Eco-friendly , innovative Durga idol with Coconut shell for Durga Puja in Kolkata is being made by Students of Techno India

PARTHA ROY, Kolkata: Make Calcutta Relevant Again announced the Second Edition of Onyo Pujo – A Durga Pujo with a Difference rooted in the spirit of regeneration, Onyo Pujo was celebrated as a students’ initiative of Techno India that merged the rich traditions of Bengal’s greatest festival with the values of sustainability, innovation and cultural consciousness.

Khuti Pujo of this Durga Puja was performed on 30th July 2025 in Kolkata. As a symbolic beginning to this unique Pujo, the “Khuti Pujo of Onyo Pujo” marked the ceremonial start of the celebrations. It also set the tone for this year’s theme: “Naryal Katha ( story of coconut ) ” and mascot announcement, “Naru Da” which aimed to inspire the youth to view culture through the lens of environmental responsibility and contemporary creativity.

The launch event was graced by eminent personalities including Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group; Mr Neel Bhattacharya, Actor; Ms Sujata Chatterjee, Founder & MD of Twirl.store; Ms Pauline Laravoire, Founder of the rebalance institute and Sustainability Director at Techno India Group and Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again and Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director of Techno India Group.

This year, the pandal will be uniquely crafted using coconut and its by-products—including coconut ropes, shavings, charcoal and husk—symbolising the theme “Naryal Katha.” The vision designed by Sujata Chatterjee will be brought to life by all-girls team of Twirl in collaboration with the students of Techno India Group, who will play a key role in the making and designing of the pandal—channeling their creativity, craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability to create a visual representation of regeneration and innovation.

“Onyo Pujo was about reimagining our age-old traditions in a way that resonated with today’s youth and tomorrow’s environment. It was time we aligned our heritage with the urgent call for sustainability. I believe this initiative paved the way for a more responsible and innovative future,” said Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again.

“This project stood as a testament to the potential of our young generation. They took ownership of their future by weaving sustainability into cultural expressions like Durga Puja. Onyo Pujo was an embodiment of the innovation that can emerge when tradition and sustainability intersect,” said Ms Pauline Laravoire, Founder, the rebalance institute.

The Khuti Pujo of Onyo Pujo with all rituals and customs observed with reverence. Yet, beyond its traditional core, this Pujo stood as a symbol of change—of progress that honoured the past while paving the path for a greener, more thoughtful future.