Kolkata/IBNS: UNESCO, the global UN agency that designated Durga Puja Art as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022, maintained its commitment to promoting Durga Puja Art to a global audience this year.

This is the third year in a row that UNESCO has extended its support to the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art, conceptualised by Kolkata-based social and cultural organisation- massArt.

The 3rd edition of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art was inaugurated at Tala Prattoy by Kolktata Mayor Firhad Hakim.

Among the distinguished dignitaries present at the inauguration were Rayond Mullen, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland, and K P Nayar, Strategic Analyst.

The Preview Show of Durga Puja Art will continue till October 4, 2024.

Preview Show of Durga Puja Art is the world’s biggest public art festival and is the only art festival that continues throughout the whole night. The success of the last two editions of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art has made Kolkata a much sought-after destination for both global as well Indian art aficionados.

This year Ambassador of Germany; Ambassador of Peru; Ambassador of Ecuador; Ambassador of Belgium; Ambassador of Slovenia; Ambassador of Cyprus and Ambassador of Ireland confirmed their presence during the course of the Preview Show. 

A performance group from Cyprus will be performing at various venues of Durga Puja Art. There has been tremendous response from all quarters of society to be part of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art.

Sharing his observation on the success of this unique initiative, Dhrubajyoti Bose Suvo, Secretary - massArt said, “If the aim is to promote cultural diversity -- a challenge in the face of globalization -and human creativity, the focus has to be on intangible cultural heritage, which provides a sense of identity and continuity.

Preview Show of Durga Puja Art is undoubtedly a celebration of intangible cultural heritage as it brings together celebration of a tradition, which is passed down from generation to generation, and contemporary creativity. The preview show platform acts as an encouragement for the brightest minds to excel with their ideas and thus it has a positive impact on Bengal's creative economy."

massArt, took thein showcasing the depth of the art of Durga Puja by organising Preview Show of Durga Puja Art for the first time in 2022.

This year, twenty-six puja venues have been selected through a diligent process and enthusiasts will be exposed to the best of the Art installations in the city in a hassle-free manner a week before the actual festivities begin.

A special exhibition of “Making of Durga Puja Art” will also be organised at Town Hall, where visitors will have the opportunity to witness the process of art live. 

As part of the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art 2024, puja’s have been classified into two distinct divisions:
• Contemporary Durga Puja Art
• Bonedibari or aristocrat household Durga Puja Art
Over the last two years there has been tremendous response and this year massArt expects that there would be huge footfall for this unique art show.
A few of the added attractions of this year's Preview Show includes:
• A group of students from one of the India’s prominent institution specialising in architecture and fine arts – Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad will be part of the preview show for understanding the art and architecture involved with Durga Puja
• Guided tour of twenty-six puja pandals and world's first walk-through at night
• Live show of making of Durga Puja Art exhibition at Town Hall
• Art and cultural exchange between Ireland and Indian artists
• Guided tour for the senior citizens, orphans and specially-abled children