Kolkata, September 8, 2013: A Durga Puja pandal in the city will be decorated using the famous ‘truck art’ from Pakistan. Renowned truck artists from the neighbouring country who are visiting the State will also give final touches to the pandal.

 Stating that the pandal at Nabin Pally in the Hathibagan area in the northern parts of the city will initiate a new movement of peace between the two countries, Atin Ghosh, Member, Mayor-in Council of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation described truck art as a moving art form.

 “It is a good opportunity to show our traditional art as I have heard people from all across the globe come to this city to see this festival,” renowned truck art exponent Haider Ali who hails from Karachi said.  Three truck artists, including Mr. Ali are in the city to attend a workshop showcasing the unique art form of Pakistan along with paintings by skilled folk artists from Bihar and West Bengal.

 “The owners of the vehicles decide what to put up on their trucks. They choose the designs, the writings, and the colour,” Mr. Ali said. “It is a medium to spread peace.”

 The moving art form that has evolved over the decades with artists experimenting with colours, designs and ideas also varies from one region of the country to the other, the artists said.

 “More colours are used now. Owners also demand portraits of popular Bollywood actresses like Madhubala and Madhuri,”  Mr. Ali who is accompanied by Muhammad Iqbal and Mumtaz Ahmed said.

Source: The Hindu, September 8, 2013