New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- For Puja enthusiasts, Buroshibtala Durga Puja, a popular crowd-puller over the past decade, has scaled down its celebrations this year, reportedly due to political reasons following the change of government in the state.
This year, the Puja is being organised on a modest scale, focusing on rituals rather than the grandeur of previous years. "We are not having any theme Puja this time," a club member said. Sources said a Trinamool minister, now in jail, had been a major patron of the Puja. With several of his associates reportedly fleeing their homes, others have stayed away from organising the celebrations. The Buroshibtala pandal shot to fame in 2013 when it recreated a 105-foot camel temple, earning international acclaim. Since then, it has emerged as a major crowd-puller, competing closely with the neighbouring Suruchi Sangha pandal.
The absence of a theme Puja has left a void in the neighbourhood, though some residents are relieved that smaller crowds will make it easier to reach home and take their cars out of garages. Club members declined to spell out the exact reasons for dropping the theme, citing fund constraints. They expressed hope of returning with a grand celebration in 2027.
Located a stone's throw from CM Suvendu Adhikari's residence in Behala, the Puja has lost much of its usual lustre this year, leaving regular pandal-hoppers disappointed as the once-popular attraction misses its place on their annual festive itinerary. The Puja had drawn considerable attention in recent years, attracting visitors with its presentation and becoming a talking point among pandal-hoppers for its glass pandal and use of mirrors, along with themes of nature and jungle.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.