Mahanabami or Nabami is the third of the four days which comprise Durga Puja for most. After the euphoria of Saptami and Ashtami, Nabami brings about a certain sadness, the end of the grand carnival being at hand.
However, the day begins with a lot of expectations, like the rest of the days. The joy is still in the air. Like on the other days, people visit pandals in large numbers, dressed in all their finery.
The highlight of Nabami is the dhunuchi naach, or dance with a dhunuchi, which is held in the evenings. It follows the sandhya aarti, that is, the evening puja.
Let’s take a look at the some of the most talked about Barowari Pujas of Kolkata:
COLLEGE SQUARE
WHERE: College Square
NEAREST METRO: MG Road/ Central
THEME: It is a traditional puja. There is no theme as such. The College Square Durga Puja is especially famous for its lighting.
CHALTABAGAN LOHAPATTI
WHERE: Manicktala
NEAREST METRO: Girish Park/ Central
THEME: The theme is synthesis of tradition and modernity, which reflects the environment-friendly message of sustainable development. The theme is in keeping with the spirit of the new UN agenda of sustainable development goals. Bio-degradable materials like coconut shells have been used.
NALIN SARKAR STREET
WHERE: Manicktala
NEAREST METRO: Girish Park
THEME: The theme is ‘Theme: Uttorer Kolahol Abar Parimal ‘. The pandal is decked up with decorations made of bamboo, paper and clay. The gods and goddesses are in the form of big dolls.
DUM DUM PARK TARUN SANGHA
WHERE: Dum Dum Park
NEAREST METRO: Belgachia/ Dum Dum/ Sovabazar
THEME: The theme is the river Narmada and the famous places on its banks.
TELENGABAGAN SARBOJONIN
WHERE: Ultadanga
NEAREST METRO: Sovabazar
THEME: The theme depicts the balance of nature. The pandal has models of the sun, sunflowers, honeybees.
KUMARTULI PARK
WHERE: Abhay Mitra Street
NEAREST METRO: Sovabazar
THEME: Earthquake relief efforts by the Indian Army in Nepal.