Most-awaited Durja puja of Delhi enters its 53rd year

Matri Mandir Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, which organises Capital's most prestigious and much-awaited Durga Puja celebration at Safdarjung Enclave, enters its 53rd year of Puja festivities with new zeal and enthusiasm.

"An integral part of the organising committee – our women members – have always shown great gumption and perseverance in organising the puja. This year also, they have gone a step ahead and volunteered to take up this onerous task of organising the Durga Puja festivities," said Debashis Saha, Chief Coordinator, of Durga Puja 2019.

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

All Women managing committee is very excited as this year the Puja will be inaugurated by Smriti Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development, Minister of textiles, on Maha Panchami, at 7:30 pm.

President Chandana Mukherjee said, this year we will pay tribute to Rabindranath Tagore – a versatile intellect, who was much ahead of his time, wrote in his mother tongue, and didn't limit his message to people around him.

General Secretary of Durga Puja Samity, Indrani Bhattacharya and Gitashree Moitra informed that the pandal this time is designed and decorated according to various themes and cultures – reflecting the rich culture, heritage and liveliness of our country.

Chairperson Cultural committee Tanushree Dasgupta Saha said, "The cultural functions at Matri Mandir are always special and highly awaited by the enthusiasts. Marking the grand closing ceremony on Navami, this year we will have a musical night by Kailash Kher. Also, we have decided to stage some young and budding artistes from Kolkata and Mumbai. Indian Idol famous Rahul Deb will be performing on Maha Saptami day."

Treasurer Sumitra Sarkar said that this year they thought that it will be a challenging task to raise funds, but with blessings of Maa Durga they are reaching their target. "We are enjoying our work and so far we are happy with our progress."

Collection and souviner committee Smrity Moitra ( Jr) and 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 thoroughly."