Saturday, October 13, 2007

No Vandals, Just Pandals

Harry Potter Is Hero-Worshipped In Calcutta

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Want to see the greatest tribute to Hogwarts? Go to Calcutta. That's right, Calcutta, India. This is the Hindu festive season in Calcutta, and the season is synonymous with "pandals" or temporary structures encompassing a unique blend of celebration, relegious rites and worship. The pandal-makers of this amazing city can build anything - and this year they have erected their version of the wizard school, at FD Block in Salt Lake.

It's not without controversy, though. A few hours ago, the New Delhi High Court on Friday overturned a legal challenge and compensation claim against the pandal. The photograph I've posted here was taken a year ago, but it gives you an idea of how much work goes into the construction. This structure goes from one side of the street to the other, and I chose to focus on the bamboo cross-poles tied together with jute rope.

To see the Harry Potter pandal, go to The Telegraph.

11 comments:

Oswegan said...

This is a cool shot. I love photos that leave me saying, "what is that thing anyway"

~Oswegan
http://oswegan.blogspot.com

Sue said...

I'm all for supporting copywrite rules, but I confess I don't see why they can't copy the idea... they are not doing it for commercial benefit, at least, not directly.

Merisi said...

Very interesting, "tried together" (I hope they) have a good lawyer.
From the city of Dr. Freud,
with best wishes for a great weekend,
M. :-)

Shionge said...

Greetings :D Thank you for visiting my blog, truly appreciate that...

Yes there was a report this morning too about Hogwarts in India ;)

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Yes, JK Rowling has made herself rather unpopular by challenging this because permission wasn't sought. It's a very neagative PR move on her part; shows her up in a poor and ungracious light, methinks.

Melissa said...

I have to agree with Shrink Wrapped Scream about JK Rowling and her take on this.

However I think it looks like fun, and the article's photo looked pretty cool to me. My daughter and I would really enjoy seeing something like that in person!

fishwithoutbicycle said...

This is amazing. I was reading about it on the BBC news website recently and thought it was incredibly petty of Warner Brothers, JK Rowling and Penguin to try and sue over it

Lin said...

I say "Good on 'em!" I love any people with a passion of this degree. If I were Rowling, I would have felt deeply moved and honored.

BRUNO said...

Apparently Ms. Rowling has forgotten her past of non-blessings. That is, if the stories of her earlier lifestyle are, indeed, true, and not some blown-out-of-proportion PR gimmick...

Amrita said...

this is very interesting. Will read it up.I heard the Harry Potter books were translated into Bengali as Hari Patra, found that very funny.

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