From the first notes of Agomoni and the rhythmic beats of the dhaak to the excitement of pandal-hopping and evenings filled with adda, Durga Puja brings a distinct charm to Bengal. It is a time when familiar traditions find new expressions and the city comes alive with music, art, food and shared celebrations. Carrying this festive spirit forward, Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA), Twirl.store and Offbeat CCU came together to present the third edition of Onyo Pujo 3.0, bringing together the warmth of Bengali traditions, creative expressions and contemporary cultural experiences. The celebration offered a distinctive take on the Sharod season, where the joy of welcoming Maa Durga met the evolving spirit of Kolkata.
With Paate Chakre – Putur Pujo as one of its key attractions, this year’s celebration offered visitors an opportunity to experience Durga Puja beyond the grandeur of traditional pandals. Inspired by the simplicity of village celebrations, the initiative created a festive setting where art, craftsmanship and community came together to celebrate the essence of Maa Durga’s homecoming.
A significant highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of Paate Chakre – Putur Pujo, curated by Twirl.store at Offbeat CCU. The inauguration was graced by Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile and Jute Commissioner, Government of India, and Shri Sashi Bhusan Singh, Secretary and CEO, National Jute Board, along with Gautam RoyChowdhury, Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Meghdut RoyChowdhury and Pauline Laravoire, among other distinguished guests and dignitaries. The initiative celebrated the versatility of jute and its potential as a sustainable medium for artistic expression, while highlighting the creativity, skills and craftsmanship of women artisans. It also reflected the importance of preserving traditional art forms while encouraging environmentally conscious celebrations.
Moving away from conventional festive decorations, the celebration embraced an eco-conscious approach through a zero-waste setup, handcrafted jute installations and a traditional Ek-Chala mandir. The village-inspired setting, complete with red alpana pathways and intricate handmade details, brought back the warmth of simpler celebrations. Every element reflected the beauty of Bengal’s cultural roots and the importance of celebrating traditions responsibly.
The festivities also extended beyond traditional Bengali celebrations, making room for music, dance and contemporary cultural expressions. On October 19, Offbeat CCU hosted a Garba Night, inviting visitors to celebrate the festive season through energetic dance, music and togetherness. The evening transformed the venue into a lively celebration, where people came together to enjoy the colourful spirit of Navratri alongside the ongoing Durga Puja festivities.
Adding another dimension to Onyo Pujo 3.0, the celebration also brought an urban street-culture experience to Kolkata’s festive landscape. Under the spirit of K-City, the event featured raw rap performances, live beatboxing, energetic music, underground cyphers and performances by emerging artists. Bringing together rappers, beatboxers and performers, the platform created space for independent voices and contemporary artistic expressions to become part of the larger festive experience. The vibrant performances added a youthful energy to the celebrations, making the occasion enjoyable for visitors with diverse musical interests.
As with every Durga Puja celebration in Bengal, the festivities also carried an emotional significance. The celebrations at Offbeat CCU culminated on October 22 with Sindoor Khela, a cherished Bengali tradition marking the final day of Durga Puja. Women came together to celebrate the occasion by applying sindoor to Maa Durga and one another, sharing moments of joy, warmth and sisterhood. As the festivities drew to a close, the ritual marked an emotional farewell to Maa Durga, bringing the festive journey to an end with the hope of welcoming her back next year.
What made the third edition particularly meaningful was its effort to bring together different generations, artistic communities and cultural traditions under one roof. From the delicate craftsmanship of women artisans to the infectious energy of live music, Garba and traditional rituals, every element reflected the many ways in which people experience and celebrate the festive season.
Through Onyo Pujo 3.0, Offbeat CCU presented a celebration that went beyond the conventional idea of a festival. It brought together sustainability, heritage, creativity and contemporary culture, creating an atmosphere where tradition met modern expression.
As Kolkata welcomed another Sharod season, Onyo Pujo 3.0 offered a reminder that the magic of Durga Puja does not always lie in grand celebrations. Sometimes, it lives in the warmth of familiar traditions, the hands that create something beautiful, the rhythm of music that brings people together and the shared happiness of celebrating Maa Durga’s homecoming.