October 18, 2015
Top Pujas of Kolkata in 2015 – Maha Panchami & Shasthi
Mahasasthi, the sixth day from the day of the new moon or Mahalaya, is the day on which the Durga Puja rituals actually begin. It is believed that on this day Goddess Durga arrives in the mortal world from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh (seen beside Goddess Durga in the pandals).
Devi Bodhon or the unveiling of the goddess happens on the eve of Mahasasthi. It is also on this day that she is adorned with the various armaments which she had used to defeat Mahishasura. She is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats of dhak. The ritual of Kalaparambho precedes Bodhon, Aamontron and Adhibash.
Let’s take a look at the some the most talked about Barowari Pujas of Kolkata:
CHETLA AGRANI CLUB
WHERE: Near Chetla Bridge, Desher Khabar
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: ‘Joy of creation’. Pandal made of drums and masks. In the middle of the pandal hangs a chandelier made of more than 100 spoons. Idol by Sanatan Dinda.
BEHALA NATUN DAL
WHERE: 14 no. bus stand, Behala
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat/ Rabindra Sarobar
THEME: The mythological churning of the ocean, fight between good and evil. Idol by Bhabatosh Sutar.
SURUCHI SANGHA
WHERE: New Alipore
NEAREST METRO: Rabindra Sarovar/ Kalighat
THEME: The theme is Maa-Mother-Ammi, signifying universal brotherhood.
NAKTALA UDAYAN SANGHA
WHERE: Naktala
NEAREST METRO: Naktala
THEME: World’s biggest flower
SANTOSHPUR LAKE PALLY
WHERE: Santoshpur
NEAREST METRO: Tollygunge
THEME: Folk art of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand
JODHPUR PARK 95 PALLY
WHERE: Jodhpur Park
NEAREST METRO: Rabindra Sarovar
THEME: Folk art and dolls from various parts of Bengal, for a traditional ambience. The pandal will be made of clay. Idol by Sanatan Dinda.
