In Kolkata, a city known for its vibrant festivals, the Durga Puja organized by Chandra Saha and Chandan Paul stands out for its unique traditions. Central to their celebration is the practice of honoring the family’s matriarch and conducting ‘Kumari Puja’, which involves worshipping a young girl as a divine figure. These rituals reflect a deep respect for women and family values in the community.
The celebration, which lasts from ‘Saptami’ to ‘Nabami’, features a variety of traditional Bengali dishes offered to Goddess Durga. The menu includes ‘Khichuri’, a rice and lentil dish, ‘Polao’, a type of spiced rice, and ‘Pushpanno’, a sweet rice dish. The offerings reach a peak on ‘Nabami’ with several fish dishes, symbolizing prosperity.
The highlight of the festival is the ‘Sondhi Puja’, where 56 different types of food are offered in a ritual known as ‘Chappanna Bhog’. This demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to tradition and their culinary skills.
Chandra Saha and Chandan Paul’s Durga Puja not only adds to Kolkata’s diverse festival culture but also emphasizes the importance of family and culinary heritage. It draws people from various backgrounds, showcasing how traditional rituals can be preserved in contemporary times.
