Showcasing a Breathtaking 20-Foot Bird Installation
Kolkata: The Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club is prepared to enchant visitors this Durga Puja with its captivating theme for 2025 – “Shabdo” (The Sound). This theme delves into the diminishing sounds of nature and daily life that once shaped our existence but are now fading away in the midst of urban turmoil. This year marks the 72nd year of the Club’s Durga Puja celebrations, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Once upon a time, the melodious calls of birds were an integral part of our everyday lives. At the break of dawn, their cheerful chirping greeted the sun as it rose, and at dusk, their songs signaled the return home. Even during the quiet of night, the hoots of owls and other nocturnal birds broke the tranquility with their enchanting sounds. Yet today, these beautiful melodies have become a rare occurrence.
Through this theme, the club highlights how rapid urbanization, rampant tree felling, and the construction of concrete high-rises have destroyed natural habitats. Birds, who depended on trees for shelter, are gradually disappearing – and with them, their voices too. The club reminds us that humanity’s unchecked dominance over nature is pushing us towards irreversible ecological loss, a price that future generations will have to pay dearly unless we act now.
To bring this message alive, the pandal will feature a series of striking installations – including a towering 20-feet-tall artistic representation of birds – symbolizing the grandeur of nature and its vanishing presence in our urban lives. Complemented by immersive soundscapes, the experience will also include mime performances, portraying the inner voice of birds and their silent plea to humankind.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gourab Biswas, Committee Member of Baguiati Railpukur United Club, said, “Our theme ‘Shabdo’ is not just an artistic creation; it is a reflection of our collective conscience. The sounds of birds and nature, once inseparable from our daily lives, are fading away due to unchecked urbanization. Through this theme, we wish to remind society that these voices are not mere background music; they are the heartbeat of our environment. If we do not act today, tomorrow’s world will be left in silence. Durga Puja is not only about celebration, but also about awareness, responsibility, and the awakening of humanity.”
The creative vision of “Shabdo” is being brought to life by a talented team of artists and craftsmen. The theme has been conceptualized and artistically designed by Somnath Tamli, while the idol of the Goddess is being sculpted by Debprasad Hazra. The enchanting play of light and shadow will be directed by Dipankar Dey, adding depth to the pandal’s ambience. To give voice to the silent cries of birds, mime artists Shubhendu Mukhopadhyay and Kaushik Biswas will deliver powerful performances. The magnificent pandal is being constructed under the expertise of Bapi Das, with Samiran Jana handling cinematography and editing to capture every detail of this grand creation. Supporting this vision are Poulami Bose with in-depth research work, Faruk Shaikh with drawing and designing, and Debayan Banerjee with sound and music.
With “Shabdo”, Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club not only celebrates its 72nd year of Durga Puja but also delivers a cautionary tale – urging society to protect what remains of our natural world before silence completely replaces the symphony of life.