As millions across India’s eastern city of Kolkata gear up for the grand Durga Puja celebrations, an extraordinary fusion of age-old tradition and cutting-edge technology takes center stage this year. The festival, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and artistic grandeur, is now embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to craft innovative pandal designs and divine idol creations, offering a contemporary twist to the centuries-old celebration.
Celebration Meets Innovation
Artisans in Kolkata’s famous Kumartuli neighborhood are embracing AI tools to generate fresh, imaginative designs for the pandals and goddess idols.
AI-generated images assist craftsmen by translating festival committees' ideas into vibrant visual concepts, speeding the creative process and inspiring novel aesthetics.
The iconic goddess Durga idols, traditionally molded in clay, are being reimagined with vibrant neon colors and futuristic motifs crafted from AI-generated concepts.
Highlighting AI as a Festival Theme
Some community clubs have integrated AI itself into the festival theme by showcasing digital motifs, life-size robots, and illuminated IT office-inspired decorations in their pandals.
One prominent pandal incorporates giant keyboards and glowing lights, symbolizing the digital age and how AI shapes modern life.
Festival organisers reflect on AI’s dual nature, questioning whether this technological revolution is a blessing or a curse, encouraging visitors to contemplate the evolving human-tech relationship.
Cultural Continuity with Modern Flair
While AI tools amplify creative possibilities, the soul of Durga Puja remains rooted in devotion, community spirit, and artistic expression.
The festival continues to transcend social boundaries, uniting people across classes and religions through shared celebration infused with fresh digital vibrancy.
Experts see this blend as a reflection of India’s dynamic cultural landscape—preserving heritage while embracing innovation.
Digital Trends Capturing Hearts
The convergence of AI with Durga Puja also sparks viral social media trends like the "Nano Banana" AI art craze, bringing playful and colorful AI-generated interpretations of festival scenes to wider audiences.
As Durga Puja unfolds from September 28 to October 2, the world watches how AI is not just a tool of convenience but an artistic partner, heralding a new chapter where divine tradition and technological marvels celebrate life together.
Source: NDTV, PTI, AFP, Barron’s, India Today, Kolkata News Agencies
