Behala Nutan Dal Unveils Shibani Dham Theme for Durga Puja 2025

Durga Puja, a significant festival in the Bengali calendar, will see the Behala Nutan Dal association present its thematic pandal based on “Shibani Dham” during the celebrations in 2025. This year, the pandal features a large idol of Lord Shiva facing a shrine of Goddess Durga, symbolizing their profound union. The festival, which honors the goddess’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur, is anticipated to attract devotees and visitors alike from various regions.

The Behala Nutan Dal, a prominent cultural organization in Kolkata, is renowned for its elaborate and artistic pandals during Durga Puja, which is celebrated from September 28 to October 2, 2025. Ruma Mukharjee, a dedicated member of the Behala Nutan Dal, shared insights into the theme of Shibani Dham, stating, “The theme of this puja is Shibani Dham. Shivani means Durga. Durga and Shiv are in the same place, facing each other.” This thematic representation aims to convey the spiritual connection between the deities.

Artistry and Cultural Performances

The Shibani Dham pandal is notable for its unique architectural design, featuring terracotta sculptures that depict mythological narratives and daily life scenes. The centerpiece is a grand Shivling, which complements the theme. Mukharjee explained that the artistic preparations took approximately five months to complete, underscoring the dedication of the team involved.

Cultural performances play a vital role in the festivities. The Behala Nutan Dal has organized vibrant dance shows in front of Lord Shiva’s idol. Mukharjee highlighted, “We are doing a cultural dance with performers from Siliguri. The artwork here is mainly done by Rano Banerjee, Amar Sarkar, and Sanjay Bhattacharya.” This combination of art and dance captures the essence of the festival, drawing in large crowds eager to partake in the celebrations.

Durga Puja, also referred to as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, extends beyond religious observance. It is a celebration of compassion, brotherhood, and cultural heritage. The atmosphere during the festival is filled with the sounds of dhaak (traditional drums), the joy of new clothes, and the aroma of traditional Bengali cuisine, creating a festive spirit that resonates throughout the community.

As preparations continue, the Behala Nutan Dal’s Shibani Dham theme stands out as a significant contribution to the 2025 Durga Puja celebrations, promising to deliver a captivating experience for all attendees.