The grand pandals are again. On the daybreak of Mahalaya the air fills with the singing of the music ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, as grand idols of Durga wait, adorned in all their kinds. Bengalis within the metropolis are able to throng pandals and feast on newly dressed wreaths, prasad and bhog and revel in stay cultural applications within the night.
The Union of Bengal in Chennai has been making ready for months to host a grand Durga Puja. Bhaskar Sen, Vice President, South Madras Cultural Affiliation (SMCA) says, “Besant Nagar hosts the most important puja in Chennai. This time our location has modified, we expect an even bigger crowd. Normally, we’ve There are round 30 to 40 meals stalls, whereas this 12 months, we’ve 50 meals and company stalls.”
Kolkata primarily based idol maker Kishori Pal’s group is working in T Nagar. picture credit score: Ragu R
Mukul Dasgupta, member of the governing physique of the Dakshin Society in Anna Nagar, says, “This 12 months there’s extra enthusiasm, and the variety of members has elevated. They’ve been busy with every day rehearsals for cultural occasions for the previous two months.”
South Society secretary Subir Ok Shaw says, “Our six toes Durga idol will historically be dhakar saji [made of silver foil and sequins], We’re inviting a drummer and a priest from Kolkata. Selfmade snacks and sweets shall be provided at Anandomela. There shall be round 10 stalls as a part of the pageant. On Navami, an artist from Chennai will carry out for our members.”
Find out how to contact Bengali associations in your metropolis
SMCA, 14th Cross Avenue, Shastri Nagar, Adyar, Company Floor: [email protected], 8013380181
Anna Nagar South Society, Postal & BSNL Group Corridor: [email protected], 8754485930
DCPCA, Elara Resort, Navalur, OMR: 733891360
Bhaskar says, “Our Durga idol shall be greater than 12 toes tall. The pageant will start with Panchami with Anandomela, which shall be open to all. We’re planning to ask a Bengali band from Bangalore and famend native Bengali singers to carry out for us. Throughout the day, we could have a number of competitions corresponding to drawing, singing, and so forth. ,
The South Chennai Pravasi Cultural Affiliation (DCPCA) additionally plans to put in a 12-feet tall Durga idol wearing conventional Bengali apparel. “We’ve got a youth brigade of multicultural members who’ve shut ties to Kolkata,” says secretary Jaipal Menon.
Durga Puja is incomplete with out the normal Khichdi Bhog and Rooster Roll within the night. In step with its 44-year-old custom, SMCA will provide free Khichdi Bhog to all devotees. Bhaskar says, “This time we’ve signed a particular information of Kolkata.”
the artist speaks
The puja brings happiness not solely to those that climb the pandal, but additionally to idol makers like Kishori Pal. The 70-year-old, who spent three months a 12 months within the metropolis earlier than Durga Puja, has been making idols right here since 1982. “I’m glad that the pre-pandemic days are again and the Sangh is as soon as once more celebrating Durga Puja in full swing. , I’ve obtained so many orders that some orders needed to be turned down.
In the meantime, South Society is serving bhog for its members solely. “It’s going to contain Luchi, Potato Vegetable, A dish in South Asian delicacies product of rice and lentilsAnd Payesh, The menu will change every day. Later ImmersionWe’ll serve non-vegetarian meals like Khaseer Manso (mutton curry) and matcher zoel (fish curry). Visitors will be capable of take pleasure in Bengali delicacies like Biryani and Rooster fund From our stalls within the night. We’ve got already tied up with some Bengali eating places in Chennai and are in talks with some eating places in Kolkata.”
Jayapal says that DCPA has invited cooks from Kolkata to offer company a style of Bengali delicacies. “there shall be Potato Bhaja, harmless And piangzi And totally different sorts of sweets,” he added. The affiliation will take precautionary measures like urging individuals to put on masks.
