The Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club commenced its 72nd Durga Puja celebrations today with the unveiling of its thought-provoking theme, “Shabdo” (The Sound). The pandal was virtually inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee.
This year’s theme, Shabdo, takes visitors on an emotional journey through the fading sounds of nature – bird calls, rustling leaves, and the harmonious rhythms of life that once defined our surroundings but are now being drowned by relentless urbanization. The star attraction of this year’s pandal is a breathtaking 20-feet artistic bird installation, symbolizing the grandeur of nature and the alarming silence caused by the disappearance of avian life. The immersive experience is further enhanced with dynamic soundscapes and powerful mime performances by Shubhendu Mukhopadhyay and Kaushik Biswas, giving voice to the silent cries of birds and urging visitors to reflect on their ecological responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gourab Biswas, Committee Member of Baguiati Railpukur United Club, said, “Our theme Shabdo is more than an artistic marvel. – it is a wake-up call. The sounds of birds and nature, once inseparable from our daily lives, are fading fast. Through this creation, we hope to inspire action before silence becomes the only sound left for future generations.”
The creative brilliance behind Shabdo comes from a dedicated team of artists and designers: Somnath Tamli conceptualized and designed the theme, Debprasad Hazra sculpted the stunning Durga idol, Dipankar Dey directed the intricate play of light and shadow, and Bapi Das led the construction of the majestic pandal. Complementing their vision are Samiran Jana (cinematography and editing), Poulami Bose (research), Faruk Shaikh (drawing and design), and Debayan Banerjee (sound and music).
With the Chief Minister’s virtual inauguration, Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club’s Shabdo stands not just as a festive celebration but as a powerful reminder to safeguard the natural sounds of life before they are lost forever.
. The pandal was virtually inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee.){kind=link}