·         Recognised For Largest AA Battery-Powered Remote-Controlled Toy Truck, from India Book Of Records and Asia Book Of Records

Bengaluru, 24 September 2025: Durga Puja in Kolkata is often synonymous with towering budgets, dazzling lights, sprawling pandals and crowds hopping from one theme to another. But amidst the fragrance of Shiuli (Night Jasmine) and the sway of Kash phool (Katkin flowers), there also exist small pujas where the joy lies in simplicity; in children’s laughter, handmade decorations and unfiltered devotion.

This year, Eveready has chosen to stand by one such Puja. Eveready has partnered with Vikramshila Education Resource Society to support the Durga Puja organised by children from a school that teaches underprivileged children till Class 4. To make their Puja special, Eveready has created the Largest AA Battery-Powered Remote-Controlled Toy Truck, powered by 8 Eveready Ultima AA batteries. Aptly named ‘Ultima Bahon’ this one-of-a-kind creation carries the idol of Goddess Durga into the Puja premises.

Mr. Anirban Banerjee, CEO, Eveready Industries India Ltd., unveiled the Toy Truck, The Ultima Bahon, today in presence of Bengal’s renowned actress Priyanka Sarkar, personnel from Vikramshila Education Resource Society, along with the children and teachers of the school.

“Durga Puja is a festival of joy and togetherness. While we all marvel at the grandeur of Kolkata’s biggest pandals, we often forget the smaller ones that carry equal devotion but fewer resources. With Ultima Bahon, we wanted to bring smiles to these children and give them a story they can cherish forever,” said Mr. Anirban Banerjee, CEO, Eveready Industries India Ltd.

Eveready’s initiative bridges the contrast between the glamour of big-budget Puja pandals and the heartfelt devotion of smaller celebrations. By sponsoring the entire Puja process for the school, Eveready has ensured that these children too can revel in the magic of the season, amidst dhaak beats, incense, and the joy of seeing Ma Durga arrive on their very own ‘Ultima Bahon’.

The Story of Ultima Bahon: In the spirit of children’s love for toys, Eveready collaborated with engineers to design this toy truck. The truck is powered by 8 Eveready Ultima AA batteries, which have 400% longer lasting power. In Bengali, Bahon means vehicle, and in the context of Durga Puja, Bahon refers to the divine rides of the Goddess and her family – the lion, owl, swan, peacock and mouse. The Ultima Bahon carries miniature depictions of these Bahons, symbolising the essence of Puja while standing as a proud testimony to Indian creativity and engineering.

In an era where conversations revolve around electric vehicles powered by commercial batteries, Ultima Bahon is a playful contrast – a truck powered entirely by the AA batteries that run everyday household items like smart remotes, toys etc.

Speaking on the occasion, actress Priyanka Sarkar said, “Durga Puja is close to my heart for the emotions it carries. As a child, I loved bringing the idol home — seeing the children’s joy today brought those memories back. The Ultima Bahon is such a beautiful initiative — a toy truck carrying Ma Durga, powered only by batteries. It’s a reminder that celebrations don’t need to be huge to be special; sometimes the simplest joys create the most unforgettable memories.”

Mrs. Piyali Biswas, Teacher, Vikramshila Education Resource Society said, “At Vikramshila, our mission has always been to provide children with opportunities that spark both learning and joy. This Durga Puja, with Eveready’s support, our children have been able to create and celebrate in a way they could only dream of. The Ultima Bahon is not just a record-making truck; it’s a vehicle of happiness and pride for every child here.”

A Celebration Beyond Records: The India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records have recognised Ultima Bahon as the Largest AA battery-powered remote-controlled Toy Truck. The official certificates were handed over to the Eveready leadership. The truck will also be showcased at 95 Pally Puja Association during the Puja days for the public to witness.

As pandal hoppers across the city chase dazzling lights and elaborate themes, Eveready’s initiative reminds us that the true essence of Puja lies in shared happiness and simple devotion.

