A dash of purity amid high-budget spectacular
Balurghat: Mega-budget theme-based Pujas are dominating the scene in and around Balurghat city with a lot of action taking place at the pandals. However, one can't simply miss the purity which traditional Pujas offer amid the pomp and show of high-budget events.
Some of traditional Pujas date back to more than 100 years. One of these pujas began in 1911 with the patronage of Prasanna Lal Chowdhury. The Chowdhury family was one of the reputed zamindars of the British era. "It was tumultuous time from historical aspect of Bengal. Lord Curzon declared Partition of Bengal in 1905. Our late grandfather Prasanna Lal Chowdhury had a son in 1911. His joy knew no bounds and being an ardent worshipper of Maa Durga, he started the Puja from that time which is organised till now," said a third generation family member and a retired central government employee Amit Kumar Chowdhury.
"Everyone of the family gather to celebrate the festival as an annual reunion. Goddess Durga is adorned with gold and silver ornaments with everyone enjoying music and dance with dhunuchi at the Natmandir," he said. Thousands of devotees across the district visit the Chowdhury family Puja. The Natmandir and other buildings on the premises are appropriately illuminated. Beautifully-decorated Thakur dalan (courtyard) and the painted backdrop behind the idol depict the story of Maa Durga and Her incarnations.
The Chandi Paath (chanting of the hymns from the pious book of Debi Chandi) is an important part of this Puja. If anyone visits the house of Chowdhury family during Puja days, they get to hear chants and Durga jaap. Family members carry the idols on their shoulders for immersion.