The beats of the dhak (percussion instrument), the chants of Durga path (hymns), friends enjoying adda (chit chat) — Durga Puja is all this and more. The magnitude at which the festival is celebrated in Kolkata is unparalleled. However, Pune is not behind when it comes to welcoming Maa Durga and celebrating the culture.
We bring to you a list of organisations which are known for Durgotsav in the city. Take a tour...
Purbo Poona Sarbajanin, Hadapsar
Purbo Poona Sarbajanin Durgotsav has organised Durgotsav in Hadapsar and the celebrations will continue with September 30. Various traditional Bengali cultural events and performances are a unique feature of this Durgotsav. Since they are celebrating their 15th year, a huge idol of Maa Durga has been installed at Bhosale Garden, Hadapsar. Kumari Pooja, Sandhi Pooja, Sindoor Daan, Bhog Prasad, Pushpanjali which are an essential part of Durga Puja, will feature here too. Poona Bango Sanmilani and Purbo Poona Kalibari Samiti have been organising Durgotsav since last 15 years.
Nandanik Sanstha, Rohi Villa Palace, Lane No 7, Koregaon Park
Nandanik Sanstha is celebrating Durgotsav 2017 with social consciousness at Rohi Villa, Lane 7, Koregaon Park starting today. The year marks the 14th year of Durga Puja celebration of the organisation which begins with Shashthi Puja (September 26) and will continue till Sindoor Daan on Dashami (September 30). Members of Nandanik Sanstha have always taken pride in seamless execution of Durgotsav, being conscious of their social responsibilities such as cleanliness and environment conservation. Like every year, the idols have been made wtih mud and straw along with eco-friendly paints to provide a distinct look to Ma Durga and all her consorts.
Nandanik Sanstha is organising an interesting mix of inhouse and national talent shows in the evenings. The programmes will range from drama, dance to musical evenings. Yet another attraction here is the stalls selling clothes, jewellery and books and an assortment of some of the best Bengali, Assamese, Chinese dishes and traditional Bengali sweets.
The organisation continues to follow Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and uses biodegradable materials and correct methods of waste disposal.
Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad, Congress Bhavan, Shivaji Nagar
Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad (BSS) has organised the 78th Greater Pune Sarbojanin Durgotsav which began on Sunday. September 25 was a day full of activity with Anandamela, and Quiz Time. Today (Maha Shashthi), the Commissioner of Police Rashmi Shukla will inaugurate the celebration. A Bengali play titled Goopy Aar Bagha written by Gautam Roy and directed by Baishali Ghosh will be enacted by children. A choir conducted by Madhumita Ghosh will see BSS members perform at Durgotsav. On September 27 (Maha Saptami), Kalyan Sen Barat’s Calcutta Choir will present an audio visual performance. Maha Ashtami which is on September 28, will be a day full of cultural activities such as Rangamancher Natyageeti, and Ananda Oi Elo Dware — a dance programme by Samsad. On September 29 (Maha Nabami) Idanim, a musical event (classical fusion) will be presented. On Dashami (September 30), a musical orchestra by visually challenged artists will be put up to add to the festive fervour.
Kali Bari Samiti, Khadki
Kali Bari Samiti, Khadki has begun its Durga Puja celebration with a drawing competition for children on Sunday. On Monday, local programmes were held. Today, visitors can enjoy a performance by Kolkata’s Baul band by Suman while on September 27, the evening will become more exciting with Kolkata’s folk band Tantra’s performance. On Ashtami (September 28), you can groove to the Evening Musical Nite by TVS Sa Re Ga Ma fame singer Sayani Palit, followed by a performance by playback singer Nipobiti Ghosh from Kolkata on September 29. Orchestra Melody Makers will perform on the evening of Dashami (September 30). On October 1, Sindoor Khela will be organised in the morning followed by bisarjan in the afternoon. The celebration will conclude with Nyasa band performance in the evening.ST