Sunday, 14 September 2014

Kali Puja - Chetla Agrani Club, Kolkata

Chetla Agrani Club, Kolkata

Kali Puja

The Kali puja of our club started in the year 1959. From then onwards the club has been celebrating kalipuja in a grand way. The 25th year silver jubilee celebration was at the peak of glory. But finally from the year 1994 till date the members of Agrani have shifted to the concept of theme puja.

In 1994 a glorious temple was curved which brought high appreciation of the visitors, followed by the theme of '51 peeth' of Parvati in the next year. That time the pandal was constructed on the replica of temples of various places like Midnapore, Birbhum, Bankura and so on. The rest of the groung was used to be transformed into gardens with plants, garden umbrellas and seating arrangements.

But eventually from the year 2001, the highly reputed theme puja started covering the while ground.

1. The theme puja commenced with the portrayal of the destruction by the earthquake in Bhuj.  The hteme was a major success and the club decided to go on with the theme for the coming years too.

2. The following year in 2002 a fort of Rajasthan was created. The entire ground was transformed into a desert with actual sands brought in to give a live effect. A camel was also placed so that the essence of Rajasthan could be felt.

3.  A highly curious theme which followed the next year, i.e., in 2003 was the set of the very famous film "Sholay". The setup was the mountain den of the villainous dacoit "Gabbar". It was a commercial touch given to the thematic expression.

4.  In 2004 the greatest news of India was the death of the bandit Virappan, which led Agrani to create theme o the forest of Virappan, making the whole ground look like a forest. This very faous Kalipuja was inaugurated by the then Indian skipper SAURAV GANGULY.

5.  In 2005 Agrani sketched out the scenario of the coastal areas destroyed by the massive turbulent Tsunami. 

6. The little boy named Prince who miraculously got saved even after falling 50 ft down the ground caught the eye of Agrani as the theme of their Kalipuja for the year 2006.

7.  The very important news which caught the eye of almost all the people was the death of Rizwanur Rehman. Up till this time Agrani projected issues like natural calamities but in 2007 Agrani was bold enough to put up such a theme based on such a serious social issue. Visitors not only came to see the pandal but arrangements were also done to appeal for the justice of Rizwanur by lighting up candles. Rizwanur's family took a great part in making this effort successful.

8.   Out of such serious issues in 2008, Agrani decided to give special importance to the children and make an unusual theme with mountains and demons. Big monsters were sculpted and high mountains were raised to attract the children.

Address: www.chetlaagraniclub.com

MB Road Durga Puja Samiti, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi

MB Road Durga Puja Samiti
Pushp Vihar, New Delhi
info@jaxbirdtechnologies.com 
www.mbrdurgapuja.com

HISTORY OF MB ROAD DURGA PUJA SAMITI (MBRDPS) M.B. Road Central Govt. Residential Complex at Pushp Vihar, Sector-I (adjacent to Saket in South Delhi) was established in the year 1975. Previously name of present Pushp Vihar was MB Road, as per record of Estate Office. That is the reason the name of newly fromed Central Govt. employee's colony's first Durga Puja Samiti was named MB Road Durga Puja Samiti . A handful of expatriate middle class Bengali families bourgeoned there to reside and gradually within 2/3 years few more Bengali families joined them in Pushp Vihar Sector-I, making their home away from home. 

Some handfull of egar Bengali population of the newly formed coloney who came from far of places thought of having their own Durga Puja commitee insteade of going to their old places . So a commitee was formed in the quarter of Shri S.R. Gupta. Shri Gupta was elected as President and Shri Sailen Bhattacharjee was first General Secretary.Other committee members were Shri Amar Das, Shri Santi Dev Mukherjee, Shri M.Dutta, Shri C.N. Moitra, Shri Robin Bandopadhyay, Shri A.K. Guha, Dr. D.K. Mondal, Mr. Sarkar, Mr. Ghosh and many others. Young turks were,Shyamal Mukherjee, Ranjit Dey, Subroto Mukherjee, Susanta Saha, Subroto Som and many others. 

Realizing the dream of promoting home land’s Bengali culture, few residents came forward to organize Durga Puja in Pushp Vihar Sector-I with the objective of bringing all Bengali community under one banner and to establish a forum of spreading, practicing and further developing Bengali culture through generations together. 

