Visakhapatnam’s Bengali community celebrates Durga Puja with rituals, bhog and cultural programmes

Bengali families across Visakhapatnam are celebrating Durga Puja with rituals, bhog and cultural programmes, each association keeping alive its own history.

Durga Puja began as a private affair in the households of zamindar families in early Kolkata before evolving into a community festival, or ‘Sarbojanin puja’, in the early 20th century. Wherever a few Bengali families gather, the festival follows.

Bengali professionals moved to Visakhapatnam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in stevedoring, port construction and the Bengal Nagpur Railway. Today, several pujas are held across the city.

The Bengali Association, established in 1929, is the oldest association of a non-Telugu community in the city, said Arunabh Karmakar, a software engineer and member of the association. Dasara, he said, is “the biggest festival” for the community.

The puja was suspended for three years during the Second World War and resumed after 1945, said Secretary A.N. Bhattacharjee. Earlier venues included the Town Hall, the Simhachalam Devasthanam hall, near KGH and Rani Chandramani Park Marg. It is now held at Vasavi Function Hall, beside One Town Police Station, from October 16 to 21. The association’s president is Swarup Kumar Banerjee.

Mr. Bhattacharjee said dramas that took nearly two months to rehearse had given way to dance performances as people found less time to practise. Most families once lived in One Town, but now live in other parts of the city. Treasurer Rabindranath Karmakar said the idols are smaller this year because of the height of the roof; they once stood about seven and a half feet tall. Bhog, prepared without onion or garlic, will be served for four days as the puja has an extra day.

Waltair Kalibari on Railway Station Road is celebrating the 66th year of its puja, which was started by Bengali railway employees. General Secretary Joydev Chakrovortty described the temple as the city’s first and oldest Kali temple. Celebrations began on October 15 and will end with immersion on October 21. The cultural evenings feature “Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” artistes from Kolkata.

Utsab Cultural Association, formed in 2011, held its first puja at AMCOSA Hall in Maharanipeta, where it continues, said Vice-President Dr. Alok Mazumdar. “We have a very special bond among all the families,” said Nilima Choudhury, a member. The programme includes dance forms from different States, a comedy drama, “Bhuter Golpo”, Dhunuchi Nach and Sindur Khela, with immersion on October 20.

On the last day, married women apply vermilion to the goddess and to one another in Sindur Khela, wishing each other a long and happy married life. At immersion, the community bids the goddess farewell and invites her to return next year.

EOM