Durga Puja of “Bonedi” Families at Kolkata

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Posted on October 8, 2013 by AMITABHA GUPTA

Durga Puja at Pathuriaghatas Khelat Ghoshs Family

During Durga Puja festival at Bengal the star attraction are the different BarowariPujas conducted by several clubs and associations. The themes of Pandal and idols ofthese pujas change every year. Latest themes of Pandals and idol are the talk of thetown.

Generally overlooked by the Pandal hoppers are the Durga Pujas held privately inseveral families some of whom were affluent and stalwarts in yesteryear, speciallyduring the Colonial Regime. Although the financial condition is not affluent as it wasin earlier days (mainly because the Zamindari system was abolished postindependence), yet these families till date perform Durga Puja with dedicationmaintaining all the rituals. The Pujas are all of 100+ years, some even 200+ and300+ years old. Everyone of the families gather to celebrate Durga Puja with pompand show as an annual get-together.

It is still being mentioned by the old timers that Goddess Durga adorned herself withjeweleries at Jorasankos Shib Krishna Dawns house, had lunch at Abhay CharanMitras house at Kumartuli and enjoyed music and dance at the Shovabazar Rajbari.

The Puja of Abhay Charan Mitras house who served gigantic sized sweets havestopped since long. But the other two houses of Shib Krishna Dawn and ShovabazarRajbari still celebrate Durga Puja with great pomp and show.

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Family Get Together during Durga Puja at Seal Family of Muktaram Babu Street

Every year many of my friends and relatives asks me for directions and addresses tothese families. These Pujas are refereed to in Bengal as Bonedi Barir Puja. I amsure what is the exact English of Bonedi, but affluent is close resemblance. Theyare in news many times, but the exact location and address is seldom mentioned.There is always a cluster of people who wish to visit such pujas.

I have visited many such families over the last 2-3 years, partly because of theinterests of my Father Asim Gupta who guided me to locate many such houses.Also one senior friend of mine Mr. Kanad Sanyal helped me by providing me withsome addresses and direction of these houses.

This is a compilation of some of these houses with addresses, maps andphotographs. Except one or two all have been visited by me personally andphotographed. In places where I did not have any photographs, I have used snapsclicked by friends and my father.

I do not claim this to be an exhaustive list. I have tried to be as accurate as possiblein mapping the directions. At present descriptions are very brief. I will go on addingmore descriptions and photographs. In case of families living in close vicinities, Ihave clubbed their locations in one Map. So you may land up opening the same mapfile while clicking on such Pujas directions Links.

I dedicate this compilation to people who are interested to visit Bonedi Barir Puja,to get a homely touch of Durga Puja and bask in Nostalgia. If you are interested totake photographs inside these house, please be polite to ask for permissions from thehousehold members. Also it is advisable to dress in conservative fashion

BONEDI BARIR PUJA THE LIST

1. SABARNA ROYCHOWDHURY FAMILY AATCHALA PUJA

Address26, Sabarna Para Road, Kolkata 700008, Barisha (Near Sakherbazar)Click Here for Direction Map

Celebrated since 1610 in the ancestral home at Barisha, this is perhaps the oldestfamily Durga Puja or it might even be the first organized Durga Puja of Bengal.Thefamily performs eight pujas by its different branches, the main being the Aatchala.


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Sabarna Roychowdhury Aatchala Durga Puja

2. SOVABAZAR RAJ BARIR PUJA

Address36 and 33, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar (Near Sovabazar Metro Station)Click here for Direction Map

Started from 1757, Durga Puja celebration takes places in the two palaces of theSovabazar royal family of Raja Nabakrishna Deb, founder of the ShobhabazarRajbari. It is said Goddess Durga Comes here to listen Music

SovaBazar Baro Rajbari, 36 Raja Nabakrishna Street

Sovabazar Choto Rajbari, 33 Raja Nabakrishna Street

3. BAIDYANATH(DE) MALLICK FAMILYS SINGHABAHINI DURGAPUJA

Address39, Jatindra Mohan Avenue, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map


