Durga Puja, more than just religious celebration

 

 

Durga Puja is a deep-rooted celebration of Bengali culture, becoming a cultural emblem. In Nagpur also, this tradition has been thriving for over a century with continous efforts of the Bengali community passing tradition and festive spirit through generations. City’s Dhantoli Puja Committee, established in 1911 by the families of the employees of Bengal Nagpur Railway, is the oldest Durga Puja committee in city, completing 114th celebration this year. For over a century, it has been drawing thousands of devotees from all walks of life. “It was the first Durga Puja done in an organised way in the city, and during these years, due to migration of Bengali community, many social, cultural and educational set-ups were established in city,” said Pradip Maitra, President of Dhantoli Durga Puja Committee. Maitra informed that Bipin Krishna Bose, one of the founders of Dinanath School Dhantoli, was also one of the founding members of Dhantoli Durga Puja.

 

“We have tried to preserve the essence of the traditional puja, and the Goddess’s idol remains unchanged. Gazing upon the idol should evoke a unique, profound inner connection. Every year, artisans from Bengal craft the idols, and they are immersed on Dashami,” explained Maitra. Motibagh Durga Puja was started in 1943 by families of railway employees and is completing its 81 years of celebration this year, Earlier, the celebrations used to take place near Kadbi Chowk and later shifted to Motibagh in the year 1980. “Durga Puja is more than just a religious celebration, it is a community event, and many non-bengali families are also a part of the committee and celebration,” stated Ratan Roy, Cultural Secretary of Motibagh Durga Puja Committee. Speaking on the involvement of youth in celebration, Roy said, “We have distributed responsibilities among committee members and age-groups, and youngsters are asked to handle the responsibility of visarjan on Dashami, the 10th day.” Itwari Durga Puja Committee was established in 1947, and this is their 77th year of celebration.

 

“The continuous celebration year after year play a significant role in enriching Bengali culture. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, public celebration was not conducted but ghat-staapana was done in respect to the tradition,” said Nabendu Saha, Working President of Itwari Durga Puja Committee. “Earlier, the struggle of collecting funds were more because people did not have motorcyles or cars, so simplicity was the essence of Durga Puja back then, now the cost of arrangements are more which is also the need of today’s time,” added Saha. The Katol Road Puja Committee, founded in 1960, has been celebrating Durga Puja at the same venue for last 64 years. The committee was formed by the families living in the CPWD quarters in Katol Road. “We encourage people from all age groups to take part in preparations, from building the pandal to organising cultural programmes. We believe that the pandal should be a reflection of Bengali art and culture, and many non-bengali families are also actively involved in the festival,” said Sapan Chakraborty, General Secretary of Katol Road Puja Committee.

 

“Last year, the committee was faced with a challenge of heavy rains, this year many were suffering from chikungunya during the preparatory time, before this two years went in Covid-19 pandemic concerns, but every time the dedication towards the tradition made a way for successful programme,” mentioned Chakraborty. Showing concern about the involvement of youngsters in such social and traditional celebrations, he expressed, “Younger generation is shifting to other cities for work and education, although they ensure coming back to hometown during Durga Puja but are gradually losing connection. While the older generation is still passionate about the tradition, it is crucial to involve the youth also.” The passion of the Bengali community give hope for the continued survival of tradition. As long as there are people who cherish this tradition, Durga Puja will continue to be a celebration fill with joy and warmth.