Irish and Indian artists have come together to create something innovative Durga Puja pandal for Behala Nutan Dal in Kolkata, a truly spectacular assimilation of two cultures. The theme seamlessly introduces cultural practices of both nations through the theme of depicting jointly Goddess Durga and Danu, god of nature and fertility for the Irish. This collaboration is the first step toward a significant cultural exchange bringing with it unity in art.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Irish and Indian artists come together to design a #DurgaPuja pandal of Behala Nutan Dal in Kolkata. The theme is a blend of the artistic traditions of both countries. The artists have jointly built an idol of Goddess Durga along with Irish deity Danu.
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— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024
Initiated by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, marking the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Ireland, Irish Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly visited the Behala Nutan Dal pandal to celebrate this important milestone personally and to experience this joint art effort. This visit underlined the enhancing cultural relations between the two nations and Durga Puja as the occasion to synthesize spiritual and artistic traditions.
For a few years now, the pandal has emerged as the fast-changing icon of cross-cultural unity. Art becomes not only instrumental but a powerful solvent of boundaries and creases towards sowing a global bonding. This year’s Durga Puja celebration was nothing but a tribute not only to India’s rich heritage but also to a budding relationship between India and Ireland.
