Kolkata, the iconic 80-year-old Howrah Bridge, has undergone a vibrant transformation ahead of Durga Puja. A group of artists have adorned the cantilever bridge with Bengal’s traditional ‘alpana’ motifs, while also illuminating it with dynamic LED lighting to be activated after sunset, according to officials.
Renowned artist Sanjay Paul and a team of 40 students from various art colleges used folk motifs typically found in rural Bengal’s ‘alpana’ art to paint a section of the 2,313-feet-long bridge. The project was unveiled by Croma, a Tata Enterprise, in partnership with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust.
Sanjay Paul expressed his delight in choosing the Howrah Bridge as the canvas to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage prior to the Durga Puja festival. He mentioned that the artwork was completed in five days, with his team working tirelessly from midnight to 5 am. The motifs have been incorporated along both sides of the bridge, adjacent to the footpath. Additionally, two large circular designs measuring 36 feet in diameter have been painted at the bridge’s entry and exit points.
Anwesak Dawn, responsible for the fieldwork, collaborated with meritorious students from the Government Art College and Garia Art College for this project. The ‘alpana’ motifs feature intricately crafted designs inspired by electronic gadgets, symbolizing the significance of electronics in people’s lives. A Croma official described the artwork as a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, marking the start of the auspicious Durga Puja festival in the city.
The Durga Puja festivities will commence in the state from Friday.
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