Kolkata's Salt Lake AK Block Pandal Wows Visitors with Rainwater Conservation Theme for Durga Puja 2024

Durga Puja 2024 in Kolkata has once again proven to be a melting pot of creativity and innovation, with pandals across the city showcasing unique themes. Among them, Salt Lake’s AK Block pandal has emerged as a standout, gaining significant attention both online and offline for its extraordinary approach. In its 37th year of Durga Puja celebrations, the organisers have adopted the theme of "Rainwater Conservation," delivering a powerful message on the global water crisis.

The project, helmed by renowned theme-maker Bhabatosh Sutar, has transformed the pandal into an immersive experience that combines both visual and auditory elements, creating the illusion of rainfall. The installation’s unique execution has captured the attention of visitors and netizens alike. With a budget of ₹75 lakh, the AK Block Durga Puja this year seeks to raise awareness of the pressing issue of drinking water scarcity.

One of the key highlights of the pandal is the incorporation of the sound of artificial raindrops, masterfully blended with the rhythmic beats of the traditional dhak. To create this effect, various utensils have been strategically placed in a pit, and water droplets fall in a computer-generated pattern, producing a harmonious soundscape that closely mimics the natural rhythm of rainfall.

Speaking about the theme, Sutar stated, “Rainwater conservation is an impending global crisis, which many are ignoring, especially in regions blessed with rivers.” He further emphasized the relevance of the theme for the Salt Lake township, which sits on the basin of the river Bidyadhari, an area where wetlands were once reclaimed. “When the opportunity came, I picked this theme as the (Salt Lake) township stands on the basin of the river Bidyadhari, where wetlands were reclaimed,” Sutar explained in an interview with The Telegraph.

The pandal's organisers have also embraced social media, sharing a video of the raindrop installation, titled "Bari Bindu" (Bengali for raindrops), on their official Instagram account. The video has gone viral, amassing 2.5 million views and impressing viewers worldwide with its creativity and message.

The innovative pandal at Salt Lake AK Block has not only succeeded in captivating the public but has also sparked important conversations around the need for rainwater conservation, positioning itself as a prime example of how festivals can be leveraged to address critical global issues.