In its eighteenth year now, Serader Sera Nirmal Pujo Puroskar has played a key role in changing the face of Durga Puja in Kolkata. It has added to the festival the lens of environment concerns. The award also recognises social responsibility as a function of a Puja organising committees and promotes the green cause during Durga Puja, considered one of the biggest socio-religious events in the world.
The award, started in 2007, has been constituted and is run by non-profit Environment Governed Integrated Organisation (EnGIO). It was supported by several governmental, corporate and environmental organisations this year, including the Department of Disaster Management, Government of West Bengal, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), Vikram Solar, Exide and Indian Oil. The Plurals is the media partner of the award for which 300 Pujas had applied. After 75 Pujas were shortlisted, they were split into seven zones.
Judgment criteria
The awards are judged by eminent academics, consular members and experts from many disciplines. “We have added youth observers this year as part of the judging process as they are the key to sustainability in a world derailed by the climate crisis,” an organiser said.
Every Puja was judged on the basis of several parameters including themes and their execution; use of eco-friendly materials in pandal construction; energy conservation; use of non-toxic paints on the images; adherence to noise level norms; safety and disaster management aspects as well as social contributions to society.
The jury
Serader Sera Nirmal Pujo Puroskar, the “greenest of the green Puja awards”, had for its jury members in this zone Punorbosu Chowdhury and Subhayan Dutta, both academicians and environmentalists. Nine pandals were visited. A range of green themes and concepts left a mark on the jury.
Themes
The jury’s first stop was Dum Dum Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity, which had for its theme “Haraye Khuji” — how the traditional haat or village market is slowly disappearing, replaced by malls and modern marketplaces. Next, the team visited Dum Dum Tarun Dal, which traced the significance of imprints — from cave paintings and Harappan engravings to fossil coins and other cultural markers of history. The theme widened to show how these cultural objects also originated in faith, honesty and values of life.
Ashwini Nagar Bondhu Mahal Club showcased the theme “Bangali and Bangaliana”, portraying Bengal’s cultural and historical journey. The 112-year-old Atghora Noapara Baroary in Newtown explored how sounds— natural, musical, or mechanical — shape our mental health and moods.
Dum Dum Mall Pally built its theme around the rising cost of tariffs and commercial goods, represented by a massive steam engine. Arjunpur Adhibashibrinda presented “Swapno Bhorer Golokgram”— a dream village created through audiovisual storytelling, depicting village life in its warmth, hospitality and everyday struggles.
Khudiram Colony Sabojanin Durgotsab Committee took up the theme “Bilupti” (Extinction), focusing on endangered animals. The Goddess Durga was uniquely placed on the lap of environmental activist Salumarada Thimmakka, the 115-year old Karnataka activist who has planted thousands of trees. The setting was a hay field.
Finally, Rabindranagar Yubak Brinda of Dunlop portrayed “Chaloman Kolkata”, paying tribute to the 150-year-old tram heritage of the city. The entrance featured a large tram replica, while the pandal displayed tram routes, tickets and the evolution from horse-drawn trams to AC tram cars.
The topper
While each pandal had its strengths and shortcomings; the jury was particularly impressed by Rail Pukur United Club for its heartfelt and sincere portrayal of birds and nature, delivered on a modest budget and resonating with strong environmental relevance. The Puja centred on the birds of Bengal and their calls. The pandal was shaped like a bird, with one wing illustrating the threats and reasons for bird migration and the other one displaying hand-drawn pictures of Bengal’s birds.