Irish Touch to Durga Puja: In a unique cultural collaboration, Irish and Indian artists are coming together to create a stunning pandal for Kolkata’s iconic Durga Puja festival, marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Ireland. The celebration, which blends the spiritual traditions of both nations, features a tribute to the Hindu goddess Durga and the Celtic goddess Danu.
The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi announced this initiative as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of India-Ireland ties. The project brings together Macnas, a renowned Irish arts collective from Galway, and Behala Nutan Dal, a Kolkata-based cultural organization well-known for its innovative Durga Puja themes.
Irish Touch to Durga Puja- Ireland and India: A Cultural Partnership
“Ireland and India share a strong and growing relationship beyond mere diplomacy,” said Kevin Kelly, Ireland’s Ambassador to India, in a press statement. “Our nations are connected through education, culture, and shared values. As we celebrate 25 years of friendship, we are committed to deepening our ties in trade, technology, and culture.”
The collaboration aims to fuse elements from both Irish and Indian artistic traditions, with Macnas and Behala Nutan Dal working hand-in-hand to create a pandal that highlights the connections between the two cultures. The centrepiece of this year’s pandal will be a large installation featuring Danu, the Irish goddess, designed by Irish artists Johnny O’Reilly, Lisa Sweeney, and Richard Babbington in collaboration with Indian lead artist Sanjib Saha.
A Blend of Two Cultures
This unique Durga Puja pandal will incorporate motifs from traditional Irish festivals such as Samhain, Beltane, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh, blending them with Indian aesthetics and cultural symbols. The mix of both cultures is expected to create an artistic masterpiece that will stand out during the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata.
“Our goal is to blend the Macnas identity with traditional Indian art to bring a fusion of both cultures,” shared the Macnas artists in a video posted by the Irish Embassy.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
This collaboration reflects the broader cultural and economic ties between India and Ireland, which have only strengthened in recent years. The number of Indian students in Ireland has increased significantly over the past decade, and Irish companies are eyeing India’s expanding market for new business opportunities.
As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 25-year partnership, this cultural exchange holds special significance. “Durga Puja is one of the most breathtaking festivals I have ever experienced. We are thrilled to see Irish and Indian artists working together in this unique celebration,” Ambassador Kelly remarked.
The Behala Nutan Dal Durga Puja pandal promises to be a spectacular example of international collaboration and cultural exchange. By combining Irish festival motifs and Indian artistic elements, it symbolizes the growing bond between Ireland and India. As the celebrations continue, this cultural partnership sets the tone for further cooperation in areas like education, trade, and technology.
With this year’s Durga Puja shaping up to be a memorable event, the fusion of Irish and Indian artistry offers a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.