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orKashinath Mullick Thakurbari, 142, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata 700007Click here for Direction Map

( Direction 1 : Jatindra Mohan Avenue is the northern extension of CentralAvenue. If you are driving towards Shovabazar, the Mallick House will come on theleft just before Mitra Cafe near to Shovabazar Metro)

(Direction 2 :Kashinath Mullick Thakurbari is located at the junction of MahatmaGandhi Road and Rabindra Sarani. The house is located on the Southern side of theroad opposite to Bangur Buildings)

About 400 years old, this Durga Puja is perhaps one of the most professionallymanaged large scale Bonedi Barir Durga puja of 2013. The Idol worshiped here is ofa Astadhatu Singhabahini (Lion Rider, a form of Durga) which has an interestinghsitory. Around 1614, Baidyanath De Mallick acquired this idol from a cave atChandranath Hill of Chattagram ( Now at Bangladesh), where Singhabahini wasbeing worshiped secretly, By instruction through Divine intervention in his dream,Baidyanath De Mallick brought the idol back to his home at Saptagram of WestBengal.

The puja of this idol alteratively takes places at Jatindra Mohan Avenue house or atthe Kashinath Mullick Thakurbari at Mahatma Gandhi Road. In 2014 the Puja willbe celebrated at the Mahatma Gandhi Road address.

The origin of this idol dates much beyond that. This Singhabahini idol was theKuldevi(family deity) of King Harshavardans brother RajyaBardhan Dev. The idolwas obtained by undue influence by Jaipurs King Mansingh and established as hisKuldevi(family deity)in Rajasthan. On 1614 , after his death the Pujari (priest) ofescaped with the idol to protect it from the Mughals and took it to Chandranath Hillof Chattagram.

The idol is unique in its style and structure.

Baidyanath (de) Mallicks SinghaBahini Idol, Photo Courtesy : Amit Ghosal

4.BAGHBAZAAR HALDARBARI DURGAPUJA

Address17/2, Kaliprasad Chakraborty StreetClick here for Direction Map

(The house is located at Kaliprasad Chakraborty Street,Bagbazar,Near Bagbazar


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Gouriya Math & opposite to Khirodeprasad Bidyabinod Mancha on BagbazarStreet & very near to Baghbazar Sarbojaneen Durgapujo Pandal)

The Durga Idol of the Haldar family ages over 400 years. It is said that one of theHaldar Family ancestors dreamt of this idol buried under Fishermans Hut. The idolwas dug and recovered. However in 19th century the family left this statueunattended and worshiped a larger idol.

At present the family worships the old idol only with high enthusiasm. Like manyhouse, the hosts greets the visitors with Narkel Naru ( sweet made of Coconut),which is the Prasad of the Goddess.

BaghBazar Haldar Family Durga Puja. Photo Courtesy : Plabon Das

5. BEHALA RAY BARIR PUJA

AddressAMARENDRA BHAVAN, 4/1, Roy Bahadur A.C. Roy Road, Behala, Kolkata (NearBehala Thana)Click here for Direction Map

Started by Ray Bahadur Ambika Charan Roy on 1756, Behala Ray Barir Pujo is beingcelebrated now at the palatial residence Amarendra Bhaban of his third sonAmarendra Roys Family. Ambika Charan Roy had amassed enough wealth to be setaside solely for the purpose of conducting the Durga Puja over the years. Other thanDurga Puja, Jagadhatri Puja is also celebrated here.


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The Massive Thakur Dalan of Roy bari , Behala

6. BEHALA JAGAT RAM MUKHERJEES FAMILY PUJA

Address56 Bramho Samaj Road, Behala, Kolkata (Near Behala Tram Depot)Click here for Direction Map

Jagat Ram Mukherji original hailed from Barrackpur. He had a second marriage inthe Haldar Family and settled in Behala in 1740. He had one daughter and four sonsfrom this marriage. Once his daughter along with his nephews went to visit theDurga Puja of his maternal uncle house the Haldar Family. She was not properlyattended there and so being insulted she returned back home and asked his fatherJagat Ram Mukherji to conduct Durga Puja at his home. It was Navami, thepenultimate day of Durga Puja, so instead of worshiping an idol, symbolic Ghot Pujawas done.

