Kolkata Durga Puja: A Puja Special Tram has been designed to honor Durga Puja’s Unesco heritage status and Friday’s 150th anniversary of Kolkata Tramways. West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) collaborated with Asian Paints and XXL Collective on the tram as part of an effort to celebrate Puja in a unique way. The Puja Special Tram will roll along the city’s tracks with its exquisite interiors and exteriors. The historic trams of Kolkata, which date back to 1873, are a symbol of the city’s heritage and allure. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Special Tram will operate between Tollygunge and Ballygunge with a remarkable makeover during Kolkata’s most important month of celebrations. Trams on the Tollygunge route pass through all the well-known areas with large and historic Durga Puja pandals, making them the ideal choice for this transformation.
A Puja Special Tram has been designed to honor Durga Puja’s Unesco heritage status and Friday’s 150th anniversary of Kolkata Tramways. West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) collaborated with Asian Paints and XXL Collective on the tram as part of an effort to celebrate Puja in a unique way. The Puja Special Tram will roll along the city’s tracks with its exquisite interiors and exteriors. The historic trams of Kolkata, which date back to 1873, are a symbol of the city’s heritage and allure. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Special Tram will operate between Tollygunge and Ballygunge with a remarkable makeover during Kolkata’s most important month of celebrations. The tram on the Tollygunge route covers all the famous areas known to have historic and large Durga Puja pandals, making it the ideal choice for this transformation
The exteriors of the first compartment feature hand-painted artwork commemorating Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ neighborhood in northern Kolkata where Durga idols are sculpted. In addition, it encompasses “sindoor khela” and “dhunuchi dance.” It also highlights the unique stories featured in the current season of ‘People of Puja’, including those of a visually impaired artist with commendable skills and women ‘dhakis’ who challenge the dominance of men in the performing arts. The redesign consists of Puja décor with cane installations, ‘alpona’ art, and a visual narrative in the style of a museum. During the tram ride, interactive elements and QR codes engage visitors with ‘People of Puja’ stories, allowing passengers to explore the stories of the people behind the Durga Puja celebrations.
The exteriors of the first compartment feature hand-painted artwork commemorating Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ neighborhood in northern Kolkata where Durga idols are sculpted. In addition, it encompasses “sindoor khela” and “dhunuchi dance.” It also highlights the unique stories featured in the current season of ‘People of Puja’, including those of a visually impaired artist with commendable skills and women ‘dhakis’ who challenge the dominance of men in the performing arts. The redesign consists of Puja décor with cane installations, ‘alpona’ art, and a visual narrative in the style of a museum. During the tram ride, interactive elements and QR codes engage visitors with ‘People of Puja’ stories, allowing passengers to explore the stories of the people behind the Durga Puja celebrations.
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Stepping into the second compartment transports passengers to a historical location in Kolkata, reflecting the opulent allure of the city. The exteriors are inspired by the culture and landmarks of West Bengal and incorporate augmented reality elements. This bogie’s artwork reflects the dramatic elements of well-known Puja symbols. Over the decades, styles, trends, and attitudes have changed in West Bengal, but one thing has remained constant: the spirit of celebration. The Tram represents a commitment to fostering, inspiring, and championing aesthetic excellence and creativity in Durga Puja pandals.
Stepping into the second compartment transports passengers to a historical location in Kolkata, reflecting the opulent allure of the city. The exteriors are inspired by the culture and landmarks of West Bengal and incorporate augmented reality elements. This bogie’s design is inspired by the dignified Puja icons. Over the decades, styles, trends, and attitudes have changed in West Bengal, but one thing has remained constant: the spirit of celebration. The Tram represents a commitment to fostering, inspiring, and championing aesthetic excellence and creativity in Durga Puja pandals.
At the opening ceremony, which was attended by the actors Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar (pictured), WBTC chairman Shri Madan Mitra stated, ‘WBTC has partnered with Asian Paints, who organize Sharad Samman in Kolkata. This is a tribute to the spirit of Puja and the city’s tram heritage. My best wishes go to the entire team which has given its best efforts to this Puja Special Tram’
At the opening ceremony, which was attended by the actors Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar (pictured), WBTC chairman Shri Madan Mitra stated, ‘WBTC has partnered with Asian Paints, who organize Sharad Samman in Kolkata. This is a tribute to the spirit of Puja and the city’s tram heritage. My best wishes go out to the entire team that has worked so diligently on this Puja Special Tram.
