Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just a religious festival it is an emotion, an identity, and a grand celebration of life. Every year, the city transforms into a canvas of creativity, where art, devotion, and community spirit converge. In 2025, that canvas became literal, as Newtown unveiled a record-breaking alpana, a traditional floor art stretching 500 feet in length and covering nearly 13,000 square feet. This wasn’t just decoration; it was a monumental expression of Kolkata’s culture and resilience.

What Is an Alpana?

Alpana is a traditional art form from Bengal, usually drawn on floors with rice paste and natural colors during festive occasions. The motifs often include flowers, leaves, geometric shapes, and spiritual symbols. Historically, alpanas were modest in size, decorating courtyards and puja spaces. But in Kolkata’s Newtown this year, the scale was redefined, turning a  neighborhood street into an open-air gallery.

Key Details of the Masterpiece

The alpana stretches an incredible 500 feet in length, making it one of the longest ever created for Durga Puja, with reports suggesting it covers close to 13,000 square feet. The intricate design was first conceptualized using Artificial Intelligence by digital artist Suvranil Nath, and then painstakingly brought to life by Anindita Deb and her dedicated team of 20 artists, who hand-painted the masterpiece over five days of relentless work. Located near New Town  Sarbojanin, the artwork has quickly become a cultural landmark of this year’s celebrations, drawing admiration for its scale, creativity, and the seamless blend of technology with tradition.

The Blend of Tradition and Technology

One of the most fascinating aspects of this alpana is the use of AI in its creation. While alpana is rooted in centuries-old tradition, integrating AI allowed artists to experiment with patterns, symmetry, and scale on a massive level. Yet, the final execution was entirely human, every brushstroke hand-painted by the artists on the ground. This collaboration shows how tradition and innovation can coexist, producing something unique that resonates with both modern and cultural values. 

The unveiling of the alpana comes at a time when Kolkata had just endured days of heavy rainfall. Streets were waterlogged, and daily routines were tested. Yet, in the heart of Newtown, artists worked tirelessly to complete this masterpiece. For the people of Kolkata, the alpana has become more than art; it is a symbol of hope. It shows how, even after hardship, the city rises with colors, creativity, and devotion. In many ways, the alpana reflects the spirit of Durga Puja itself—the win of light over darkness, hope over despair.

A New Landmark for Durga Puja

Durga Puja is already recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Kolkata’s celebrations attract global attention every year. This 500-foot-long alpana adds a fresh dimension to the festival. Visitors are not only coming to see pandals and idols but also to experience this colossal artwork. For Newtown, this project has created a new cultural landmark, one that might inspire other cities in Bengal and beyond to experiment with large-scale public art during festivals. 

While some may see the alpana as just a massive street painting, it represents far more than that. It serves as a spiritual canvas, connecting tradition with divine symbolism, while also standing as a cultural statement that showcases Bengal’s unique identity. At the same time, it is a social project, bringing together artists, residents, and visitors in shared admiration and pride. Most importantly, it is an innovative experiment, proving that technology can enhance creativity without ever replacing the skill and emotion of human hands.

The Spirit of Kolkata on Display

The 500-foot-long alpana of Newtown is not just about its size; it is about what it represents. In a city recovering from floods, in a community bound by devotion, and in a festival that thrives on creativity, this masterpiece has emerged as a symbol of hope and joy. Durga Puja is often called the “biggest street festival in the world,” and this alpana has added one more reason for that title to ring true. As the colors brighten the streets, they also brighten hearts, reminding everyone that Kolkata’s true strength lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation, art and devotion with human spirit.