Bonedi baris hope for a peaceful start to Pujo

Pujo in Kolkata is incomplete without the age-old rituals at Kolkata’s Bonedi baris, but this year’s situation, following the RG Kar incident, has definitely dampened the festive spirit. CT speaks to members of these families to know how they are planning to ring in Durga Puja this year. From intimate celebrations to no cultural events, there are quite a few changes to show solidarity with protestors. However, they all hope that Maa Durga, the ultimate embodiment of woman power, will bring with her justice and peace.

Baishnab Das Mullick bari
How old is the Pujo?
239 years
What are they planning: Durga Puja is a celebration of woman power at Mullick Bari. Lakshmi and Saraswati idols are not just taller than other idols, Joya and Bijoya (sakhis of Maa Durga) are present beside the main idol. Goddess Durga is seated beside Shiva.

The rituals of our Pujo won’t be changed, but the mood is defintiely sombre this year – Snehashis Mullick

Saha bari, Bowbazar

Saha bari, Bowbazar
How old is the Pujo? 173 years
What are they planning: Maa Durga will be worshipped along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik just like any other year, and all rituals will be executed just the way they are every year.

There’s definitely some amount of curtailment when it comes to the festival’s grandeur keeping in mind the current situation in
the city– Kingshuk Saha

Dorjipara Mitra bari
How old is the Pujo? 218 years
What are they planning: Just like everyone else, the family seeks justice for the RG Kar doctor. However, they will allow visitors for darshan as people travel long distances just to seek blessings from the goddess on these four days.

Generally we plan small cultural events with family members in our Thakur dalan after the arati on the festive evenings, but we have cancelled all such plans this year– Anasuya Mitra Biswas

Girish Bhawan, Bhowanipore

Girish Bhawan, Bhowanipore
How old is the Pujo? 194 years
What are they planning: The current situation resonates with members of Girish Bhawan too, as they have decided execute all rituals, and worship Maa Durga sans any celebrations. Around 150 members of the family will come together for Pujo, just like any other year, but also keep things limited within the family. Women will take the lead when it comes to the execution and arrangements.

Even though we have decided to not invite guests this time, we may change our decision if justice is served – Kaushik Mukherjee

Shobhabazar Rajbari (Chhoto torof)

Shobhabazar Rajbari (Chhoto torof)
How old is the Pujo? 235 years
What are they planning: At Shobhabazar Rajbari, Maa Durga is treated as a daughter. This year, even though Pujo preparations are in full swing, the family can’t help but keep the hope for justice as the central point of discussion and thoughts.

We carry out a procession during visarjan, but this year it will be different. Maa Durga will be bid adieu with just the beats of dhak – Nandini Mitra

Rani Rashmoni’r bari, Janbazar

Rani Rashmoni’r bari, Janbazar
How old is the Pujo? 234 years
What are they planning: The usual ritual is to distribute bhog among guests, this year no one is being invited, as the family too has decided to keep the celebrations private. However, rituals will be executed just as they are every year.

Maa Durga is known for defeating evil forces and is the embodiment of protection. Hoping that the situation will see a positive light with her homecoming, we may change our decision – Prasun Hazra

Mallick Bari, Bhowanipore

Mallick Bari, Bhowanipore
How old is the Pujo? 100 years
What are they planning: Even though the aradhana will happen in accordance to family traditions and norms, members of Bhowanipore Mallick Bari are in no mood to celebrate. Despite having plans of grand celebrations to mark the 100th year of the family Pujo, the family has decided to keep the Pujo private.

We usually allow visitors for darshan, but this year won’t do that. We hope justice will be served soon so that people can celebrate the festival wholeheartedly – Deepa Mallick








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