In Kolkata, Durga Puja is frequently associated with extravagant expenditures, eye-catching illumination, expansive pandals, and crowds that switch between themes. However, there are also tiny pujas among them where the delight is found in the little things, like children’s laughing, handcrafted ornaments, and pure devotion.

Eveready has decided to support one such Puja this year. In order to promote the Durga Puja organized by students from a school that educates poor students up to Class 4, Eveready has teamed up with the Vikramshila Education Resource Society. With the use of eight Eveready Ultima AA batteries, Eveready has developed the Largest AA Battery-Powered Remote-Controlled Toy Truck to add a unique touch to their Puja. This installation, appropriately named “Ultima Bahon”, transports the Goddess Durga statue into the Puja grounds.

Anirban Banerjee, CEO, Eveready Industries India Ltd., unveiled the Toy Truck, The Ultima Bahon, in the presence of renowned actress Priyanka Sarkar, personnel from Vikramshila Education Resource Society, along with the children and teachers of the school.

Eveready worked with engineers to create this toy truck in keeping with kids’ love of toys. Eight Eveready Ultima AA batteries, which have a 400% longer lifespan, power the vehicle. Bahon, which means vehicle in Bengali, alludes to the Goddess’s and her family’s celestial rides—the lion, owl, swan, peacock, and mouse—during Durga Puja. Miniature representations of these Bahons are carried by the Ultima Bahon, which proudly displays Indian ingenuity and inventiveness while representing the spirit of Puja.

The Ultima Bahon, a truck that runs solely on AA batteries that power common household products like smart remote controls, toys, etc., is a humorous contrast in a time when discussions center on electric vehicles that are fueled by commercial batteries.

Ultima Bahon has been recognized as the largest AA battery-powered remote-controlled toy truck by both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records. The Eveready leadership received the official certificates. During the Puja days, the truck will also be on display for the public to see at the 95 Pally Puja Association.

Speaking at the event, Priyanka Sarkar said, “I feel emotional and honoured to be associated with this reputed brand. I am reminded of my childhood Pujo memories after seeing these young kids. I try to keep the nostalgia alive through my son. He still has that innocence in him that we often miss in our lives as we grow up. It is a great initiative”.

As pandal hoppers travel the city in search of flashy lights and ornate themes, Eveready’s project serves as a reminder that the real meaning of Puja is found in simple devotion and communal joy.

Priyanka Dutta