October 21, 2015
Top Pujas of Kolkata in 2015 – Mahastami
Mahashtami is the most important of Durga Puja. People are gripped by feverish revelry and are ready to make the most of the day, in whatever way they can. The morning starts with pushpanjali across homes and pandals. Colourful congregations of pandal-hoppers are seen everywhere.
After the pushpanjali is over, it is time to gorge on some light snacks, and wait for the bhog to complete the daytime platter. The bhog, in most places, comprises steaming golden yellow khichuri, along with begun bhaja, a vegetable mix known as lyabra, chutney and sweets. The culinary delights vary from puja to puja, but the enjoyment of savouring bhog with one’s dear ones remains the same.
Let’s take a look at the some of the most talked about Barowari Pujas of Kolkata:
BADAMTALA ASHAR SANGHA
WHERE: Rashbehari
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: The theme is ‘Dandiya’, and hence visitors can expect a slice of Gujarat and Rajasthan here. Murals depicting figures in colourful clothes, cloth camels, peacocks and pottery of the regions are seen here. While Durga’s idol is seated on a wooden swing with Ganesh and Kartik on her lap, Lakshmi and Saraswati are placed by her side. The backdrop is designed like a haveli, complete with jharokhas.
66 PALLY
WHERE: Rashbehari
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: The theme is ‘Harshaparbon ‘. Karam, the principal festival of the Santhals of the Odisha-Jharkhand border is on display here.
MADDOX SQUARE (BALLYGUNGE DURGA PUJA SAMITY)
WHERE: Ballygunge
NEAREST METRO: Jatin Das Park
THEME: It is a traditional puja. There is no theme as such.
SINGHI PARK
WHERE: Gariahat
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: The pandal is modelled on Shila Devi Mandir, situated inside Amber Fort in Jaipur.
BAGHBAZAR SARBOJONIN
WHERE: Baghbazar
NEAREST METRO: Shyambazar
THEME: It is a traditional puja. There is no theme as such.
MOHAMMED ALI PARK
WHERE: Chittaranjan Avenue
NEAREST METRO: MG Road/ Central
THEME: The theme is African Safari. Tribal sculpture, masks, etc. are on display.
