UNESCO, the global UN agency that designated Durga Puja Art as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022, continued its commitment to promoting Durga Puja Art to a global audience for the third consecutive year. This year marked UNESCO’s continued support for the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art, conceptualized by the Kolkata-based social and cultural organization, massArt.
The 3rd edition of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art was inaugurated at Tala Prattoy by Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim. Among the distinguished guests present at the inauguration were Rayond Mullen, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland, and K P Nayar, Strategic Analyst. The Preview Show of Durga Puja Art was recognized as the world’s biggest public art festival and the only one that continued throughout the night. The success of the last two editions had positioned Kolkata as a sought-after destination for both global and Indian art enthusiasts.
This year, the Ambassadors of Germany, Peru, Ecuador, Belgium, Slovenia, Cyprus, and Ireland confirmed their presence during the event. A performance group from Cyprus showcased their talents at various venues of the Durga Puja Art. The event received overwhelming participation from all sections of society.
Reflecting on the success of this initiative, Dhrubajyoti Bose Suvo, Secretary of massArt, observed, “If the aim is to promote cultural diversity— a challenge in the face of globalization—and human creativity, the focus has to be on intangible cultural heritage, which provides a sense of identity and continuity. The Preview Show of Durga Puja Art is undoubtedly a celebration of this heritage, blending traditional and contemporary creativity. The platform encourages bright minds to excel with their ideas, thereby positively impacting Bengal’s creative economy.”
This year, twenty-six puja venues were selected through a rigorous process, allowing enthusiasts to experience the best art installations in the city a week before the actual festivities. A special exhibition, “Making of Durga Puja Art,” was held at Town Hall, where visitors could witness the live creation of art.
As part of the 2024 Preview Show, Durga Puja celebrations were divided into two distinct categories:
– Contemporary Durga Puja Art
– Bonedibari, or aristocratic household Durga Puja Art
Over the past two years, the show had received an extraordinary response, and massArt anticipated a huge turnout for this year’s edition. Notable attractions included:
– A group of students from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad, participating to study the art and architecture involved in Durga Puja.
– A guided tour of twenty-six puja pandals and the world’s first night walk-through.
– A live exhibition of the “Making of Durga Puja Art” at Town Hall.
– Art and cultural exchanges between Irish and Indian artists.
– Special guided tours for senior citizens, orphans, and specially-abled children.
