Sayan Mukherjee’s art beautifies Kolkata trams

In 2021, the grandeur of Bengali Durga Puja celebrations secured itself a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity tag. The first Asian festival to receive this recognition, Durga Puja celebrations in Cal or Kolkata have secured a space for social and cultural activities alike. Trams, dating to 1873 in the city, are a symbol of Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage. In 2023, as part of Asian Paints’ Sharad Shamman campaign, a special tram service was organized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Kolkata tramways and the city’s Durga Puja’s Unesco heritage tag. 

Asian Paints and XXL Collective from the St+art India family came up with the idea for a unique transformation of the tram and teamed up with the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) to bring it to execution. The Durga Puja special tram ran from 16 October to 31 December 2023 from Tollygunge Tram Depot in South Kolkata to Ballygunge on tram route 24/29, covering the most popular, historic and significant Durga puja pandals of the city.

The tram’s Burn Standard 608 coaches were beautified by Asian Paints through the hand-painted artwork done by Kolkata-based visual artist Sayan Mukherjee. The front of the tram featured the ‘trinayani’ the three-eyed face of Goddess Durga while the exteriors of the first bogie captured the extraordinary 40-year journey of Asian Paints Sharad Shamman (APSS) in the city. It featured hand-painted artworks honoring Kumartuli – the traditional potters’ quarter in North Kolkata where Durga idols are sculpted.

The tram art encapsulated Sindoor khela and Dhunuchi dance, traditions associated with Bengal’s Durga Puja. The exterior artwork showcased the first print advertisement and the first winning pandal. The bogie highlighted the unique stories featured in ‘People of Pujo’ – a documentary series capturing the lives and passions of those who make Pujo the celebration what it is! The tram exterior showcased a visually impaired artist of commendable skill, and women dhakis who challenge the masculine stronghold of the performing arts.

Inside the bogie, the makeover by Abin Design Studio team included Pujo decor with cane installations, Alpona – a folk art traditionally practiced by women in West Bengal, and a museum-style visual narrative of APSS’ transformative journey. Interactive elements and QR codes engaged visitors with ‘People of Pujo’ stories, allowing passengers to explore the stories of the people behind Durga Pujo festivities as they enjoyed the tram ride.

All the elements used in the design were thoughtfully crafted, Mukherjee said in an interaction with Indian Printer & Publisher, adding that since each bogie tells a different story, the elements needed to have a connection with pujo and Asian Paints. “One of the many things was the first advertisement of the Asian Paints Sharad Shamman, which came in the newspapers. It has been well depicted in the first bogie along with its winners. The second bogie mostly captures the essence of the new product Royal Glitz and its elements in a more creative way,” he said.

“I feel fleet signage looks different and unique and connects to the local essence of the place, he said, adding that it is the reason why we have seen many people take videos and selfies with the tram. “It has given them something new to cherish,” he said.

Amit Syngle, CEO and MD, Asian Paints, said, “Since 1985, Asian Paints has been an integral part of West Bengal’s Durga Puja festivities through the Asian Paints Sharad Shamman. It has been able to add to infuse creativity and thematic excellence across Pujo Pandals and allowed us to be a part of the celebration in a special way. Last year, we took our celebrations to the next level with creative initiatives that pay tribute to the culture and traditions of West Bengal. We have undertaken a complete transformation of the tram from Tollygunge to Ballygunge, turning it into the talk of the town just in time for Kolkata’s most revered Durga Pujo festival. We believe in making art accessible for all and we were sure that the tram beautification initiative will add to the legacy of Bengal in an extremely meaningful way.”

Arjun Bahl, founder, XXL Collective said, “As the tram passed through the streets of Kolkata, the travelers got a glimpse of a journey that is a tribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage. This project, creatively led by XXL Collective, was a labor of love aimed at celebrating the 40-year odyssey of Asian Paints Sharad Shamman. This was a milestone for us as well, transforming a simple tram ride into a cultural experience, and reimagining the possibilities of public spaces in our city. As we pay homage to the past and embrace the future, we aspire for Kolkata to become a canvas where art and culture thrive, bringing this experience closer to every resident.”

“During festive seasons, citizens are more interested in an efficient tramway service for hopping puja pandals. Well, when a specially decorated tram passes, pedestrians look at it,” said Debashish Bhattacharyya, president of the Calcutta Tramways User’s Association, an apolitical civic body in the city that advocates the retention of the existing tramways, speaking to Indian Printer & Publisher.

This post was slightly modified by the editor on 20 July 2024.