A groundbreaking cultural milestone is set to unfold this March as the Queensgate Shopping Centre prepares to unveil the Heritage Bengal Global's idol from Thames Durga parade, a striking artwork created by the students from the Techno India Group in Kolkata.
This unique installation, crafted from recycled materials, represents a harmonious blend of tradition, sustainability, and artistic brilliance, celebrating Bengal’s rich cultural heritage while championing women’s empowerment. The idol’s journey to Peterborough has been an arduous one, spearheaded by the Bengali Sanskriti Club Peterborough, in collaboration with Heritage Bengal Global (HBG).
Originally commissioned for the Thames Durga Parade, the idol was at risk of being left in storage after the festivities, until a campaign led by Bengali Sanskriti Club Peterborough ensured it found a permanent home where it could be appreciated by the wider public.
Recounting how the idea first emerged, Anamika Ghosh, a member of Bengali Sanskriti Club Peterborough shared “While attending the Heritage Bengal Global awards ceremony, the director of HBG, Anirban Mukhopadhyay, mentioned that this beautiful artwork, which we had commissioned from India, was simply lying in a garage after the Thames Parade. That’s when the lightbulb moment struck me,” she said.
Determined to find a suitable public space for the idol, Anamika initially faced rejection from several organisations due to the religious nature of the piece. However, she reframed the narrative, emphasising the idol’s representation of Shakti—the ultimate divine feminine. “More than being a religious icon, she is a symbol of woman power. That’s how I marketed the programme,” she explained. Her persistence paid off when she approached Queensgate Shopping Centre, a hub of community engagement in Peterborough.
The installation of this idol marks a historic moment, not just for Peterborough but for the entire UK. “I didn’t realise the magnitude of what had happened until Queensgate and the Peterborough Council pointed it out. They told me, "Do you realise this is the first time a Hindu icon is being installed in a shopping centre in the UK?" said Anamika. “For us Bengalis, it’s a huge moment of pride.”
A unique artwork with a powerful message
Unlike traditional Durga idols, the installation features a modern interpretation of the goddess. “It’s not a typical idol—it’s an artwork. Designed by students, it depicts a ten-handed woman slaying a demon, entirely crafted from environmentally friendly materials like thermocol and papier-mâché,” Anamika described.
Its vibrant colours and intricate detailing are expected to attract not just members of the Bengali community but also the general public. Informational posters will accompany the display, educating visitors on the significance of Durga Puja and the cultural heritage behind the idol.
With the unveiling of the idol, the Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre is poised to become a beacon of cultural inclusivity, showcasing the artistic and spiritual heritage of Bengal while celebrating the enduring strength of women.
