Actress Sauraseni Maitra, along with Swiggy leader Arjun Chaudhary, felicitated the winners and presented the prize money
Kolkata, 15th October: Swiggy, India’s leading food delivery platform, successfully concluded its Shreshto Pujo initiative, a unique endeavor to promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kolkata’s Durga Puja. Building on the festive fervor, Swiggy had launched – “Shreshto Pujo”, an initiative featuring the city’s most vibrant Durga Puja pandals on the Swiggy app, allowing users to explore, experience, and vote for their favorite pandals.
With over 22,000 votes cast, Swiggy felicitated the winners of the contest at their respective pandals, with Arjun Chaudhary, VP – Food Marketplace, Swiggy, and renowned actress Sauraseni Maitra, presenting the awards.
Users experienced and viewed these intricately designed pandals and voted for their favourites. This initiative not only showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage but also supports local artisans and communities behind these stunning creations.
1st Prize Winner: Tala Prattoy
The pandal’s theme, The Void, explored the profound journey of an artisan in search of Durga, leading towards an infinite horizon where Durga is perceived as a formless sense of existence. Tala Prattoy beautifully presents this introspective journey towards the ‘void.’
2nd Prize Winner: Ahirtola Sarbojanin Durgotsav Samity.
In the heart of North Kolkata, the Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav Samity stands as a testament to tradition and cultural vibrancy. Celebrating its 85th year, the festival has become a beacon of heritage, drawing an average of 5 lakh visitors each day. This year’s theme, “Kheyal Setu Boitarani” or “The Imaginary Bridge Of Time,” invites visitors to traverse the rich tapestry of Ahiritola Ghat’s history, a site of immense cultural, commercial, and spiritual significance since 1690.
The inception of the Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durga Utsav Samity dates back to 1940, founded by Sir Harishankar Pal and the dedicated social worker Jahar Lal Chandra. The inaugural event was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of Sri Bishwanath Mukherjee, a prominent figure in the Bengal Provincial State Committee. The festival was marked by ritual chants and celebrations, invoking the goddess’s blessings for strength and unity, and emphasizing the power of truth.
This year, the theme is brought to life by the skilled artisan Anirban Das, who has meticulously crafted a pandal that reflects the stories and transformations of Ahiritola Ghat. The ghat, built by the late Rani Rashmoni, has been a bustling hub for various activities, from ferry services to idol immersions. It has witnessed the footsteps of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa and even the landing of Job Charnock, the founder of Calcutta.
The Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee, led by dedicated members such as Probir Mitra, Sajoy Chandra, Shamik Kumar Saha, Surojit Kumar Dey, and Débasish Datta, has worked tirelessly to ensure that this year’s celebration is a fitting tribute to the ghat’s storied past. Through the vibrant pandal decorations, visitors are invited to reminisce and celebrate the dynamic history of this iconic place, a true cultural landmark intertwined with the heritage of Kolkata.
3rd Prize Winner: Chetla Agrani Club
This pandal, themed “The Pollution of Ganga,” highlighted the pressing issue of pollution in the sacred Ganga River, using the Durga Puja celebration as a platform to spread awareness. The aim is to raise awareness and inspire action towards preserving this vital waterway.
Speaking at the event, Arjun Chaudhary, VP – Food Marketplace, Swiggy, said, “Durga Pujo’s vibrant pandals are the heartbeat of Kolkata’s celebrations. Through Swiggy’s Shreshto Pujo initiative, we aimed to democratize access to the city’s vibrant pandals, allowing Swiggy users from Kolkata to experience and vote for their favorites. This first-of-its-kind initiative empowered users by giving them the opportunity to choose their favorite pandals.
We’re proud to recognize the passion, dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating these breathtaking installations. Swiggy is honored to be a part of Kolkata’s Durga Pujo celebrations. Swiggy’s journey in Kolkata has always been about more than just food – it’s about embodying the social fabric of the city. We’re proud to have played a small part in showcasing the spirit of Durga Pujo and look forward to many more years of celebrating Kolkata’s unique culture.”
