Puja Special fairy tale tram will transport you to the luxurious heritage of West Bengal
Designed to celebrate UNESCO Heritage tag, a Puja Special Tram will roll across the city with its charming ethnic interiors and inviting exteriors.
Plying on the Tollygunge-Ballygunge route,the tram has been designed in commemoration of the UNESCO Heritage Tag to Durga Puja and to celebrate the 150 years of Kolkata tramways.
The tram is part of an effort to celebrate Puja uniquely, where West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) has collaborated with Asian Paints and XXL Collective, as per an official of the West Bengal Transport Corporation.
Kolkata’s iconic trams, dating back to 1873 is a relic of the British Raj repurposed for a postcolonial era. They have been a symbol of the city’s history and charm as they rattled along College Street, passing dozens of book stalls, heralding classical times with the quaint chime of a bell. A gentle breeze from its open windows and antique ceiling fans cut the humid summer heat.
The exteriors of the first bogie depict hand-painted artworks honouring ‘Kumartuli’, the traditional potters’ quarters in North Kolkata where Durga idols are sculpted. It also encapsulates the ‘Sindoor Khela’ and ‘Dhunuchi’ dances.
The bogie also highlights the unique stories featured in the current season of ‘People of Puja’–a visually impaired artist who has commendable skills and women ‘dhakis’ who challenge the masculine stronghold of the performing arts.
Upon stepping inside the bogie one will be stunned to witness cane installations, Alpona art, and a museum-style air tale narrative. Interactive elements and QR codes engage visitors with “People of Puja” stories, allowing consumers to explore the stories of the people behind the Durga Puja festivities as they relish joy rides.
