Bhubaneswar: As the New Year unfolds, households across the nation are turning their attention to a must-have item that not only keeps them organized but also serves as a cultural testament to the passage of time. The Hindu calendar, a rich tapestry woven with the movements of the sun and moon, has been a reliable companion for generations. This year, stand-up comedian and acclaimed designer Priyaranjan Sahoo has taken the traditional calendar a step further by merging the modern elegance of the legendary Stendig calendar with the enduring charm of Odia culture.
Sahoo’s creation, aptly named ‘Pratipada,’ pays homage to Odisha’s cultural roots with a redesigned calendar that seamlessly blends the old and the new. Inspired by the enchanting Kohinoor calendar that graces the walls of every Odia household, ‘Pratipada’ aims to celebrate the timeless charm of Odisha’s cultural heritage.
Each page of the calendar unfolds as a tribute to the essence of tradition while maintaining a contemporary appeal. The black and white design serves as a canvas for the ages, bringing together heritage and modernity in perfect harmony. ‘Pratipada’ features two significant days each month, marking the commencement of both the “bright” (Shukla) and the “dark” (Krishna) fortnights. Prathama is observed on the first and sixteenth days of each month, creating a unique and symbolic touch.
“I infused it with my favourite design palette — the timeless allure of classic black and white, merging the modern elegance of the legendary Stendig calendar with the everlasting charm of Odia culture,” said Sahoo. He added, “This is my favourite design, and it’s the calendar of my dream. I came up with this idea to showcase Odia culture in a premium design.”
Priyaranjan Sahoo is not only a stand-up comedian but also a popular designer and visual brand strategist. Recently featured as a speaker at the Google Dev meetup on design, Sahoo’s creative prowess continues to garner attention. For those eager to adorn their walls with this fusion of tradition and modernity, ‘Pratipada’ is available for order via Sahoo’s Instagram profile (@priyaranjan.design).
