Jaipur set to turn into a mini-Bengal this Durga Puja

With less than two weeks to go for Durga Puja (shashthi is on October 16), the Pink City is gearing up for the celebrations. Artisans are busy giving finishing touches to Maa Durga ’s idols at Lal Kothi, where all the beautiful Durga idols are made every year. They are crafting the idols with clay specially brought from the Ganga, along with materials such as jute, rice husk and metal ornaments. With artistically decorated pujo pandals, thunderous beats of the dhak, rhythmic dhunuchi dances, vibrant rituals, festive feasts, stalls and exhibitions, Jaipur is set to become a hub of devotion, celebration and faith. The different pujo organisers have already started designing theme-based pandals.

‘We are trying to create a mini-Kolkata in Jaipur’

Jaipur DurgaBari Association in Bani Park hosts the oldest Durga Puja celebrations in the city and draws the biggest crowd every year. Dr Sudipto Sen, president of the association, informs, “Our association is entering the 70th year of pujo festivities, a huge milestone for the Bengali community in Jaipur. We are trying to create a mini-Kolkata. There will be ananda mela, pushpanjali, bhog and cultural performances during the seven-day celebrations. The theme of our pujo is ekchala (ekchala idol means Maa Durga and her children in one frame) and preparations are in full swing. A 100-meter-long corridor near the venue will display how Maa Shakti embodies the dual roles of srishti (the creator) and samhara (the destructor). A 10-feet high idol is being created at the venue by artisans from Kolkata. Since the climate and environment are different here, we try to incorporate things which are feasible. So, our artisans craft all the idols using Ganga maati from West Bengal and clay soil of Rajasthan. This is a celebration of two different cultures. That’s the beauty of Durga Puja in Jaipur , where we are conserving our Bengali culture, but also embracing the beauty of Rajasthan.”

‘Artists from West Bengal are crafting the idols’

Bringing the spirit of West Bengal all the way to Jaipur, Agrani Puja Mahotsav Sangha in Murlipura will create a mini-Bengal in the city. Santosh Chatterjee, president, shares, “Our theme is Nav Lipi (which means new script) and we have dedicated this year’s pujo to Bengali literature. The entire pandal will be decorated with big cloth panels and will have famous writings of authors and poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and many others. Their famous creations will be printed on the cloth panels with their photographs. Preparations have already begun with khunti pujan and idols are being crafted by artists from West Bengal. To make the festival more meaningful, we will donate 5,000 books to visitors. The festival needs to convey a good message, so we have decided to donate books and make the festivities more meaningful. To involve more people, we have asked them to donate books.”

‘Every moment will reflect the true spirit of Bengal’s grandest festival’

Celebrating Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the Kalibari Association in Malviya Nagar has dedicated the pujo to the feminine power. Utpal Sengupta, general secretary, says, “The six-day festivities will feature traditional pujo, pushpanjali, sandhya aarti, bhog prasadi, sindoor khela and the grand visarjan procession.”

There will be various competitions, food stalls, and cultural performances every evening. Promoting the rich heritage of West Bengal, Probasi Bengali Cultural Society will bring the energy, culture, food and music of Bengal at Jai Club lawns. Dr Robin Sarkar says, “Like every year, it will be a celebration of faith and tradition. Beginning with ananda mela on October 15, the food stalls will serve Bengali delicacies, including bhapa ilish and macher kalia. October 16 will mark the official beginning of pujo with the pran pratishtha, followed by a cultural evening. From the sacred rituals and soulful chants to the beautifully crafted idol of Maa Durga, vibrant cultural performances, traditional cuisines and the warmth of community gatherings, every moment will reflect the true spirit of Bengal’s grandest festival. There will be several activities like dance, drama, fancy dress competition, and a magic show for kids.”