“The Durga idol is so beautiful!” said Koneenica

Koneenica Banerjee matches steps with the dancers and offers prayers at Jodhpur Park

What: Micromax presents The Telegraph Puja Premier League, in association with Kutchina

Where: Jodhpur Park Sharadiya Utsab

The theme: “We’re back to the traditional way of doing the puja. The pandal is designed as a zamindar bari — this is our theme. We’ve kept the traditional ekchala idols in the pandal. It is meant to appeal to the older as well as the younger generation,” said Sumanta Roy, the general secretary of Jodhpur Park puja committee.

 

 

Koneenica joins the residents of Jodhpur Park in a group dance

Rooting for Jodhpur Park is: Koneenica Banerjee. “I felt as if this was my parar puja. I played the dhaak today and that was a really great experience! I used to come to the Jodhpur Park puja during my college days and I feel that this puja has stayed the same. The whole experience was reminiscent of my college days. And the pandal is so spacious and you can comfortably see the idol. For me, the Pujas this time is all about friends, family and home,” said the actress, who visited the club draped in a white silk sari on Panchami.

Text: Neha Banka Pictures: B. Halder

 

Arunima Ghosh dances with the dhunuchi at Barisha Youth Club

Arunima tried dhunuchi naach for the first time. “I have done dhunuchi naach in front of the camera but never in real life. I was a bit scared initially but it turned out to be great fun!” she smiled

What: Micromax presents

The Telegraph Puja Premier League, in association with Kutchina

Where: Barisha Youth Club, Behala

Arunima with a toddler at the pandal

The theme: “This year our theme is circus. Ma is the ringmaster who is controlling the whole world. We’ve also tried to depict how much fun circus is. Nowadays, kids are more inclined towards video games, cartoons and gadgets,” said Saurabh Dey, chief coordinator, Barisha Youth Club. The Behala address is an eye-catcher with a colourful clown’s face made of ping-pong balls welcoming pandal-hoppers. Goddess Durga along with daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati are at their acrobatic best, balancing themselves on giant hoops!

Rooting for Barisha Youth Club is: Arunima Ghosh. “I received so much love from the people here. It was an overwhelming experience. I really like their theme. The mandap is interesting. Thanks to The Telegraph, otherwise I wouldn’t have come here,” said the Nayika Sangbad actress, who also distributed clothes to the underprivileged.

Text: Shweta Keshri
Pictures: Pabitra Das