October 21, 2015
Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas of Kolkata – 2
During Durga Puja festival at Bengal the star attraction are the different Barowari Pujas conducted by several clubs and associations. Generally overlooked by the Pandal hoppers are the Durga Pujas held privately in several families some of whom were affluent and stalwarts in yesteryear, especially during the Colonial Regime. These families till date perform Durga Puja with dedication maintaining all the rituals. The Pujas are all of 100+ years, some even 200+ and 300+ years old. Every one of the families gathers to celebrate Durga Puja with pomp and show as an annual get-together.
Let’s take a look at some of the Bonedi Bari Pujas:
BEHALA JAGAT RAM MUKHERJEE’S FAMILY PUJA
Address
56 Bramho Samaj Road, Behala, Kolkata
Location
Near Behala Tram Depot
Specialty
Jagat Ram Mukherji original hailed from Barrackpur. He had a second marriage in the Haldar Family and settled in Behala in 1740. He had one daughter and four sons from this marriage. Once his daughter along with his nephews went to visit the Durga Puja of his maternal uncle house – the Haldar Family. She was not properly attended there and so being insulted she returned back home and asked his father Jagat Ram Mukherji to conduct Durga Puja at his home. It was Navami, the penultimate day of Durga Puja, so instead of worshiping an idol, symbolic Ghot Puja was done. From next year till 1867 Clay idol of Goddess Durga was worshiped in this house.In 1868, Jyotinath Mukherjee – great grandson of Jagat Ram made Durga idol of Gold, which is being worshiped till date.
RANI RASHMONI FAMILY’S DURGA PUJAS
Address
13 Rani Rashmoni Road, 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road and 18 Rani Rashmoni Road
Location
(At Janbazaar at the crossing of Rani Rashmoni road and S.N. Banerjee Road. One end of Rani Rashmoni Road lands at Lenin Sarani, while the other part extends into Mirza Ghalib Street alias Free School Street. Driving through this street takes you to Park Srteet. There are two houses here. One on S.N. Banerjee Road and the other on Rani Rashmoni Road)
Specialty
Founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and a pillar of strength in the male dominated society, Rani Rashmoni started Durga Puja at her S.N. Banerjee Road residence. After her death in in 1861, his sons-in-law and daughters continued Durga Puja celebrations in their respective premises.In the S.N. Banerjee Road house the festival is celebrated by two families while at Rani Rashmoni Road house, Puja is celebrated by one family.
PATHURIAGHATA KHELAT GHOSH’S DURGA PUJA
Address
47 Pathuria Ghata Street, North Kolkata
Location
(Pathuriaghata Street is the opposite lane to Lohia Matri Sadan on Rabindra Sarani. At the entrance of the lane is the Pancher Pally Puja Pandal. Walk straight and you will reach the massive Khelat Bhawan on your left. Alternatively if you are coming by car it is better that you enter through Dani Ghosh Sarani (alias Beadon Street’s extension) from Central Avenue. Cross Rabindra Sarani(which is one way) and enter into Nimatala Ghat Street. Drive a bit and then you will get Baishnab Sett Lane on your left which later merges into Jadulal Mallick Lane. Enter the lane and you will shortly get Pathuriaghata Street on your left. Walking from this end you will get Khelat Bhawan on your right.)
Specialty
The Thakurdalan of Khelatchandra Ghosh’s House is one of the largest such structure in Kolkata, if not THE Largest. Apart from having a 85 feet long corridor of Marble, this premises showcases a grand dancing hall, which has been converted into Khelat Ghosh Memorial Hall.The premises was planned and designed was made by German architecture company, Martin & Burn. Apart from being a Diwan in Warren Hastings Court, Khelat Chandra Ghosh was known for his philanthropic and cultural activities.
JORASANKO DAWN HOUSE
Address
12A Shibkrishna Dawn Lane , North Kolkata
Location
(Near Girish Park. Walking towards Rabindra Sarani on Vivekananda Road, this lane originates on your left just after no 24A Vivekananda Road. It is better to walk here from Girish park as it is one way. If you are coming by car, you need to come the same way as mentioned in road direction of Khelat Ghosh’s house (Serial no 8), drive straight through Jadulal Mallick Lane and reach Kali Krishna Tagore Street. Turn left and drive towards Girish Park under the shadow on unfinished Vivekananda Road Flyover. Cross Rabindra Sarani and you will get Shibkrishna Dawn Lane. You have to park your car and walk into the narrow lane to reach the Collosal Dawn house )
Specialty
A successful businessman Gokul Chandra Dawn of Satgachia came to reside at Jorasanko. Here He adopted Shibkrishna Dutta, his relatives son as his own. On this occasion, Gokul Chandra Dawn celebrated Durga Puja in 1840. From then the tradition has been carried on by Shibkrishna Dawn and later his descendents till date. Shibkrishna Dawn built up a Coalliary and had major contribution in building up Rail Lines. The Thakurdalan and the courtyard is huge and has been shooting venue of many a films. It is said that Goddess Durga comes to wear her Jeweleries at the Jorasanko Dawn House. The reason being Gold ornaments in large quantity to decorate the Chalchitra along with Ornaments of diamonds and emeralds were brought from Europe.
BALARAM DEY STREET DUTTA BARIR PUJA (Also Known as BALARAM DEY STREET GHOSH BARI PUJO)
Address
159, Balaram De Street Kolkata , North Kolkata
Location
(Near Girish Park Metro Station. Walking towards Sovabazar from Girish Park, Balaram Dey Street Falls on your left just after the Metro Station. Balaram Dey Street can also be approached from Kali Krishna Tagore Street. The other end of Balaram Dey Street is just opposite to the Shibkrishna Dawn Lane )
Specialty
Initiated by Shyamal Dhon Dutta, a Solicitor of High Court with roots in Hath Khola Dutta Bari in the year 1882, the Puja is presently carried by 6th descendent of the family. The house is known for following many ancient rituals including carrying idols on bamboos like old days instead of taking them on truck. Sandhi Puja and Baran on Dasami of this house is a delight to watch.
