‘Sabeki pujas’ make tradition tick in time of themes
Kolkata: Durga Puja celebrations have evolved over the years with overwhelming changes in theme and idol-making, keeping intact the spirit and dynamism. The onslaught of time, however, seemed to have made little impact on some of the Puja pandals that managed to stick to their ‘Sabekiana’ (tradition).
Simla Byayam Samity, apart from its rich heritage, also carries the legacy of the nationalist movement. Situated at the crossing of Vivekananda Road and Singhee Lane, it turned 98 this year. It was here that freedom fighters such as Aurobindo Ghosh, Rashbehari Bose used to pay regular visits. Durga Puja was then a façade to shield the freedom struggle.
Acharya Atindra Nath Basu, a renowned freedom fighter introduced this Puja. The British government banned it in 1939. During the time of Mahendra Nath Dutta, Swami Vivekanda’s younger brother, the idol was transformed from ‘Ekchala’ to ‘Panch chala’ in 1944-45. The depiction of a sense of nationalism and traditional (Sabeki) practices are the driving force behind the Puja.
During the freedom struggle, the need for some sort of a physical training for the local youth was keenly felt, leading to the setting up of Simla Byayam Samity. Baikuntha Nath Seal, chief advisor of the Puja committee said: “We will complete 100 years of Puja celebrations in 2025. It is making us nostalgic. There will be a varied range of decorations available in the pandal. Various stalls will be installed on the ground and there will also be several rides. A medicine stall will also be set up on the ground.”
“As part of the Swadeshi movement, our ancestors dressed Goddess Durga in swadeshi clothes. What is unique here is that the huge idol is made inside our pandal by Sanatan Rudra Pal over a span of two months. We are following the old tradition,” Surajit Kundu, joint secretary of Simla Byayam Samity said.
Badra Agragami Puja committee of Durganagar in its 50th year has conceived a unique idea of presenting the cellular jail of Andaman to pay respect to our freedom fighters. Jayanta Dutta, Puja committee president said this is for the first time cellular jail of Andaman will be replicated in any puja pandal. The committee has a budget of Rs 52 lakh this year.
“It is our golden jubilee celebration. The pandal has come up on a land measuring around 200 square feet in length and 180 square feet in width. Artist Sankar Ghosh conceptualised the pandal. The right side of goddess Durga will be depicted as free India while the left side will showcase the bondage. There will be models erected inside the pandal through which various historical moments will be recreated. The British oppression on the natives will also find expression in models. Various aspects related to cellular jail will be showcased through light and sound,” said Dutta.
Hazra Park Durgotsab in South Kolkata has come up with an eye-catching theme ‘Teen Chakar Golpo’ (Tale of 3 Wheels). This Puja, which turns 81 this year, is celebrated with a theme related to a chauffeur of an autorickshaw — “Teen Chakar Golpo”.