Finace was main hurdele for the newly formed committee. However with efforts and guidence from elder committee members the young turks accumulated the meger fund and put up a memorable show which cannot be forgotten till date. 

Collective wisdom and zest of the elderly residents augmented with the high energy of young men lead to the establishment of MB Road Durga Puja Samiti (MBRDPS). As it was conceived Durga Puja was celebrated for the first time in the year 1975 in Pushp Vihar, Sector-I under the aegis of MBRDPS. 

MBRDPS travelled a long way and grew very fast within a short span of time and acclaimed an overwhelming commendation from all communities in our neighborhood. The Silver Jubilee Year was celebrated in the year 2003 with pomp and grandeur manner, which is still in the mind of the people around. 

With the transition of the previous associates who were involved since inception, a new breed of members not only kept it alive, but generated new ideas for improvement in all spheres of celebration as well as to broaden its activities besides celebration of Durga, Kali & Saraswati Pujas. A meeting held on 17.01.2010 to discuss about the Registration of the Samiti. This meeting resolves to register the MBRDPS with the objectives to promote social, cultural, educational, recreational and charitable activities besides annual celebration of Durga, Kali & Swraswati Pujas and it was unanimously accepted. An executive committee was formed who prepared the constitution & By-laws. The MBRDPS was registered under the Society Reg. Act of Delhi vide Regn. No. S/90/DS/2010. Immediately after registration the Samiti celebrated 150th birth centenary of Rabindra Nath Tagore on 14/05/2010 and organized a picnic on 25/12/2011 at Bhalsua Lake, Delhi and charitable program like distribution of clothes to distress through Help Age India. 

From 1979 till date MBR Puja Samiti is striding fast without any break. Many up downs were seen/observed but throughout these years people who came in touch with this committee contributed their best and took away the charm and ashirwad of this committee which MBR Puja Samiti can only provide. People will come and people will go but MBR Puja Samiti will march for ever. JAI MAA DURGA.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Santacruz Durga Puja (Mumbai) North Bombay Durga Puja

Santacruz Durga Puja (Mumbai)
North Bombay Durga Puja

The Trust
India is the one of the few countries in the world where god is worshiped in a female form which is truly amazing as god is generally given a male connotation in most religions. This reflects the fascinating aspect of faith prevalent in India.

The North Bombay Durga Puja Samity is a Mumbai based non- profit organization, involved in various charitable causes through its members vast and distinguished member base.

The Trust was founded in 1948 by Mr. Shahdhar Mukherjee of Bombay Talkies, Mr. J. M. Bhadra and other family members and like-minded people of the Santacruz area. The founding committee consisted of 26 members, led by Mr. Sashdhar Mukherjee as its President.

Sashdhar, a Hindi films producer and a Padma Shri awardee, for his contributions in the fields of art and entertainment, was part of the distinguished Mukherjee clan of Bollywood, He is also described as the founder of Filmistan studios. The Trust organized its first Durga Puja at Street Mandal Hall, Poddar School Santacruz. In the early years Sri Ram Ghosal took the responsibility of Secretary till the year 1973 then Shri Ram Mukherji took over as secretary by Sanat Chakraborty and now Mr. Deb Mukherjee is holding the important portfolio. The event was a harbinger of similar events over the decades, which saw the Trust’s popularity growing spectacularly. Over the years, the Trust’s followers has expanded to over 25,000. Voluntary work by these members keeps the organization committed to its primary objectives.

It is wonderful to note that our committee believed in equal opportunities. This was borne by the fact that our Puja was managed by women only for a period of three years under the guidance of Late Smt. Sati Rani Mukherjee.

Our Purpose
The purpose of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja trust is to teach people how to follow modern culture and yet remain rooted to the Hindu traditions and values. It showcases the very best of Bengali culture, art, and entertainment in its own unique manner.

Address: www.northbombaydurgapuja.com

Badkulla Durga Puja

Badkulla Durga Puja

Welcome to Badkulla Durgapuja. The puja of Badkulla which is enriched with the golden events of history of Nadia and absolutely nameworthy in the face of Bengal!
Immerse yourself with the 350 years aged tradition to the linkup of the flashing lighting techno of 21st century. Its a place where the puja integrates with the hearts of Badkullaians to reach upto a different height. Now enjoy that from any corner of the world.