From next year till 1867 Clay idol of Goddess Durga was worshiped in this house.In1868, Jyotinath Mukherjee great grand son of Jagat Ram made Durga idol of Gold,which is being worshiped till date.

Jagat Ram Mukherjees house of Golden Durga Idol

7. RANI RASHMONI FAMILYS DURGA PUJAS

Address13 Rani Rashmoni Road, 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road and 18 Rani Rashmoni RoadClick here for Direction Map

(At Janbazaar at the crossing of Rani Rashmoni road and S.N. Banerjee Road. Oneend of Rani Rashmoni Road lands at Lenin Sarani, while the other part extendsinto Mirza Ghalib Street alias Free School Street. Driving through this street takesyou to Park Srteet. There are two houses here. One on S.N. Banerjee Road and theother on Rani Rashmoni Road)


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Founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and a pillar of strength in the maledominated society, Rani Rashmoni started Durga Puja at her S.N. Banerjee Roadresidence. After her death in in 1861, his sons-in-law and daughters continued DurgaPuja celebrations in their respective premises.In the S.N. Banerjee Road house thefestival is celebrated by two families while at Rani Rashmoni Road house, Puja iscelebrated by one family.

The Durga Puja held at 13 Rani Rashmoni Road is the one originally initiated byRani Rashmoni herself. Thakur Ramakrishna Paramahansa has worshiped here too.The entry to this Puja is through the Free School Street. The Hazra family are incharge of this Durga Puja.This was originally the Kacharibari of Rani Rashmoni.

In the same building the second Durga Puja of this family can be visited from theentrance on S.N. Banerjee Road itself. This is 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road premisesDurga Puja, held by the Chowdhury family. It is interesting to note that one Buildinghas different street addresses

On the other side of the Road at 18 Rani Rashmoni Road stands the huge RaniRashmoni Bhawan. This Puja is conducted by the Biswas family.

Durga Puja at 13 Rani Rashmoni Road. This is the Durga Puja initiated byRani Rashmoni herself.


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Khelat Chandra Ghoshs House Pathuriaghata Street

Durga Puja held at 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road

Rani Rashmoni Bhawan Durga Puja, 18 Rani Rashmoni Road, Photo courtesy : Asim Gupta

8. PATHURIAGHATA KHELAT GHOSHS HOUSE

Address47 Pathuria Ghata Street , North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Opposite lane to Lohia Matri Sadan on Rabindra Sarani)

The Thakurdalan of Khelatchandra Ghoshs House is one of the largest suchstructure in Kolkata, if not THE Largest. Apart from having a 85 feet long corridor ofMarble, this premises showcases a grand dancing hall, which has been convertedinto Khelat Ghosh Memorial Hall.

9.JORASANKO DAWN HOUSE

Address


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12A Shibkrishna Dawn Lane , North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Near Girish Park. Walking towards Rabindra Sarani on Vivekananda Road, thislane originates on your left just after no 24A Vivekananda Road.)

A successful businessman Gokul Chandra Dawn of Satgachia came to reside atJorasanko. Here He adopted Shibkrishna Dutta, his relatives son as his own. On thisoccasion, Gokul Chandra Dawn celebrated Durga Puja in 1840. From then thetradition has been carried on by Shibkrishna Dawn and later his descendents tilldate. Shibkrishna Dawn built up a Coalliary and had major contribution in buildingup Rail Lines. The Thakurdalan and the courtyard is huge and has been shootingvenue of many a films. It is said that Goddess Durga comes to wear her Jeweleries atthe Jorasanko Dawn House. The reason being Gold ornaments in large quantity todecorate the Chalchitra along with Ornaments of diamonds and emeralds werebrought from Europe.

