Kol clubs launch their Durga Puja plans on Poila Baisakh
Times of India | 16 April 2025
1234 Kolkata: With 166 days to go for Durga Puja, several prominent Durga Puja committees in Kolkata initiated their festivities on ‘Poila Baishakh' by displaying their puja banners and revealing their themes. Kumartuli Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee, celebrating its 95th year, displayed their banner on this occasion.
Following last year's theme about farmers and their spouses, they are currently finalising this year's concept. The banner ceremony also serves a charitable purpose. "Like every year, we keep in mind that we should stretch our hands for the well-being of underprivileged members of our society. Last year, we invited widow mothers; this year, we handed over school bags and other accessories to school-going children," said Debashis Bhattacharya, a committee member.
Chetla Agrani Durgotsab Committee, in its 34th year, conducted their ‘Khunti Puja' on Poila Baishakh, earlier than their usual Rathayatra day schedule. "We performed the rituals today as the Durga Puja schedule falls much earlier this year. We will start our work very soon," stated Samir Ghosh, the committee convenor.
Padmapukur Youth Association launched their digital puja banner on ‘Poila Baishakh' across social media platforms. Their artist, Manas Roy, developed a theme focusing on water conservation. "We are working on the theme to make people aware of the necessity to preserve water at any cost. The pandal will be erected on a waterbody without disturbing its ecosystem," Roy explained. Committee adviser Gora Roy Chowdhury added that they would conduct Khunti puja in May.
At Jadulal Mallick's Pathuriaghata residence, women in traditional red-bordered sarees performed with ‘baron dala' and hand-driven fans to mark Pathuriaghata Pancher Pally Durgotsab Committee's banner unveiling. Committee president Ellora Saha stated their theme would showcase Kolkata's cultural heritage through artistic interpretation.
Netaji Jatiya Sebadal of Ranikuthi commenced their diamond jubilee celebrations with Khuti puja. Committee president Kaushik Banik announced their substantial budget of 75 lakhs for extensive preparations that will take longer than usual to be completed.
Alipore 78 Pally Durgotsav Sarbojonin revealed their banner on April 13, Neel Sasthi. Their theme, titled ‘The Saga', will portray Durga's evolution.