyo Pujo theme song, Monta Re, composed by DJ Teej, Co-Founder, HomeBound Wav, was launched by Ms Trina Saha, actress & Mr Satrajit Sen, Film Director in the presence of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, Ms Priyasha Singhania, Chief Marketing Officer Hul,ladek Recycling, Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again And Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director of Techno India Group and Ms Pauline Laravoire, Co-Founder & CEO, Y-East And Sustainability Director, Techno India Group.
The innovative pandal for Onyo Pujo was designed by students from Ecole Intuit Lab. The idol, made last year by students of Techno India Group using fabric scraps, is being repurposed for this year’s Onyo Pujo, further pushing the envelope for sustainability and rebirth. By combining their creativity with sustainable materials, these students have created a stunning visual that embodies the spirit of regeneration. This student-led initiative is a testament to the role of young creators in shaping the future of traditional celebrations with a focus on environmental consciousness.
‘Onyo Pujo is about reimagining our age-old traditions in a way that resonates with today’s youth and tomorrow’s environment. It is time we align our heritage with the urgent call for sustainability. I believe this initiative will pave the way for a more responsible and innovative future”, said Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again And Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director, Techno India Group.
“Techno India Group students from school, college, and university have come together under the guidance of our dedicated art teachers to craft beautiful, sustainable Durga idols for the past 3 years.First and second year they made with unused engineering products and fabric. This celebration transcends mere artistry; it embodies a profound commitment to sustainability, tradition and innovation. Thus with Onnyo Pujo this year we are happy to worship the idol in a traditional manner while emphasizing the values of human potential, sustainability, and community regeneration. Our aim is to transform the festival into a celebration not only of the divine but also of the incredible capabilities that reside within our community,” said Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group.
“This project is a testament to the potential of our young generation. They are taking ownership of their future by weaving sustainability into cultural expressions like Durga Puja. Onyo Pujo is an embodiment of the innovation that can emerge when tradition and sustainability intersect,” said Ms Pauline Laravoire, Co-Founder & CEO, Y-East.
“At Hulladek Recycling, we have always been advocates for sustainability, and the Onyo Pujo initiative is a fantastic platform to showcase how cultural events can be environmentally conscious. We are proud to be a part of this movement”, said, Mr Nandan Mall, Founder & Managing Director, Hulladek Recycling.
Onyo Pujo is mindful of resource usage and aims to shift our perception of waste by showing that materials can and should be reused, extending their lifespan. In a world with limited and depleting resources, everything has value, and what we consider waste should actually be seen as a resource. This concept is known as circularity or circular thinking. The very theme of the pandal, “Emergence of the Divine: A Journey of Rebirth,” reinforces this idea of life’s circularity.
For Onyo Pujo, plastic bottles used in constructing the pandal will later be repurposed for consumption. The fabric, made from damaged cloth, is repurposed for the event and will be reconditioned and donated to the underprivileged after Pujo. Additionally, flower waste will be turned into organic dyes. These initiatives showcase how Onyo Pujo truly embodies the essence of being “onyo,” or different.
Onyo Pujo will be inaugurated on 8th October and will be held following all the Pujo norms and rituals. It will be more than just a celebration – it is a message to the world that Kolkata is embracing change without letting go of its roots. The collaboration between students, industry leaders and cultural figures marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s cultural heritage, ensuring that Durga Puja remains relevant for generations to come.
Onyo Pujo will also serve as a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and projects centred around sustainability. The collaboration with Hulladek Recycling further emphasized the need for waste management solutions during large public festivals, making it a role model of green celebration.