Jorasanko Dawn Bari, 12A Shibkrishna Dawn Lane

10.BALARAM DEY STREET DUTTA BARIR PUJA (Also Known asBALARAM DEY STREET GHOSH BARI PUJO)

Address159, Balaram De Street Kolkata , North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Near Girish Park Metro Station. Walking towards Sovabazar from Girish Park,Balaram Dey Street Falls on your left just after the Metro Station)

Initiated by Shyamal Dhon Dutta, A Solicitor of High Court with roots in Hath KholaDutta Bari in the year 1882, the Puja is carried by 6th descendent of the family. Thehouse is known for following many ancient rituals including carrying idols onBamboos like old days instead of taking them on Truck.For more information on this Puja Click here


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Painting of Eye at Balaram Dey Street Dutta Barir Puja

11. BAISHNABDAS MALLICK FAMILYS DURGA PUJA

Address32, Darpanarayan Tagore StreetClick here for Direction Map

(Darpanarayan Tagore Street connects Maharshi Debendra Road and JadulalMallick Road. Coming from Girish Park, you have to walk quite a a bit as it is anone way. Crossing Rabindra Sarani, as soon as you come from Jadulal MallickRoad on your right, take a right turn. Then again take a left turn to enterDarpanaryan Street. The Mallick Bari will fall in your left. If you are not interstedin walking, cross Grish Park while driving on Central Avenue and take a left turnfrom Danis Ghosh Lane , cross Rabindra Sarani to reach Nimtala Ghat Street (extension Of Dani Ghosh Lane. Take a left turn as you reach Jadulal Mallick Road.Drive straight and you will reach Darpanarayan Tagore Streeton your right.)

The Durga Puja of Baishnab Das Mallicks house is of around 225 years old.Originating from Chinsurah, Baishnab Das Mallick was Gold Merchant and laterwent into Real Estate too.The huge Mallick Residence has a large courtyard.

The most interesting thing about the Durga Idol of this house is that there is noLakhsmi and Saraswati Idol here, but two Jaya and Bijoya idols which are not onlytaller than Kartick and Ganesh idols and but they are taller than the Durga Idol too.Goddess Durga is seated here on the lap of Shiva.

Baishnabdas Mallicks House Durga Puja

12.NARASIMHA DAWN FAMILYS PUJO

Address20 Vivekananda Road, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Just a few steps before Rabindra Sarani, while coming from Girish Park. Falls onyour left on the road.)

Descendants from Kotulpur in Bankura, the family of Narasingh Chandra Dawn


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celebrates Durga Puja from 1859 which was inaugurated by late Late Nandalal Daw.In Early Days, the family did trading on spices. At present they are leading GunMakers and Merchants.

Narsingh Chandra Daw Familys Durga Idol.Photo Courtesy : Tirthankar Sarkar

13.HAATKHOLA DUTTA BARIR PUJA

Address78, Nimtala Ghat Street, North KolkataClick Here for Direction Map

(Coming on to Rabindra Sarani from Girish Park take a right turn on the tramlineand drive straight. Soon you will land up at Chitpur Jatrapara, where colourfulposters of Jatra falls on your left. Take a left turn and go straight until you land upnear the massive ruins of a building which was once Scottish Church School onyour right. A few steps ahead is the Dutta Bari. if youre coming from CentralAvenue , you have to take a left turn at Dani Ghosh lane extension Of BeadonStreet and Drive straight )

Hatkhola Dutta House was constructed by Dewan Jagataram Dutta in the lateeighteenth century. His Grandfather Ramchandra Datta was employed in East IndiaComapanys Export import Division in Patna Warehouse. A very conservative familywho stayed away from the usual frivolities of wasting money has been carrying theirDurga Puja since last 200 years


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Hathkhola Dutta Bari Durga Puja

14. CHATUBABU LATUBABU FAMILYS DURGA PUJA

AddressRamdulal Nibas, 67E Beadon Street ( Alias Dani Ghosh Street), North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(At the crossing of Beadon Street and Central Avenue)

