Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2024 beautifully embraced the theme “1, Garstin Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the historic All India Radio (AIR) building that once echoed Kolkata’s cultural heartbeat. With remarkable artistry, emotional nostalgia, and powerful community spirit, this year’s celebration seamlessly merged tradition, heritage, and contemporary relevance.
Theme & Vision: “1, Garstin Place” Reimagined
For its 32nd edition, the Kumartuli Park Durga Puja adopted “1, Garstin Place“ as its theme—a creative concept developed by artist Naba Pal. The All India Radio building at Garstin Place once stood as a beacon of cultural transmission, broadcasting voices and melodies that shaped the soul of post-independence Bengal. This theme offered a chance to travel back to a golden era, reviving memories of a time when AIR connected families across regions through radio dramas, news, and cultural programs.
The pandal design echoed this nostalgia, with motifs inspired by vintage analog radios, sound waves, and retro airwaves. As visitors stepped in, they were not just entering a pandal—they were stepping into a time machine, immersed in the symphony of Kolkata’s broadcast history.
Architectural Highlights: Broadcasting Culture
The visual brilliance of the pandal lay in its architectural symbolism. The structure mimicked radio tower frameworks, looking like a grand transmitter stationed at the entrance. Intricate grille patterns symbolized speaker textures, while golden hues and subtle patina effects evoked the grandeur and age of the original building.
Inside, decorative soundwave motifs adorned walls, echoing the invisible threads that once connected a city through radio. In designated corners, vintage-style microphones and antique gizmos were showcased, allowing visitors to step into a chorus of memories. Soft, atmospheric lighting—warm amber shades—added depth, creating a nostalgic backdrop that was both reflective and celebratory.
The Idol: Durga as the Voice of Tradition
At the heart of the pandal stood the Goddess Durga idol, uniquely designed to resonate with the “broadcast” theme. Her serene expression reflected nostalgia, while her stance conveyed strength and vigilance. Each of her ten hands held symbolic objects: a stylized mic, a vinyl disc, and a broadcasting wave—representing the spread of culture and knowledge, much like AIR had done.
Instead of the typical demon Mahishasura, the symbolism here was muted—implying that cultural disconnection and apathy can be modern-day demons, and only the voice of tradition (personified through Durga) can conquer them.
Cultural Programming: Echoes of the Past
The “1, Garstin Place” theme came alive further through a curated set of performances and community programs:
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Radio drama reenactments: Live renditions of iconic Bengali radio plays took center stage, using minimalist sets and evocative narration to bring nostalgia to life.
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Music & Melody: Classic Rabindra Sangeet and retro songs were performed daily, drawing from the era when radio was the primary purveyor of popular culture.
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Storytelling sessions: Elderly volunteers shared personal memories of tuning into AIR—messaging the importance of oral history and human connection in preserving cultural heritage.
These immersive narratives transformed the pandal into a living memory archive—where art, history, and devotion coalesced.
Artisans & Community—The Soul of Kumartuli
Kumartuli is more than just a location—it’s a living legacy of clay artisans and sculptors. In 2024:
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The idol-making community breathed life into the theme—working with clay, brass, and fabric to recreate AIR’s design through craftsmanship.
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Young sculptors, including female artists, were given special roles—highlighting the evolving inclusivity in this traditionally male-dominated craft sphere.
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Exhibition stalls adjacent to the pandal showcased handcrafted memorabilia, from clay mementos to vintage radio-themed trinkets.
Through these efforts, the festival became a bridge between generations—honoring traditions while embracing modern social dynamics.
Experiencing the Pandal—A Visit Inside “1, Garstin Place”
Imagine walking into Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin 2024:
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You approach the grand radio-tower façade, feeling the hum of nostalgia in the air.
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The pitter-patter of your steps mingles with soft radio tunes drifting from vintage speakers.
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The idol’s presence feels like a broadcast itself—quiet yet profound, anchored in tradition.
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At exhibition zones, you hold a handcrafted clay microphone—tiny, yet emotionally charged.
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Evening performances close with a radio play, complete with live sound effects and a clue to the festival’s connective power.
This isn’t just a Puja—it’s a cultural broadcast, celebrating the past while resonating in the present.
Wider Influence & Legacy
Kumartuli Park 2024 set several examples:
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Preservation through innovation: Instead of flashy themes, it chose heritage resonance—winning hearts through emotional authenticity.
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Artisan upliftment: By centering craftspeople in the narrative, it reaffirmed Kumartuli’s place as a cultural hub.
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Thematic storytelling: “1, Garstin Place” was more than a concept—it was a message on the importance of cultural memory in turbulent times.
Furthermore, in a digital age where vlogging and social media dominate Puja culture, this pandal invited deeper reflection—reminding us of the silent power of shared memories.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for the Inspired Devotee
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Best time: Midday (11 AM–2 PM) for lighting that enhances radio-like nostalgia; evenings (7–9 PM) for
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How to reach: Metro to Sovabazar Sutanuti, then a short auto ride; ideal starting point for North Kolkata Pujo trail.
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Essentials: Comfortable shoes, water, mask (if crowded), and a camera—especially functional in warm, nostalgic lighting.
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Engage: Attend storytelling sessions, support local stall artists, and partake in performances when invited.
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Mindset: Visit with intention to reflect—not just photograph.
Final Reflection: A broadcast from the heart of heritage
Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2024 wasn’t just a celebration—it was a cultural broadcast, transmitting memory, craftsmanship, and artistry to all who entered. In framing “1, Garstin Place,” the committee gifted the city not just a pandal, but a time capsule—a reminder of how stories, like radio, connect souls.
As the dhak fades and crowds disperse, the echoes of memory endure—the voices of the past reminding us that culture—and devotion—are timeless airwaves we all share.
