Kolkata artist builds Durga from 13,000 recycled pens
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In Kolkata, India, artist Chandra Nath Saha created a 5.5-foot sculpture of Goddess Durga using around 13,000 recycled plastic pens and refills.
Saha partnered with Linc Limited to build the installation at the Tridhara Sammilani festival venue, challenging himself to transform everyday objects into a devotional artwork. The sculpture stands alongside a traditional Durga idol, creating a contrast between religious tradition and environmental awareness.
Unlike typical clay idols immersed in water after the festival, Saha’s creation will be dismantled and its plastic components sent to recycling facilities. This process aims to eliminate waste and prevent pollution of local waterways, a common problem caused by idol immersion. Organizers hope the artwork will encourage visitors to think about responsible waste disposal and sustainable practices. The installation also serves as an educational opportunity, with local volunteers distributing information about plastic sorting and its impact on drainage systems.
By blending cultural heritage with ecological responsibility, the project demonstrates a potential model for sustainable festival management in India and shows how art can promote environmental stewardship within communities.