At his Beadon street residence,Ram Dulal Deb (Sarkar) started organising DurgaPuja from the year 1770. After his demise, the Puja was carried on by his sonsAsuthosh and Pramatha Nath Debs, more commonly known as Chatu babu and Latubabu which continues by his grandson Anath Nath Deb.The highlight of the idol ispresence of Jaya and Bijaya, the two companions of Parvati, who flank Durga poisedon lotuses. They have no Veena or Pot but just have their hand raised

Durga Puja of Chatu Babu Latu Babu

15.DARJIPARAR MITRA BARI

Address19, Nilmani Mitra Street & 42, Beadon Row, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(The First house is the Huge building Of the Mitras with a Huge and wellmaintained Thakur Dalan, the second is a small house with a small run downThakururdalan)

The palatial building of Mitras came into existence during the times of DurgacharanMitra who had several business including being court jeweller of Nawab Siraj -ud-Daulah. His Nephew Nilmani Mitra continued the legacy. Later the familyscondition declined. but Nilmani Mitras grandson Radhakrishna bought back fortunein the family. It was Radhakrishna who started Durga Puja in n 1807. This is one ofthe three top Banedi Pujas of Kolkata other than Jorasnako Dawn Bari and Sovabazar Rajbari. The rituals are interesting and very meticulously followed.


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Womanfolk of Darjipara Mitra House performing rituals at their Nilmani Mitra Street premises

Thakurdalan of Mitra family at Beadon Row

16.MANIKTALA SAHA FAMILYS DURGA PUJA

Address122A Maniktala Street, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(If you are driving from Girish Park towards Maniktala, you will get ManiktalaStreet on your left in an angular fashion besides Swami Vivekananda;s Statue justbefore you get Raja Rammohan Sarani Alias Amherst Street on right. )

The Maniktala Saha Family was originally Salt Merchants and had a huge Zamindarithroughout Kolkata. The family originated from Allahabad. Durga Puja of this familyis around 150 years.The white Coloured Huge house is located just at the junction ofVivekananda Road and Maniktala Street. It has a huge Thakurdalan inside.


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Maniktala Saha Familys Thakurdalan

17. BHOLANATH DUTTA BARIR PUJO

Address33/2, Beadon Street (Alias Abhedananda Road), Kolkata 700006Click here for Direction Map

(From Manikatala crossing whilst going towards Shyambazar, Beadon Street fallsjust after the crossing on the right. Beadon street has been divided and renamed asAbhedananda Road upto Bidhan Sarani and then till Rabindra Sarani it has beenrenamed as Dani Ghosh Lane)

At the Kulin Gandhabanik Dutta household, Bholanath Dham the idol of Durga issitting on Shivas Lap with no weapons or Vahana and no Mahishashur around. Thisis a legendary idol visualized by one of legendary Merchants of history DhanapatiSaudagar, also belonging to the kulin Gandhabanik clan. Bholanath Dutta startedthis Shiva Durga Puja idol in 1905 at Bholanath Ashram of Varansai. His sonscontinued the Puja till 1913 after Bholanaths death and then eventually shifted it toSovabazar at Calcutta and finally to the residence at Beadon Street.

Bholanath Dham Dutta Family Durga Idol. Photo courtesy : Rangan Dutta

18.MAHENDRA SRIMANI FAMILYS DURGA PUJA

Address17 Mahendra Srimani Street (Alias Sukea Street), Kolkata 700009Click here for Direction Map

(Mahendra Srimani Street is just opposite Ram Mohan Library and at the junctionof Ram Mohan Roy Road (not Sarani) and A. P. C. Road at 267, A.P.C. Roadbetween Rajabazar and Maniktala. Alternatively while coming from Girish Parktowards Maniktala, turn right to Raja Rammohan Sarani Alias Amherst Street anddrive striaght crossing the famous the Chaltabagan Lohapatty Puja. MahendraSrimani Street will fall on your left.)

The Durga Puja of Mahendra Srimani family is of about 200 years. Mahendra


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Srimani was a wealthy zaminder who settled here in the late 19th century. He was animportant social worker too. The Thakurdalan has several interesting elements andthe idol is traditional. Being a resident of this area let me volunteer with twoinformation. 1. Sukea Street is named after Parsee Doctor Sukeas 2.Within stonethrowing distance of this street are the ancestral house of three great men of Bengal Raja Rammohan Roy, Iswarchandra Vidyasagar and Satyajit Roy.

