Babu Pal - the Automation Artist of Chandannagar

The Light Maestro of Chandannagar

"Where passion meets excellence"

Suprem Kumar Pal (Babu Pal)

Chandannagar, a small yet culturally vibrant town on the banks of the Hooghly River, has long been famous for its dazzling illumination during festivals. At the heart of this luminous tradition stood Suprem Kumar Pal, lovingly known as Babu Pal, a legendary alok-shilpi (light artist) whose creativity and innovation transformed the art of festive lighting. His passing in August 2024 marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to shine bright across Bengal and beyond.

Early Life and Journey into Light Art

Born and raised in Chandannagar, Babu Pal grew up amidst the city’s unique illumination culture, which traces its roots back to the French colonial period. Fascinated by light from a young age, he dedicated his life to experimenting with new ways of creating luminous displays that could mesmerize people during celebrations. Over the years, he became not only a master craftsman but also a pioneer who revolutionized the entire lighting industry of Chandannagar.

Innovations and Inventions in Lighting

Babu Pal was not just an artist but an innovator. He modernized Chandannagar’s illumination by introducing several groundbreaking ideas:

• Transition from Traditional Bulbs to LEDs: Earlier, Chandannagar’s light artists relied on tuni bulbs, 6-volt lamps, and torch bulbs. Babu Pal was instrumental in adopting LED technology, which made the designs more energy-efficient, vibrant, and durable.
• Custom LED Caps: He designed special caps for LEDs to soften the glare, making the light soothing to the eye while enhancing its artistic appeal.
• Dynamic Frames and Structures: He experimented with different frameworks — from bamboo (bākari) structures to iron and fibre mechanical frames — allowing complex moving themes and animated displays.
• Thematic Illumination: Under his leadership, light art moved beyond abstract patterns. His themes ranged from Disney characters and Mickey Mouse to global events like the Olympics, Cricket World Cup, and even social awareness messages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Works Beyond Chandannagar

• Created spectacular lightworks for Kolkata’s biggest Durga Puja committees, where lighting became a central attraction of pandals.
• Designed illumination for Diwali celebrations and other large-scale events.
• His works lit up the homes of celebrities, including the residence of Amitabh Bachchan.
• His fame crossed international borders, with projects executed in Dubai, Paris, and other global venues.

Leadership and Community Role

Apart from being a master craftsman, Babu Pal was also a leader and mentor:

• Served as the President of Chandannagar Light Owners Association, playing a key role in organizing and promoting the local light industry.
• Operated his studio in Panchannontala, employing and training hundreds of artisans.
• During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured his team did not go unpaid, showing his deep commitment to his workers’ welfare.

Passing and Legacy

On 21 August 2024, after battling cancer for nearly three years, Babu Pal passed away in Kolkata at the age of 64. His death left a deep void in Chandannagar’s cultural and artistic fabric.

The mourning was widespread: from local Puja committees and fellow artists to cultural enthusiasts across Bengal and abroad. His innovations had not only kept Chandannagar’s age-old lighting tradition alive but also transformed it into a global art form.

Today, every shimmering light panel, every animated illumination, and every glowing pandal in Chandannagar carries a touch of his vision.

Conclusion

Babu Pal’s journey was not just about lighting up streets and pandals; it was about lighting up hearts. He turned Chandannagar into a global name in decorative illumination, ensuring that the town’s artistic legacy continues to inspire future generations. Though he is no longer with us, the brilliance of his creativity will continue to glow — every Jagadhatri Puja, every Durga Puja, and every festival where light tells a story.

✨ Babu Pal will forever remain the guiding light of Chandannagar.