October 20, 2015
Top Pujas of Kolkata in 2015 – Mahasaptami
Mahasaptami, or simply Saptami, is usually considered the first day of Durga Puja. Pran Prathistha, Kolabou Snan and Bodhan are the most important rituals performed on this day.
During dawn, just as the first light of the sun descends on earth, Kolabou Snan, or bathing of the Kolabou (which is a banana stem wrapped in a sari, signifying Lord Ganesha’s wife), and related rituals are performed. Through these, Pran Prathistha, or breathing of life into the idol of Goddess Durga, is accomplished. The idea is to symbolically symbolically transfer life from water to the banana tree, and through it, to Goddess Durga. The ritual is performed on the banks of a river or a pond.
The Kolabou ritual is an elaborate one. The Kolabou is brought back in a procession and it is placed near Ganesha inside the pandal.
Let’s take a look at the some of the most talked about Barowari Pujas of Kolkata:
BOSEPUKUR SITALAMANDIR
WHERE: Bosepukur
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: Fight between good and evil. The pandal is made of earthen tea cups (bhars).
BOSEPUKUR TALBAGAN
WHERE: Talbagan, Kasba
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: The theme is ‘Narishakti’. There is a handicraft screen of ‘Banganari’, depicting the women of Bengal, who, with their determination, courage, endurance and perseverance, have changed the face of women of Bengal. There is also a 3D projection mapping show, paying tribute to famous women of Bengal.
DESHAPRIYA PARK
WHERE: Deshapriya Park
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: World’s tallest Durga idol, made of fibre glass.
EKDALIA EVERGREEN
WHERE: Gariahat
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: It is a traditional puja. There is no theme as such.
TRIDHARA SAMMILANI
WHERE: Lake View Road, Deshapriya Park
NEAREST METRO: Kalighat
THEME: Rajasthani doll art
KASHI BOSE LANE
WHERE: Off Bidhan Sarani, opposite Star Theatre
NEAREST METRO: Sovabazar/ Girish Park
THEME: The theme is ‘Meyaebela’, Unusually, the puja begins on the day of protipod.
