Ganga Boicho Keno: Kumartuli Park’s Durga Puja Theme Honors Bhupen Hazarika
Kumartuli Park's Durga Puja theme 'Ganga Boicho Keno' uses Bhupen Hazarika's song to fight river pollution and social inequality.
In a poignant blend of art, music, and environmental activism, the Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee has unveiled its theme for this year's celebrations. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the Kumartuli Park Durga Puja theme is centered around the soul-stirring song 'Ganga Boicho Keno' (Why Do You Keep Flowing, Ganga?).
A Song of Contradictions
The chosen theme is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deep dive into the social and environmental crises of the modern era. Hazarika’s iconic song portrays the river Ganga as a silent observer of human history—witnessing centuries of civilization, the brutality of war, the depths of poverty, hunger, exploitation, and the bitter divides of society.
The committee aims to use this platform to highlight the stark contradiction between how the river is perceived and how it is treated. Tarun Ghosh, an executive member of the committee, explained that while the Ganga is revered as a sacred entity, it has become a dumping ground for human waste.
"People live on both sides of the Ganga, but they throw various kinds of waste into the river and pollute its water. Despite all this pollution, the river continues to flow," Ghosh stated.
The Paradox of Faith and Pollution
One of the most striking aspects of the installation is its focus on the irony of human devotion. The committee points out that the same people who pollute the river's waters continue to view them as holy, using the water on their bodies and heads for spiritual purification. This paradox serves as the emotional core of the pandal's narrative.
Architectural Vision: Bringing the Ghat to the City
To bring this vision to life, the committee collaborated with architect Subal Paul. The pandal has been meticulously designed to resemble a traditional ghat, recreating the atmosphere of a riverside landing place. This structural choice is intended to forge an immediate connection between the visitors and the cultural and religious significance of the Ganga.
Beyond the Environment: A Call for Humanity
While the primary message is a plea to stop dumping waste and protect water quality, the installation delves deeper into the human condition. The theme invites visitors to reflect on broader societal failures, asking why injustice, hunger, and inequality persist despite centuries of supposed social and cultural progress.
By leveraging the massive crowds that visit during Durga Puja, the Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee hopes to spark a conversation about environmental responsibility and the urgent need to repair humanity's broken relationship with nature.