Kolkata: The city is gearing up to welcome the Bengali New Year, and The Times of India is celebrating TOI Amar Paray Barshabaran — a vibrant and culturally rooted Poila Baisakh initiative that brings communities together through the timeless art of alpana.The initiative will activate 20 Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) across the city, including the New Town United Residents Symposium, transforming neighbourhoods into canvases of tradition and creativity.Alpana drawing and designing is a traditional folk art form that beautifully brings communities together through creativity and cultural expression. Originating in the Bengal region, alpana is typically created using rice paste to draw on floors and walls during festivals, religious ceremonies and special occasions. When practised as a community activity, it becomes more than just an art form — it turns into a shared experience that strengthens social bonds.In recent times, too, alpana art has been playing a powerful role in shaping unique para culture and identity, especially in Bengal. It is transforming ordinary spaces into shared cultural expressions, giving each para its own distinct character. “Alpana is not only a unique and traditional folk art form, it is now bringing a huge change and unique identity for different localities,” said Ratnabali Ghosh, an alpana artist.At the heart of the ‘Amar Paray Barshabaran’ campaign will be a participative alpana-making activity, where residents will be invited to design traditional motifs while creatively integrating elements of “Amar Para” into their work. Key locations and prominent para hubs will host these engagements, celebrating both culture and community spirit. Participants will also have the opportunity to be recognised, with exciting gratifications planned for standout creations.Extending beyond RWAs, the initiative invites the wider city audience to share their own alpana designs inspired by para life.This Poila Baisakh, ‘Amar Paray Barshabaran’ aims to celebrate heritage, foster community bonding, and reimagine tradition in a modern, participatory way.
