The 2023 Durga Puja at Tala Prattoy in Kolkata beautifully encapsulated the theme of “Kahon”, or “Narration”, which was conceptualized by the talented artist Susanta Paul. This unique theme allowed visitors to embark on a deeply personal journey, reflecting the stories and moments from the artist’s life intertwined with the broader cultural and spiritual narrative of Durga Puja. It stood out as an immersive experience, where tradition and personal memory coexisted, enriching the festival’s celebration.
The Essence of “Kahon” – A Journey Through Narration
Durga Puja is often considered a narrative festival—one where each element of the celebration tells a story. From 
the divine Mahishasuramardini legend of Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil to the collective memories of communities coming together, each puja reveals its own story. However, this year at Tala Prattoy, Susanta Paul added an intimate, personal layer to the storytelling by presenting his own relationship with Durga Puja through Kahon.
In “Kahon”, Paul explored his personal journey, connecting his own life experiences with the larger cultural framework of Durga Puja. This is what made the pandal particularly special—its fusion of the artist’s biography with the timeless essence of the Puja. By sharing his memories and moments through symbolic objects, light, and space, Paul invited visitors into his world, making them reflect on their own experiences of Durga Puja.
The Pandal: A Visual and Emotional Feast
The pandal at Tala Prattoy stood out for its multi-colored lights and rich detailing, capturing the attention of thousands of visitors. But beyond the aesthetic beauty, it was the concept and symbolic nuances that truly made the structure a masterpiece. The vintage chair that sat quietly in one corner of the pandal became a focal point, representing the artist’s life stories—significant milestones, memories, and cherished moments all told through this single object.
Each section of the pandal was meticulously designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, familiarity, and introspection. The multi-colored lights illuminated not just the physical space but the idea of life’s many hues and shades. They symbolized the ups and downs of Paul’s personal journey while also reflecting the multi-dimensional aspects of Durga
Puja—its joy, devotion, and artistic grandeur. These lights were not merely decorative; they were the visual embodiment of a journey filled with emotions, growth, and life lessons.
The vintage chair, on the other hand, became the storyteller’s seat. As the artist’s personal artifact, it stood as a witness to the life moments and experiences that shaped Paul’s relationship with Durga Puja. The chair evoked a sense of stillness amidst the vibrant, bustling pandal, urging visitors to pause, reflect, and contemplate their own personal narratives within the larger context of the festival.
The Narrative Structure: Merging Personal and Cultural Histories
What made Tala Prattoy’s 2023 Durga Puja particularly compelling was how seamlessly it merged personal stories with cultural histories. Susanta Paul’s decision to highlight his life story through the pandal was a testament to how Durga Puja, despite being a universal celebration, also has deep personal meanings for individuals. Each person who visits the pandal carries their own memories, associations, and connections with the festival.
The symbolic use of multi-colored lights represented the diversity of experiences that come together during the festival. Each light symbolized a moment from the artist’s life, much like how each of us sees Durga Puja through the lens of our own experiences. The vintage chair, situated in a corner, became a storytelling device, evoking personal moments of reflection. Through these simple yet profound elements, the pandal transformed into a living narrative, where each corner, object, and light held a story waiting to be told.
The personal narrative was complemented by the wider cultural history of Durga Puja, as the celebration itself is one of the richest expressions of Bengali culture. Tala Prattoy’s theme—Kahon—was a reminder that Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a space where personal memories, community traditions, and artistic expression converge. The pandal was designed to make each visitor connect with their own “kahon”, or narration, while being a part of this grand collective celebration.
Symbolism of the Vintage Chair
The vintage chair was perhaps the most poignant element of the Tala Prattoy pandal in 2023. Its placement in the pandal was symbolic of the artist’s journey, a reminder of the simple yet profound moments in life. Chairs often evoke a sense of quiet contemplation, and this chair was no different. It sat there, amidst the vibrant energy of the
pandal, representing a space of reflection, a pause in the chaos of life, where stories and memories are born.
For Susanta Paul, this chair represented the passage of time and the milestones of life that he had experienced. Each visitor who saw the chair could relate to it in their own way. Whether it reminded them of their grandparents’ home, a quiet corner where they spent hours reading, or even a moment of stillness in their own busy lives, the chair symbolized a universal moment of pause. It served as an invitation to reflect on one’s own journey, much like the artist did while conceptualizing the pandal.
Multi-Colored Lights: The Many Hues of Life
The multi-colored lights adorning the pandal were another powerful visual and symbolic element. Lights in themselves are integral to the Durga Puja celebration, representing the victory of good over evil, hope, and spiritual 
enlightenment. But at Tala Prattoy, the multi-colored palette carried an additional layer of meaning. Each color was symbolic of a different phase in life, much like the changing hues of our experiences.
The vibrant colors signified the joy, celebrations, and happiness that Durga Puja brings, while the darker shades represented the challenges, uncertainties, and introspective moments we all face. This balance of light and shade was an artistic metaphor for life itself—filled with highs and lows, joy and sorrow, love and loss. The lights illuminated the pandal, much like our experiences light up the journey of life, and for the visitors, they became a reminder of the emotional depth and spiritual significance of Durga Puja.
Durga Puja: A Festival of Personal and Collective Narratives
Durga Puja, especially in Kolkata, is much more than a religious event. It is an artistic expression, a cultural phenomenon, and a community celebration. With the theme of Kahon, Tala Prattoy explored the festival’s capacity to serve as a platform for personal storytelling. Every pandal across the city tells a story, but Susanta 
Paul’s vision went a step further by making that story deeply personal.
In a city where Durga Puja has become a spectacle of creativity, Tala Prattoy’s “Kahon” stood out for its emotional depth and reflective nature. It wasn’t just about showing grandeur or innovation; it was about showing life. The pandal allowed visitors to connect with their own memories of Durga Puja—whether from their childhood, youth, or adulthood—and reflect on how the festival has shaped their personal narratives.
Conclusion: Tala Prattoy’s Kahon – A Story to Remember
The 2023 Durga Puja at Tala Prattoy was a celebration of the power of narratives—personal, cultural, and spiritual. Through the brilliance of Susanta Paul’s concept of “Kahon”, the pandal became a space where stories were shared, lives were reflected upon, and Durga Puja became not just a festival of devotion but a journey through time and memory.
In a city known for its larger-than-life celebrations, Tala Prattoy’s Durga Puja managed to carve out a quiet yet profound niche, where the emphasis was not just on visual grandeur but on emotional resonance. It reminded every visitor that within the grand spectacle of Durga Puja, there lies a personal story—a kahon—waiting to be told.
