Purnia Durga Bari Puja dates back to 1916

Purnia: In its 99th year, Durga Puja at Durga Bari at Purnia is just not still steeped in age-old Bengali tradition and culture but continues to attract devotees and worshippers for the cultural programme and committee’s efforts to encourage the artistes. Durga Puja was started by Rai Bahadur Jyotindra Nath Bhattacharya at his house. However, at the request of his friends and advisors, the Puja was shifted to the present venue known as Durga Bari, and was celebrated in thatched house under a tree in 1916. With the passage of time and help from the local residents, pucca structures were built there, says committee secretary Pradipta Bhattacharya. “Apart from celebrating the Puja with gaiety, we lay great stress on cultural events as well. The rituals are performed by Prakash Chatterjee. Earlier, his father Harigati Chatterjee used to perform the same at famous Durga Bari in Purnia,” he said.Parimita Moitra, disciple of Birju Maharaj, the renowned ‘kathak’ dancer, regaled the audience with her performance on the campus on September 29. Earlier, an orchestra team from West Bengal enchanted the music afficinados, and kept them glued to their seats for hours a day earlier. The local artistes too had their own opportunity to display their talents and woo the masses on Tuesday night.