Be it Ustad Alla Rakha and Zakir Hussain, Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen or Feluda and Topshe, our city has had a flamboyant cultural tradition of enjoying chemistry between two binaries. For their 69th Durga Puja, Ballygunge Cultural Association is illustrating the fusion of tradition and modernism in its theme, which is to be presented as ‘Jugalbandi’.

Biman Saha is the theme artist this year, an organiser said. “We are a very traditional puja but this time we are making a jugalbandiof modern art and the present form of (pandal) installation. We always come up with something innovative,” said Dr Saptarshi Basu, organising secretary of Ballygunge Cultural Association. Bamboo and cane structures, the essentials items for traditional pandal decorations, are among the chief elements being used to make this year’s pandal, Dr Basu confirmed.

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In addition to these, modern material for pandal decoration such as cotton steel and iron structures are being incorporated to form the jugalbandi. According to the Association, their usage of bamboo and cane, which are biodegradable, is going to amplify the status of the Puja as a ‘Green’ and Eco-friendly one. Arun Pal is in charge of the idol. He is working on th e idol as per the theme and the final revealing of the idol will be a surprise to the public, an organiser said.

With their artistry, the association is hopeful of creating yet another masterpiece this year and attracting a huge crowd not only from Kolkata but also from the outskirts. For the first time, the association is going to collaborate with London Sarodotsav, wherein some portions of the pandal will be on display at the Puja organised in London.