PATNA, Oct. 17 -- Deep inside Kadamkuan, the resonant rhythm of the dhaak and the piercing call of conch shells do more than herald the homecoming of the Divine Mother-they echo over a century of defiant history. Established in 1893, the iconic Bangali Akhada marks its 134th year of Durga Puja celebrations, keeping alive a legacy born not just out of faith, but of revolutionary fervour. Originally established as Bihar's first weightlifting gymnasium, the Akhada served as a sanctuary where freedom fighters organised the puja under the watchful eyes of colonial police to evade arrest and plot India's liberation. More than a century later, that historic ground continues to preserve strictly authentic Bengali customs under the stewardship of president Nishith Kumar Bose, vice president Amit Sinha, general secretary Biswajit Sarkar, assistant secretary Saurabh Bhattacharya, and an active executive committee consisting of 40 members. The sacred festivities commenced on Shasthi (Oct 16) with the ceremonial unveiling (pat khulna) at 8:41 AM, followed by the evening Amantran ritual inviting the Goddess at 6:00 PM. Festivities flow into Saptami, where devotees gather at 7:14 AM amidst conch blowing and drumbeats to invoke Devi with sacred bel leaves and traditional kajal. A key highlight remains the Kola Bou snan-a consecrated banana tree draped in a yellow-bordered saree to personify Lord Ganesha's consort-escorted down to the holy Ganga for ritual purification with sacred mantras. The spiritual intensity peaks during the solemn Sandhi Puja, observed between 7:37 and 8:26 AM, marking the exact celestial window when Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura. In an atmosphere glowing with reverence, women assemble to illuminate precisely 108 earthen lamps. On October 19, the premises will host the revered Kumari Puja at 10:30 AM. Authenticity extends straight to the community bhog. Traditional earthen handis are procured specifically from Krishnanagar in West Bengal to steam the Saptami and Ashtami khichdi. On Navami, the menu transitions to fragrant pulao and signature Bengali darbesh (boondi laddus). The celebration continues to be an indispensable stop on Patna's civic and cultural map. Nitish Kumar had maintained an unbroken tradition of visiting the Akhada every Ashtami throughout his tenure as chief minister, while present chief minister Samrat Choudhary is slated to visit for the first time, supported closely by the local district administration and Kadamkuan Police, said assistant secretary Saurabh Bhattacharya. The celebrations conclude on October 20 with the bittersweet rites of Maa ka Varan and Sindoor Khela. Draped in red-and-white sarees, women bid farewell to the Mother as one would bid adieu to a cherished daughter heading back to her matrimonial home, sealing another chapter in Bangali Akhada's timeless cultural tapestry....