The document describes the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata in 2007, focusing on the artistry of Kumartuli, where skilled artisans create intricate Durga idols. It highlights the logistical efforts involved in transporting these idols to various clubs and the unique themes of different pandals, showcasing innovative materials and designs. The author's personal favorites among the top 80 creations reflect the cultural significance and creative diversity of the festival.

1. DURGA PUJAS 2007 – MY JOURNEY IN KOLKATA

2. Kumartuli is a heritage place in North Kolkata known for its artists and artisans who create the amazing creations of Durga Idols. These idols have found its place not only in Kolkata but across various cities in India and the world. Here is an artist in Kumartuli busy with his creation.

3. Mahalaya is gone, the artists are busy giving the finishing touches in the Idols. There have been threats from monsoons and rains; but our Kumartuli artists still manage to deliver year after year

8. Hundreds of Clubs gather to take the idols to their clubs. Carrying these idols safely and getting it delivered to the clubs is itself a profession at Kumartuli. One such scene where these carriers are carefully taking an idol from the studio. All the clubs hire a vehicle (usually trucks or matadors) where they bring the idol of Maa Durga to their club. Kumartuli is a quite congested area. From the day of Mahalaya till Tritiya, the area is mostly choked with queue of trucks waiting for their turn to take the idol.

12. Time to carry Maa Durga to pandal premises. Celebration 2007 begins….

13. Roaming across the latitude and longitude of Kolkata, this is my capture of top 80 in the city, Hope you will enjoy. My pick of TOP 80

14. Pottery and terracotta works prominent in the entire pandal 22 PALLY

20. Intricate works of thread marked this pandal Barisha Yubak Brinda

29. Orissa temple in the lanes of Bhavanipore, Kolkata Bhavanipur Sarbojonin

33. Shiva, Durga, Yoga, Tantra blends at Chakraberia Chakraberia Sarbajanin

41. Badrinath temple comes down to 70 Pally, idol has a metal finish 70 Pally

44. Saotal village (“tribal village”) is the theme this year. Idol also has a tribal look Bakulbagan

50. “ Heaven of Glass” – the club has used many forms of glass for its pandal 64 Pally

53. “ Mahashakti” is the theme of Badamtala, the entire set is built using intricate iron drum cuttings and galvanized iron cuttings Badamtala Asar Sangha

59. Coral Shells and intricate design on them blended with canes and wood brought a new touch to this pandal 66 Pally

67. Egyptian paintings formed the imagination of Milan Mandir this year Milan Mandir

71. Rabindranath Tagore’s “Sahaj Path” comes alive at Sahapur Sarbojonin. Durga is teaching Ganesha the alphabets!! Sahapur Sarbojonin

74. Bhabatosh Sutar has used ceramics to create the pandal and idol. This club experimented with a new material form that hardly any club has tried so far Barisha Club

81. What you will see now is not original, Nutan Dal has created a forest village and Durga worship in the forest. The project started last February!! Behala Nutan Dal

92. “ Belan & Chaki” – with which we make Roti at home has been used to make this pandal. In my personal ranking this will be NO.1 in Kolkata Adarsha Pally