In a grand celebration of Durga Puja in Kolkata, the city has witnessed the transformation of its iconic Howrah Bridge into a canvas of traditional Alpona art. This extraordinary endeavour, a joint effort by local artisans and the Chroma brand, has not only added a unique touch to the festivities but also symbolises the fusion of heritage and modern technology.
As Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, approaches its culmination, the streets come alive with a vibrant blend of colours and a jubilant crowd. Every pandal, or temporary shrine, is meticulously adorned with intricate designs, and the final touches are put in place to honour the goddess.
One essential element of these decorations is alpona, an intricate form of traditional Bengali art. For Bengalis, alpona is more than just an art form; it's an integral part of any puja, and the absence of it would leave the celebration incomplete.
This year, Alpona has found a unique canvas, the age-old Howrah Bridge, which stands as a symbol of Kolkata's heritage. With the collaboration of Chroma and the dedicated efforts of 80 skilled artisans led by the renowned artist Sanjay Pal, the Howrah Bridge has been adorned with Alpona art. The Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Port Trust played a crucial role in supporting this innovative initiative.
The relentless dedication of these artists from the Government Art College has breathed life into the Howrah Bridge, giving it a new avatar that showcases the traditional artistry of Alpona. The bridge now stands transformed, donning the enchanting avatar of the goddess.
This Alpona artwork is not only an ode to tradition but also a nod to the integration of modern technology into our daily lives. The artful inclusion of gadgets in the Alpona designs symbolises how technology has become an inseparable part of our everyday existence, adding joy and charm to our lives.
The Howrah Bridge, now graced with this enchanting art, stands as a source of pride for the city of Kolkata, symbolising the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the Chief Operating Officer of Chroma, Shubhasis Roy, expressing his delight in fulfilling the wishes of customers. Chroma, since 2019, has been striving to meet customer demands, and now they've expanded their brand to include 14 more stores in the city.
This unique initiative by Chroma has not only painted the town with joy but has also breathed new life into the Durga Puja procession, making it a journey to remember. The Howrah Bridge, a symbol of the city's rich history, now represents the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity in the heart of Kolkata.