Durga Puja of Mahendra Srimani

19. HARINATH MOOKERJEE FAMILYS DURGAPUJA, RAJABAZAR

Address4, Kalidas Singha Lane Kolkata 700009(Behind Rajabazar Science College, by lane of Keshab Chandra Sen Street)

Click here for Direction Map

(This is close to Srimani Barir Puja at Sukea Street. Actually it is on the back side ofRajabazar Science College. From Sukea Street you may walk back to A.J.C. BoseRoad and turn right towards Razabazar. Just before Rajabazar Science College alane falls on the right. This is Parsi Bagan Lane. Walk though it for sometimes untilyou get Kalidas Singha Lane on your left. The house is near the end of this lane.

Alternatively if you are coming from Seldah, get down at Rajabazar stoppage.Walk in to Keshab Chandra Street on your left. Just two minutes walk and you willget Kalidas Singha Lane on your right.)

This is one of the earliest Bonedi Barir Puja of Kolkata which is of 291 years old. Itstarted in 1722 when one of the descendants of family Harinath Mookerjee shiftedto Kolkata (then Calcutta) from his ancestral Zamindar house at Gondol para ofChandannagar along with his mother.The Family history says that HarinathMookerjee brought with him a metal ghot (pot to store water). This was found by hisgrandfather while ploughing a field. After recovering the ghot, HarinathsGrandfather had a dream where he had divine instruction to worship GoddessMangal Chandi every day.

Harinath Mookerjee acquired two houses at Rajabazar area which was actually awashermans den. He established Devi Mangal Chandi as the family deity in thishouse. Under divine instruction, Harinath started Durga Puja in this house. Hestarted business of Jute as a supplier with East India Company which was successfulto a great extent. He became a landlord (Zamindar) and built up the presentmansion along with Thakurdalan and huge decorative interiors.


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The Thakurdalan is not enormous but very interesting. At its entrance there is aunique design of stucco painted in multicolor with figures and floral motifs. On eachside of the Thakuradalan there is a figure (one male and female) which lookssurprisingly of African descendant. They look representing slaves as there isindication of having chains tied to their legs. Most probably the statues were ofHabshi, slaves in pre-British India.

The picturesque Thakurdalan of Harinath Mookerjee at Rajabazar

20. LAHA BARI DURGA PUJA

Address2A Bidhan Sarani (College Street) or 121 Mukataram Babu Street, North Kolkata,50A, Kailash Bose Street, Kolkata- 700006 or 1 Bechu Chatterjee Street, off Bidhansranai


(2A Bidhan Sarani falls near to Thanthania Kali Bari. Bechu Chatterjee street isjust opposite to the Kalibari. 121 Muktaram Babu Street falls on the left hand side, ifyou enter from Central Avenue near Ram Mandir. From Bidhan Sarani MuktaramBabu Street is the lane just after Bina Cinema. Kailash Bose street falls nearSreemani Bazar on Bidhan Sarani alias College street.)

Durgapuja of Laha Family near Thanthania is 200 years plus old. The firstgeneration of Laha family Madhu Mangal Laha run a business at Saptagram. DurgaPuja of Laha Bari was started by Late Bhagibati Charan Laha. The Puja flourishedduring the time of Late Prankrishna Laha, who had developed a huge profitablebusiness.

The Puja is held alternatively at Bidhan Sarani House of Kristodas Laha or at theMuktaram Babu Street of Ramcharan Laha or at Kailash Street House of JoygobindaLaha or at house of Parbaticharan Laha at Bechu Chatterjee Street. In 2013 DurgaPuja was held at Joygobinda Lahas residence at Kailash Bose Street. In 2014 DurgaPuja is to be held at Parbaticharan Lahas residence at Bechu Chatterjee Street

Here the Durga Idol is unique like the Duttas of Beadon street. Durga is seen on thelap of Shiva with no arms, no Vahana and without any Asur Demon. This is known asHara Gouri Idol.


