Durga puja festive fever grips Capital

Matri Mandir Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, which organizes the Capital's most prestigious and keenly awaited Durga Puja celebration at Safdarjung Enclave each year, enters its 52nd year of Puja festivities with new zeal and enthusiasm led by an All-Women managing committee that has led the mammoth organizational effort.

"An integral part of the organizing committee, our women members have always led with great gumption and perseverance in ensuring seamless teamwork over the years. This year they have gone a step ahead and volunteered to take up this onerous task of leading and organizing the Durga Puja festivities end to end," said Debashis Saha Chief Coordinator of Durga Puja 2018.

"Though we do not claim for this to be a unique venture, it is very special for us, considering the magnitude and complexities of a large Puja like Matri Mandir at Safdarjung Enclave," Saha added.

President of Durga Puja Samiti Chandana Mukherjee said from traditional to contemporary, from pressing national and social issues to highlighting India's great achievers, Durga Puja celebrations at Matri Mandir have stood out for their captivating decorations, majestic grandeur, and astounding splendor.

General Secretary of Durga Puja Samiti Indrani Bhattacharya and Gitashree Moitra said traditionally, it has been our endeavor to showcase various moods and shades of life, society and culture – ranging from the London Olympics, Middle-east architectural marvels, Opera House of Paris, Women Empowerment, etc. The pandal at Matri Mandir is designed and decorated according to various themes and cultures – a fine example of the rich culture.

Chairperson Organizing committee Supriya Bhattacharya said this year we endeavor to showcase glimpses from the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu as our Pandal decoration theme. The design and architecture of the temples are a venerable illustration of balance in grandeur and simplicity, reflecting Jain values of honesty and frugality.

Chairperson Bhog and Prasad committee Amita Chakraborty said this year we are expecting at least 5000 devotes on each day- Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. Bhog at Matri mandir is a very special event as we all committee members take special care and ensure that all the devotees can enjoy the bhog and Prasad. This year we are preparing different menu on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami which will include Bengali delicacy Khichuri, Beguni, Laabra, Payesh, Shahi Paneer, Sweets, Halwa etc.

Chairperson Cultural committee Tanushree Dasgupta Saha said the cultural functions at Matri Mandir are always special and keenly awaited by the enthusiasts. This year we have decided to stage some young and budding artists from Kolkata and Mumbai. Renowned singer of Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Brishtilekha Nandini will be performing on MahaSasthi Day. Also, Indian Idol famous Amit Paul will be performing on Maha Ashtami day. Marking the grand closing ceremony on Navami this year will be popular Rock band group, the Indian Ocean.

Assistant Secretary Sanghamitra Bhattacharya said we cannot miss the most integral and special aspect of Durga Puja celebrations – the food court. Over the years, it has carved a special and sought-after stature amongst the South Delhi foodies. And, this year will be no different, offering more choices of lip-smacking and delectable delicacies.

Treasurer Sumitra Sarkar said that it's a challenging task to maintain accounts and control finances. But we are enjoying our work and so far we are happy with our progress.

Chairperson and secretary of collection and souvenir committee Smrity Moitraand Arpita Bhattacharya said, "We are working round the clock to ensure that we meet our targets. Though it's a tedious job we are enjoying."