North Kolkata family celebrates Durga puja with a blend of tradition and fiesta

While the most popular and celebrated family puja is that of Shovabazar Rajbari in north Kolkata, this year a major crowd puller has been the Durga Puja at Pulin Bhavan in Kumortuli area, which is celebrated after 21 years.

Getting their, 'Paala' or turn after 21 years, the family is leaving no stone unturned to uphold their traditions while making it a point to maximise the celebrations.

The origin of this puja could be traced back to 1807 (1214 BS). The inaugural edition was hosted at Bhagyakul, Bangladesh by Ganga Prasad Roy. It is with rich tradition that each descendant of Roy Poribar has been upholding this ceremonial worship in Kolkata every year by turn or ‘Paala’.

Quite contrary to the popular idol worship, Goddess Laxmi and Kartick are placed one side of Goddess Durga while Ganesh and Saraswati share space on the other side of their mother. Interestingly, Kola Bou, who is the wife of Ganesh, is placed beside Kartick.

On being asked about the unique setting, family member Pradip Kumar Roy said the pattern of deity worship is followed as per tradition.

Located beside a very popular marquee of north Kolkata, the Roy family puja is attracting several revellers this year from Panchami itself.

(Writing by Shabarni Basu and Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)