BEYOND THE CELEBRATION

Memory, Heritage, the People and the City of Kolkata | Durga Puja 2026 From the turbulent streets of 1970s Kolkata to the festive city of 2026, this is a journey through memory, time and changing perspectives. It begins with Mahalaya—the call of the season. The city awakens, pandals come alive, people celebrate, and the spirit of Durga Puja fills Kolkata. Then comes Bisarjan. The festivities recede, but another reality emerges: waste, public hygiene, neglected heritage and the responsibilities we often leave behind. Through personal memories and present-day observations, this film looks beyond the lights and celebrations to ask harder questions about our city. What do we expect from the Government? What do we owe our society? And what responsibility do we, as citizens, accept for the city we celebrate? The celebration may end. Our responsibility does not. BANGLAR KARIGAR Voice of the Common People