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Durga Idol of Thanthania Laha Bari

21. THANTHANIA DUTTA BARI

Address3 Bidhan Sarani (College Street), North Kolkata (Near Thanthania Kali Bari)Click here for Direction Map

Started in 1855 by Dawaraka Nath Dutta, The Duttas of Thanthania worship HaraGouri like their neighbour The Lahas. The Puja is celebrated with great pomp andshow till date.

Durga Dalan of Thanthania Dutta Bari

22. CHORBAGAN CHATTERJEE BARI

Address120, Muktaram Babu Street, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Enter Mukataram Babu Street from Central Avenue near RamMandir. TheChatterjee house will fall mid way on your right. In case you enter from BidhanSarani take the lane just after Bina Cinema. )

The most unique thing of Chorbagan Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja is that fromSaptami to Dashami fish is offered to Devi as bhog. The Durga Puja Carried in theirancestral house is over 150 years old which was initiated by Ram Chatterjee. He wasa Stevedore by profession.


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Chorbagan Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja

23. CHORBAGAN MITRA BARI


(Enter Mukataram Babu Street from Central Avenue near RamMandir. The BigRed Pillared house is just at the entrance of the street opposite to RamchandraLahas house. In case you enter from Bidhan Sarani take the lane just after BinaCinema. )

Both the house and the Durga Puja of Chorbagan Mitra Bari are of 300 plus yearsold. The Magnificient building looked grand in its haydays with its huge pillars, butnow is a crumbling situation. The house was built by Ramsundar Mitra who was amoney lender by profession.He event lent money on interest to Lord Clive. DurgaPuja is held alternatively in the Thakurdalan on the Muktram Bbau Street or in thedalan on the other part of the house, whose entrance is through the super narrowMitra lane adjacent to the house.

Chorbagan Mitra house Durga Puja. This Dalan has to be entered from the Mitra Lane. The other dalan falls onthe Muktaram Babu entrance.

24. CHORBAGAN SEAL BARI



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(If you are coming from Girish Park To Esplanade, you have to enter that part ofMuktaram Babu street which falls on your right. The house is just some steps afterthe Giant Marble Palace on your left )

Khetramoni Debi, wife of successful businessman and exporter took the initiative tostart Durga Puja in the Seal family, 158 years ago. There is a plaque at the house tothis effect. Seal family follows Vaishnavism and are strictly vegetarian.

Chorbagan Seal Family Durgapuja

25. BADAN CHANDRA ROYS HOUSE

Address2A, Gopal Chandra Lane, Colootola, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(You can access to Gopal Chandra Lane from Central Avenue itself or enterColootola Lane alias Maulana Shaukat Ali Street and turn left)

The 150 years Durga puja was started by Late Badan Chandra Roy in his palatialthree storied house at Kolootola opposite to Medical College Hospital. TheThakurdalan is quite large here too. The lights on the courtyard gives a beautifulglow in the night.

Badan Chandra Roys grand Thakurdalan

26. PURNA CHANDRA DHARS HOUSE

Address


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32A, Debendra Mullick Road, North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Devendra Mallick Lane is just opposite to Medical College . Go straight to the endof the lane. The house on your right is Dhar Familys residence. Access the housefrom the entrance which is located on the right of the building.)

Origianting from Halisahar, Purnchandra Dhar was Salt Merchant by profession.Durga Puja in the family is almost 150 years old. Here the Durga Idol is AbhayaMurti. In Abhaya Murti, Durga has only two hands, without any Demon Asurs butwith two lions.It may be mentioned that Thakur Ramakrishna Dev visited this house.

Purnachandra Dhars Abhaya Durga Idol

27. MOTILAL SEALS HOUSE

Address60 Colootola Street (alias Maulana Shaukat Ali Street), North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(Coolotola Lane is located just besides C.R. Avenue Post Office on the opposite footof Medical College.)

Apart from being an extreme wealthy businessman who earned plenty from variouskind of business, