The Second Edition of Onyo Pujo has been announced by Make Calcutta Relevant Again. Onyo Pujo, a student-led effort that combined the rich customs of Bengal’s grandest festival with the principles of sustainability, innovation, and cultural sensitivity, was hailed as a Durga Pujo with a Difference. Its foundation is in the spirit of regeneration.

At the ceremonial commencement of the celebrations, the “Khuti Pujo of Onyo Pujo” served as a symbolic beginning to this special Pujo. It also established the tone for this year’s theme, which was Naryal Katha and the introduction of the mascot, Naru Da, which sought to encourage young people to see culture through the prism of modern inventiveness and environmental responsibility.

The launch event was graced by Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, Mr Neel Bhattacharya, Actor, and Ms Sujata Chatterjee, Founder & MD of Twirl. store, Ms Pauline Laravoire, Founder of the Rebalance Institute and Sustainability Director at Techno India Group, and Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again and Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director of Techno India Group.

Using coconut and its byproducts, such as coconut ropes, shavings, charcoal, and husk, the pandal will be specially made this year to represent the subject “Naryal Katha”. The idea will be realized in partnership with Techno India Group students, who will be instrumental in the pandal’s creation and design, utilizing their imagination, artistry, and dedication to sustainability to produce a striking illustration of innovation and renewal.

Onyo Pujo’s Khuti Pujo, where all rites and traditions are reverently honored. Beyond its traditional core, however, this Pujo represented growth and change, honoring the past while laying the groundwork for a more considerate and environmentally friendly future.

Priyanka Dutta