·         Ropes in Popular Celebrities Usha Uthup and Ritabhari Chakraborty for a special initiative to address Women’s Safety

·         Partners with several Popular Durga Puja Pandals including Dumdum Park Tarun Sangha, Hindustan Park, and Jodhpur Park-95 Pally to spread the message

Bengaluru, 09^th October 2024: The catkin flowers swaying in the winds, the sight of night jasmines, the iconic Mahisasurmardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, or the workers sweating it out to complete the pandal works, all these add to the excitement of Bengal’s biggest festival to celebrate Durga Puja.

As lakhs of people throng the streets and by-lanes of the city for Pandal hopping, crowd management becomes key. This Durga Puja, Eveready marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, with a unique initiative which aims to share messages in public interest keeping in mind women’s safety especially in crowded spaces.

At a time when the conversation around women’s safety has taken centre stage, the initiative christened ‘Eveready Siren – Pujoy Awaaj Tolar Power’ (The Power to Raise Your Voice during Durga Puja) comes at the right time and aligns perfectly with the spirit of Durga Puja: a celebration of woman power. This is in continuation to the launch of Eveready Siren Torch that enables anyone in a vulnerable situation to raise an alarm by simply pressing a button and emitting a siren sound at 100 decibels.

As part of the initiative, Eveready has partnered with several of Kolkata’s most popular Durga Puja pandals including – Dumdum Park Tarun Sangha, Hindustan Park, and Jodhpur Park-95 Pally.

·         In these pandals, Eveready will take over the megaphones which traditionally have been used by male presenters to make public announcements, and will replace it with female voices giving out some tongue-in-cheek messages ensuring crowds at a pandal remain cordial & safe.

·         Eveready has roped in singer of national repute Usha Uthup and popular Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty, who shall be reminding all pandal-hoppers of the importance of respecting women during the festive celebrations through these audio messages.

The messages reflect on the everyday issues faced by the women in crowded places and send out emphatic messages:

1.    Thank you for keeping the line moving and drawing the line at making unwanted moves

2.    Try keeping your eyes on the pandal, and avoid any scandal.

3.    In a moving crowd, only you are in charge of your valuables and your values.

To provide a safe environment in the pandal for the women visitors, Eveready has also introduced a Siren Squad: a group of volunteers who will oversee women’s safety & crowd management aspects inside the Puja pandals of– Dumdum Park Tarun Sangha, Hindustan Park, and Jodhpur Park-95 Pally. The volunteers will be seen wearing T-Shirts with these messages printed on them.

Anirban Banerjee, Senior Vice President & Business Unit Head – Battery & Flashlight said “Durga Puja celebrates the power of Goddess Durga, a symbol of strength and protection. As a brand with a Purpose, at Eveready we believe that women should feel empowered to protect themselves, and our Siren Torch is designed to give them the confidence to do so. This campaign is our way of contributing to the safety of women during the biggest festival of Bengal, and we are honored to have icons like Usha Uthup and Ritabhari Chakraborty lending their voices to this important cause.”

Commenting on the association Ritabhari Chakraborty said “Durga Puja is a celebration of the goddess within each of us. But to truly honor the spirit of this festival, we must ensure that every woman feels safe and empowered. The Eveready Siren Torch is a powerful tool that allows women to raise their voice in times of need, making sure they are heard loud and clear. As we worship the strength of Durga this Puja, let’s also pledge to protect the strength and safety of every woman around us.”

Renowned singer Usha Uthup stated “For me, Durga Puja is all about love, light, and joy. It’s a festival that brings people together, but it’s also a time to reflect on the importance of protecting and empowering women. The Eveready Siren Torch stands as a symbol of that empowerment, giving women the confidence to raise their voices and ensure their safety. I’m proud to be a part of this initiative because every woman deserves to feel as powerful as Durga herself, especially during a festival that celebrates her.”