Kolkata : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated the grand Durga Puja pandal of Bhowanipur 75 Palli, officially marking the beginning of the committee’s 61st year of celebrations. Renowned as one of South Kolkata’s leading thematic pujas, Bhowanipur 75 Palli has captured the city’s imagination this year with its evocative theme “Binodini”—a heartfelt tribute to Nati Binodini, the trailblazing 19th-century theatre icon who redefined the role of women on the Bengali stage.
The inauguration was also attended by eminent personalities, including Madan Mitra, MLA; Sri Kartik Banerjee, Social Activist; Papiya Singh, Councillor, among others.
For 2025, Bhowanipur 75 Palli has transformed its pandal into a breathtaking narrative space, vividly bringing Binodini’s extraordinary journey to life through dramatic art installations, intricate set designs, thematic architecture, and immersive light-and-sound storytelling. Visitors are guided through the stages of her life—from her humble beginnings and rise to stardom, to her collaborations with cultural stalwarts and her eventual spiritual retreat.
Born in 1862, Binodini Dasi overcame societal stigma to become one of Bengal’s most celebrated actresses, performing in over 80 acclaimed plays under the mentorship of Girish Chandra Ghosh. Her stellar performances in classics such as Chaitanya Lila, Sitar Bonobas, and Meghnad Badh won admiration from luminaries including Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Her autobiography, Amar Katha, remains a landmark testament to the struggles and triumphs of women in the arts.
Speaking at the inauguration, Subir Das, Secretary of Bhowanipur 75 Palli, said:
“We are deeply honoured that Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated our 61st Durga Puja pandal. This year’s theme, ‘Binodini,’ is not just an artistic tribute but also a reminder of the strength and perseverance of women who changed the cultural landscape of Bengal. Through this pandal, we aim to keep her story alive and inspire future generations.”
The artistic curation for this year’s pandal is led by Abhijit Nandy, with the idol crafted by Parimal Pal. The layered design symbolically reflects Binodini’s life—her struggles, triumphs, and spiritual awakening—while the idol of Goddess Durga embodies her indomitable spirit, blending traditional artistry with the essence of transformation.
With Mamata Banerjee’s inauguration marking the official start of festivities, Bhowanipur 75 Palli warmly invites devotees, art lovers, and visitors to witness this immersive celebration of Bengal’s theatrical heritage and cultural brilliance during Durga Puja 2025.
