A Durga Puja with purpose: Onyo Pujo rings in the season with a green beginning
With dhaak beats in the air and fresh coconut offerings in hand, the spirit of
Durga Puja
was ushered in early this year with the Khuti Pujo of
Onyo Pujo
—a celebration that blends age-old rituals with fresh perspectives.
Held with traditional fervour and heartfelt reverence, the ceremony marked not just the ceremonial start of Durga Puja preparations, but also a symbolic gesture of regeneration, sustainability, and youth-led innovation.
The launch event was graced by eminent personalities including actorNeel Bhattacharya. To Neel,
Onyo Pujo
was about reimagining our age-old traditions in a way that resonated with today's youth and tomorrow's environment.
Now in its second edition,
Onyo Pujo
has carved a space for itself in the festive calendar by daring to be different. Rooted in the traditions of Bengal's most cherished festival, it goes a step further—reimagining those traditions in the light of contemporary values. This year's theme, 'Naryal Katha', draws inspiration from the humble coconut—known for its versatility and significance in rituals—transforming it into a symbol of mindful celebration.
by Taboola
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The upcoming pandal promises to be unlike anything the city has seen. Designed and crafted using coconut ropes, husk, charcoal, and shavings, the structure will be a visual representation of sustainability and creative expression. Students and young artisans are at the helm of this transformation, bringing their ideas and energy to the heart of this celebration. Adding a dose of fun to the message was the unveiling of
Naru Da
, the official mascot—round, sweet, and full of character.
Naru Da represents not just tradition, but the joy of rediscovering culture through modern lenses.
While the rituals of khuti pujo were observed with the utmost devotion, the undercurrent of change was unmistakable. In every incense offering, every beat of the dhaak, there was a silent pledge—a promise to honour the past while boldly stepping into a future shaped by awareness and responsibility.
As the city gears up for the grandeur of Durga Puja,
Onyo Pujo
stands as a gentle reminder that devotion and innovation can go hand in hand—that even in celebration, we can choose to nurture, not consume.
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