Evolution of Lighting
in Chandannagar
From French colonial gas lights to modern pixel technology - A journey through time
French Colonial Era
In the French colonial Chandannagar, the street light decorations started with the introduction of gas lights and various oil based lighting materials. The procession was carried out with this gas lamps hoisted on shoulders.
The Tuni Bulbs Revolution
Tuni bulbs were introduced in the early 70's and with the passage of time larger tuni bulbs and neon bulbs appeared in the lighting scenario. As time merged on Chandannagar had its ownautomatic system which was popularly known asroller.
As the drum rotates, attached metal sheets act as switches, creating variouslighting effects by connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits. Essentially, the flash roller functions as a manual circuit board to choreographfestive light displays, showcasing a remarkable piece ofcultural ingenuity.
The BC Bulb Era
With the evolution of time, the era of the Tuni bulb, which we called the "BC bulb," began. It started with the 6.2 [volt] bulbs from thebeginning of the 80s.
The Animation Era
Then came the 2000s. From the beginning of the decade, the age of animation started. From 2009-2010, thepixel arrived – the multi-color one which has18 sets within it.
We can now bring out any color in any way using these sets. Today, ourlight decoration is done using these pixels. The current light decoration runs on pixels and"fix-pixels"(single-color pixels).
Current Challenges
The biggest problem the lighting industry is facing now is that educated young people are not showing enough interest. We need them to carry this industry forward, to doresearch and development, and to take it to the next generation. That kind of person isn't coming into this field.
To sustain it, we need to develop the education, the teaching, and thesoftware systems for it.
Education
Develop comprehensive educational programs
Teaching
Create effective teaching methodologies
Software Systems
Build modern software solutions
The Engineers Behind the Evolution
Meet the visionaries who transformed Chandannagar's lighting landscape
Collaborative Innovation
Together, Sridhar Das and Babu Palrevolutionized the lighting industry in Chandannagar, combining technical expertise with artistic vision to create the spectacular displays we see today.
Timeline of Evolution
A visual journey through lighting technology
French Colonial Era
Gas lights & Oil lamps
Early 1970s
Tuni bulbs introduction
1980s
BC bulbs (6.2V)
2000s
Animation era begins
2009-2010
Multi-color pixels (18 sets)