From Syama Prasad Mookerjee to Vande Mataram, Lord Ram: Themes dominating Durga Puja this year

This year, Jana Sangh’s founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, National Song Vande Mataram and its writer, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Lord Ram appear to be the key themes at the festival

Beyond religious customs, the themes of different Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal often reflect the changing social and political mood of the people. This year, Jana Sangh’s founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, National Song Vande Mataram and its writer, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Lord Ram appear to be the key themes at the festival, being celebrated for the first time under the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governemnt in the State.

New Alipore’s Suruchi Sangha, one of Kolkata’s oldest puja organisers, has paid tribute to Mr. Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary. The theme titled ‘Utsa’ (Origin) traces his life through a series of visual installations, including a statue, photographs, and newspapers clippings.

The club’s new puja patron, BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, said the theme was chosen not only to pay homage to Mr. Mookerjee but also to educate the younger generation.

“Previous governments have made attempts only to erase Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s name from our history. Had he not been there, Kolkata might have been deleted from India’s map. After the BJP formed the government, we are making an effort to remember him. This puja is also part of that effort,” said Mr. Sikdar. 

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday (October 15, 2026) inaugurated this puja amid chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Jai Maa Durga’