Journalism of Courage
The annual Durga Puja celebration has its nucleus in the eastern part of India, especially in the state of West Bengal but is celebrated with great flourish in other states as well, courtesy of the ever-growing Bengali community. One of these is Mumbai's Bombay Durga Bari Samiti which all geared up for the festive season. Being among the oldest Durga Pujas of the city, dating back to 1930, this year they have planned something special. Keeping in mind the amount of pollution festivals can create during immersion, the Bari Samiti will worship an eco-friendly idol this year. (Express photo Pradip Das)
The 90th anniversary of the puja is being celebrated this year at south Bombay, where the entire pandal and idols are eco-friendly.(Express photo Pradip Das)
Over the years, the Samiti has been celebrating the Bengali New Year along with Kabiguru’s birth anniversary, followed by Sharadutsav, Kajogiri, Deepavali and Basant Utsav in Mumbai. (Express photo Pradip Das)
The growing popularity of the Samiti continues to bring thousands of devotees to the puja mandal year after year. Even people of different communities came to take part in the festivities. In 1979, the Samiti celebrated its Golden Jubilee through various cultural events. (Express photo Pradip Das)
During the period 1934 to 1959, the Bombay Durga Puja moved from Sleater Road to Talmaki Wadi at S V P Road, to Naranarayan temple at Kalbadevi, to Rambaug. By 1961, the number had swelled enormously and this necessitated shifting of the venue to the much bigger Azad Maidan and then to Cross Maidan. Finally, in 1971, it was shifted to Tejpal Hall at August Kranti Marg, a place which has now become synonymous with Puja for Bengali residents of South Mumbai. (Express photo Pradip Das)
