AE Block (Part 2)

AE Block Samaj Kalyan Sangha (AE Part 2) performed khuti puja this year without any celebrities. “Politicians and celebrities were all busy today and we didn't want to change the date of the puja. The presence of guests is an addition attraction, but for us it is always residents first,” said secretary Tapas Sengupta, as residents planted the pole in the ground.

“This year our puja budget is around Rs 22 lakh and like last year, the venue will be the park. The rain is a concern but we shall take precautions so visitors don't face problems,” said president Monimoy Saha, without disclosing the theme. The pandal will be created by Basudeb Ghora, concept is by Sushanta Maity and the idol by Pradip Rudra Pal.

Enthusiastic residents could already feel Durga puja around them. “The fun starts from today,” said resident Kavita Sharma, already in the midst of her puja shopping. Elderly resident Bimala Maity was happy to see the next generation take on responsibilities. “Earlier bhog would be made in my house but I’m unable to make it now. It is nice to see the younger generations getting involved in the Puja. We will always be here to guide them."

Shatadipa Bhattacharya

FE Block

“FE Block will be presenting a theme of ‘Nana rong, ek desh’ and artistes from Midnapore are already working on it,” said puja secretary Basab Basak at their khuti puja on Janmashtami.

The khuti had been decorated with flowers, the priest was chanting hymns, women were blowing conch-shells and distributing prasad. “The mantras are soothing to the ears. Puja always brings a joyful feeling and khuti puja marks the beginning of it all,” smiled Runa Kedia, a resident.

Others were busy discussing duties for the rituals. “This year we will be making our own naadus for prasad. Everyone is excited about it,” said Bulbul Sen, another resident.

The khuti puja was followed by a drawing competition for children in the evening.

Jayita Chakraborty

DL Block

DL Block Residents’ Association held its khuti puja on Independence Day. “We would have performed it sooner but our decorator wanted to wait till the rains subsided. He said August 15 would be appropriate and so here we are,” said Rishav Chatterjee, a volunteer in the puja.

The decorator Amalendu Das said this year their pandal would be made of printed cloth, reflecting the architecture of the Jagannath temple at Puri but puja secretary K.P. Saha provided the motive behind the move. “This year, our aim is to bring senior citizens out of their homes and into the pandal. We want them to come and enjoy the puja even if their children are not with them.”

“We haven’t started the rehearsals for cultural programmes yet. In fact, we were waiting for the khuti puja to happen. Once it takes place, it seems like Puja is officially round the corner,” smiled resident Bhaswati Mitra.

Shreya Chatterjee

HB Block

At HB Block the theme would be “The touch of humanity” this year. “For the last two or three years, we’ve been trying to infuse the concepts of theme puja and barowari puja. We don’t believe in copying others’ pandals but are trying to be innovative,” said Anil Chakraborty, a resident of the block.

In its 33rd year, the pandal by Binapani Decorators would feature an old Rajbaari decorated with embroidered cotton from Peepli. This stitch work would depict tales of Lord Jagannath. The idol would be traditional, by Pashupati Rudra Paul of Kumartuli.

The block’s khuti puja also had Jayati Mukherjee, singer and block resident, chant a sloka. “Earlier, our puja used to be homely, but now people from far away come to visit our pandal. Both have their advantages,” smiled Mandira Bhattacharya, a resident.

“The Pujas are early this year so we have to hurry. We shall cover much of the area with a tin shade to safeguard from the rains,” said the secretary Shankar Deb.

Shreya Chatterjee

BJ Block

The BJ Block puja this year will focus on the culture of various states. “We’re not revealing details but it will be something for visitors to enjoy,” said Bhaskar Sinha Roy, joint secretary of BJ Block Sarodotsab Committee at their khuti puja.

In its 34th year, the pandal structure will be created by Bishwakarma Decorators while the outer design will be by artistes Arindam and Amit. A 18-20ft idol will be created by artist Pradip Rudra Pal, also a block resident.

Present on the occasion was actress Locket Chatterjee. “We Bengalis simply need an excuse to celebrate and khuti puja is the new-found occasion for that,” said Chatterjee. “For me, Durga puja means staying in Calcutta and celebrating it with family and friends and I’m glad I’ll be doing just that this year,” she smiled.

It had been raining since morning on the day of the khuti puja and the field was muddy and somewhat water-logged but that didn't stop the residents from pouring in. "For last 15 years my puja revolves around this block. I don't even visit other pandals. We work together like a family and the rain can't ruin our mood," smiled resident Mitra Ganguly.

"Due to some plastic clogging in the drains water is taking time to drain out, but we shall resolve the issue so visitors don't face problems during the pujas," said Sinha Roy.

Shatadipa Bhattacharya