pandals

Designing and building the temporary pavilions that house the deity during West Bengal’s biggest annual festival remains the preserve of rural artisans — chiefly farmers and folk artists — despite an increasing presence of professionals. Rajeshwari Sharma takes a closer look.

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in the Kolkata, Kasba, did not turn a blind eye to the agony of an 80-year-old woman wandering without purpose and no companion in sight.

For the Bengalis based in Mumbai, it is often a time they battle with pangs of home-sickness. But the city that never sleeps also vows to bring solace to each person who seeks shelter in her arms.