Beadon Street’s Fanush Utsav Celebrates 101 Years of Tradition

In north Kolkata, the night sky transforms every Kali Puja as the Dutt family of Bholanath Dham celebrates over a century of the Fanush Utsav. This vibrant tradition, which involves crafting and flying handmade sky lanterns, marks its 101-year legacy this year. “This all began in 1925,” said Ajoy Dutt, the 74-year-old custodian of the family’s fanush legacy. “My father, Jadavlal Dutt, started it with the neighborhood, and since then, we’ve been lighting up the sky every year.”

A Cultural Celebration of Heritage and Reflection

What began as a family ritual has blossomed into a cultural celebration attracting countless onlookers and heritage enthusiasts. Each lantern, or fanush, is crafted from delicate paper and cloth, adorned with themes that reflect nostalgia, art, and social issues. “This year, one of our special fanush was dedicated to Operation Sindoor,” Ajoy shared. “Another honored cartoonist Narayan Debnath, the creator of Bantul the Great and other beloved comics. We even had one on Meyebela — to remind people of how little girls are often neglected in society, especially in rural areas.”

Over the years, the themes have evolved, celebrating Bengal’s cultural icons and addressing pressing social concerns. This includes tributes to renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray and creative nods to global heritage, such as Egyptian pyramids symbolizing timeless artistry.

The Art of Crafting Fanush

The creation of a fanush is a meticulous process, demanding both patience and precision. “Preparing a fanush isn’t difficult,” Dutt explained, “but what’s challenging is to remain patient.” While the materials used are simple — paper, cloth, glue, and wire — the final product is extraordinary. Each large lantern requires nearly 20 hours to complete and must achieve perfect balance to rise steadily into the air. Ajoy emphasizes the importance of originality, stating, “I never plan with a script. Ideas come to me naturally. I’ve always believed in creating something new every year — something that carries meaning.”

As the evening of Kali Puja approaches, the Dutt family’s courtyard near Hedua transforms into a lively festival ground. Friends, neighbors, and children gather to witness the fanush take flight. The air brims with laughter, wonder, and the unmistakable vibrancy of Kolkata, providing a perfect reflection of the city’s spirit.

Ajoy noted, “With a spacious thakurdalan, it’s easier for me to make fanush and host the event here. This has always been a family effort.”

Preserving a Legacy

Now retired, Dutt continues to oversee the festival with an enduring passion. Although age has slowed him down, his dedication to preserving Kolkata’s fanush heritage remains steadfast. “This is my passion,” he stated. “It keeps alive a piece of the city’s cultural identity — one that’s slowly disappearing but still finds its way to the sky each year.”

In a world dominated by mass-produced lanterns and fading traditions, the Dutt Bari Fanush Utsav serves as a glowing reminder of Kolkata’s creative resilience. As hundreds gather to watch the night sky bloom with handmade light, Beadon Street reaffirms that some flames never extinguish; they simply rise higher, illuminating the rich cultural tapestry of the city.