First of all wishing you a very happy Durgapuja. This is the official website of Badkulla Durgapuja by BDPOnline for promoting Badkulla Durgapuja all over the world and for giving an opportunity to the Badkullaians who are now in foreign and missing the joy of Durgapuja very much!
In the holy morning of Mahalaya 2009, the site was launched and now has become on of the most visited website in India. From these years, the website has been arranging to publish the photos and videos online and awarding the top puja organizations in Badkulla the Sharad Sanman.

We have introduced the Shortcode SMS and Online voting system first time in West Bengal. And in 2013 We are introducing the Missed Call voting system first time for Durgapuja.

Website: http://www.badkulladurgapuja.net/

Thursday, 4 September 2014

Southampton and Hampshire Durga Puja

Southampton and Hampshire Durga Puja
Hampshire Puja and Cultural Association, UK
Website: www.southamptonpuja.org.uk

Our Objective is to develop community cohesion by organising a variety of multi-community cultural programmes, theme based and open to all members of public irrespective of their ethnic origin and religious beliefs.

MISSION STATEMENT: To develop community cohesion by organising a variety of theme based and multi-community joined up cultural programmes open to all members of public irrespective of their ethnic origin and religious beliefs. 

AIMS: To develop community cohesion by holding cultural programmes performed and enjoyed by many non-faith and faith groups. 
To engage and educate youths and young people especially children in teaching principles of social inclusion and shared traditions. 
To increase cultural awareness and diversity in Southampton and nearby areas. 
OBJECTIVES:
To hold cultural functions performed by local talents and nationally and internationally reputed artists on the occasions of the annual: a. spring festival of Saraswati Puja (January-February), 
b. summer festival (April-May), 
c. autumn festival of Durga Puja and Sarbojonin Shardodatsav, (September-October). 
To hold two functions: Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja to enhance and complement the cultural functions during the autumn and spring festivals respectively, at times most convenient to the general public, e.g. weekends and bank holidays. 
To offer educational opportunities to children and adults who would like to take part in the cultural functions. 
To liaise, collaborate and engage with other similar voluntary and charity organisations to promote good relationships and to support community cohesion.
To invite and encourage local communities to participate in the above activities.



Durga Puja - The Cyberabad Bangali Association, Hyderabad

The Cyberabad Bangali Association, Hyderabad (Durga Puja)

Started with an objective to bring 'Bengal closer to Hyderabad', we organized our first Durga puja in 2007.
Spontaneous support and phenomenal participation from fellow Bengalis helped us grow bigger and better. Promoting the cause of Bengali Culture in Cyberabad (IT District of Hyderabad) is the primary mission of this registered association, giving Bengalis a structured platform to associate in a large scale. Relentless efforts from the members for the last five years have helped us expand in size and extent, which we salute.
We request you to patronize to help achieve the cause of 'Being Bangali' in a land far away from home.

One day, in a not so famous food joint in Kondapur, a few young Bengalis decided to conduct Durga Puja while they were away from home during the festive season.
That was 2007. Little did they know that a lot of Bengalis in and around the area were looking for a ‘pujo of their own’. Joining hands to celebrate was thus just a matter of opportunity. As the volume of the crowd increased with every passing year, the need to formalize the group became necessary.
Thus, was born Cyberabad Bangali Association.
Since the formation, the membership has grown by multiple folds and the frequency and extent of celebrations in various directions. Today, we not only host one of the better Sharadiya Utsabs in Hyderabad, but also engage in multiple events to uphold the culture and tradition of Bengalis. Some of these are our annual cultural event after the onset of the Bengali New Year, our annual ‘choruibhaati’ during the winters, Saraswati puja and ‘haat-e khori’ etc. We touch upon social causes of supporting the underprivileged through NGOs and lend our helping hand to make the world greener through this juvenile association.
Over the years, we have been successful in helping our fellow Bengalis find an environment similar to their homeland and ensure that their next generation stay acquainted with our rich culture and tradition. So, we urge you to join us and have fun while we... 
‘Eat, Pray and Celebrate’ like a 16 anna Bangali.

Address: www.cyberabadbengalis.com