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Journalism of Courage
In 1974, a few homesick Bengali families in Pune came together during Diwali. While a popular stereotype suggests that when a group of Bengalis gets together, it invariably marks the beginning of an adda, this group went beyond casual chitchat. They founded Banga Bharati, a social and cultural organisation whose first activity was to organise a Kali Puja.
But they struggled to find joba phool mala, belpata mala and aparajita mala, garlands of hibiscus, bel leaves and aparajita flowers, respectively. They also needed 35 lotus flowers and several other ritual items. But, these were not available in Pune. Undeterred, the families flew in these essentials from Kolkata and Mumbai. Everything in place, they launched Pimpri Chinchwad’s first Kali Puja, with a senior among them, Khirod Mohan Bhattacharya, serving as the purohit.
This year, that historic Banga Bharati Kali Puja turns 52 and is the oldest such Kali Puja in Pimpri Chinchwad.
In Bengal, the worship of Goddess Kali coincides with Diwali and celebrates the fearsome power that steps in to vanquish evil. Immense pandals are set up across the region and, to the sound of age-old mantras, the smell of incense and the vivid colours of hibiscus garlands, the goddess is worshipped by communities. It is this tradition that the Banga Bharati Kali Puja attempts to recreate every year.
“When our puja started, there were 20-25 families. Today, 450-500 people participate in our Kali Mata Mandir in Pimpri Gaon. A highlight, besides the ritual puja, is the maha prasad that is distributed in our mandir premises during Kali Puja,” says Amit Kumar Mondal, President of Banga Bharati.
He adds that Bengalis come from across the city to see the puja but the largest crowd is of local Marathi people and those from other regions who live in the area.
“Originally, the contribution made by the participating families was Re 1 or Rs 2 every month for the Kali Puja. Today, of course, that has increased,” says Mondal. The spirit of participation has endured. In the beginning of the puja, senior members used to meet after work and distribute the works among themselves. “That still happens. All members gladly accept responsibilities to carry out the various activities associated with the puja,” says Mondal.
A Kali Mata temple was built in 1988-1989, where the puja is held. The prasad or bhog is distributed in the pandal outside the temple. After Kali Puja, members will meet this year for another Bengal pastime, a concert, with songs and dances for all visitors.
