Ajoy Mitra 

Sharadiya Durga Puja, in its sanctity, inspires a dawn of auspicious consciousness in prayer; similarly, it carries a broad social horizon. It brings together family and community, builds cultural bonds, stimulates economic activity, and fosters harmony and unity. People from all walks of life don new clothes, stroll through pandals, visit each other’s homes, share traditional foods, and participate in cultural programs, all of which cultivate a joyful and communal spirit in society.

Over time, while the forms and arrangements of Puja have diversified, environmental awareness is also awakening among many. Observing the proper scriptural rites, there are indeed several changes emerging in favour of ecological consciousness.

Primarily in Bangali-populated regions of the world, the scale of Sharadiya Durga Puja extends to unparalleled levels. In the continuity of diversity and awareness, for several years in India various places have begun holding eco-friendly Durga Pujas.

This is an initiative where the Puja is organized without harming the environment, preserving natural resources. It is becoming increasingly popular day by day, especially in major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi etc.

Eco-friendly Puja means constructing idols without chemical paints or Plaster of Paris, using natural or organic materials like earth, straw, flour, rice powder, turmeric, seeds of Nilakantha etc; immersing the idols in artificial tanks or designated artificial ponds in accordance with scriptures; or in some places breaking biodegradable idols to make compost, organizing idol immersion in ways that prevent water pollution.

Sound systems are operated within defined limits and high-volume musical instruments are restrained; thus, effective initiatives are also being taken to curb noise pollution in environmental awareness.

In pandal decoration, non-biodegradable, thermocol, plastic materials are being avoided; instead, natural materials like bamboo, jute, cane, banana tree leaves, clay etc. are being used. Many places distribute prasad and bhog using plastic-free plates or cups. Also, in pandals there are awareness campaigns through posters, programs etc. as part of environmental consciousness.

In Kolkata, some Durga Puja pandals have declared themselves ‘Green Puja’ with the aim of conveying the message of love and care for nature through the festival’s joy. One pandal organizer created a pandal on the “Nabankur” theme using more than 8,000 saplings, which was celebrated as an extraordinary example of love for the environment. Examples of eco‑friendly Durga Pujas that are popular include Kolkata’s Ahiritola, Deshpriyo Park, Salt Lake with initiatives like Big Green Durga Puja. For instance, at Ahiritola Sarbojanin in Kolkata, they’ve been seen using one hundred percent clay idols, decorations using paper and banana leaves, and immersion in artificial water bodies. Deshpriyo Park avoids all plastic, uses biodegradable pandal materials.

In Salt Lake’s FD Block, pandals and jewelry are made from e‑waste, and eco-awareness is promoted. Paper idols and zero‑waste arrangements are seen in Lalbagh Sarbojanin Pandals in Bangalore. In Delhi, Durga Bari societies organize tree plantation, use of paper plates, and tank immersion. Many follow Eco Impact Measurement (EIM) standards in various arrangements of the Puja.

As a result, pollution of rivers and water bodies decreases, air and noise pollution reduce, the environment is preserved for future generations, and the true spirit of Puja – “worship of Nature and Shakti (Power)” – remains intact. In countries like India, and increasingly in Bangladesh, the trend of eco‑friendly Durga Puja is growing. Though the variety of these changes is noticeable, the scope is still largely centered in cities.

In Dhaka, some Puja pandals (such as in Ramna, Banani, Dhanmondi) now use environmentally friendly decorations, lighting, and adornment. In divisional cities such as Chittagong, Rajshahi etc, many pandals are organizing eco‑puja in terms of construction style, lighting decorations, and sound‑system diversity. By rejecting plastic, using environmentally friendly items, using natural materials in idol‑making, sourcing materials locally, managing waste and proper disposal, reducing electricity use, and raising environmental awareness, the organizers are making the festival more vibrant and meaningful.

In Narayanganj city, 69 years old Tanbazar Gopinath Jiu Akhra: this Akhra decorated its pandal using cooling mats (shital pati), bamboo and cane materials. In the clay‑made idol, cooling mat was used as sari. The idol’s ornaments and crown were made of clay and paper. The pandal arch was constructed with bamboo and mats. Such decorations using environmentally friendly materials were aesthetically pleasing.

Using collected fallen or broken natural tree sources from roadsides at different times, such as pieces of Rain Tree, Akashmoni, Devdaroo, Kata Badam etc, cut into small discs to make designs — where no new tree needs to be cut. Bamboo slivers used to make roofs of pandals — such artistry and creativity are visible in many pandals. In Chattogram, big pandals in South Nalapara, Gawsail Danga, Hajari Lane: every year their pandals are noticeable in using environmentally and naturally friendly construction styles, idol decorations etc.

Alongside the observance of rituals in the sattvic and scriptural way in Bangladesh, one of the most notable aspects of Durga Puja is that many feel the urge to protect life and nature in performing these rituals. From the start to the immersion, everywhere the trace of awareness is increasing, preserving nature and environment in balance — a practice very positive for the path ahead.

[Tax lawyer Ajoy Mirtra is also a drama artist at Chattogram Betar (Radio Chattogram). He has also been involved in citizen journalism for many years.]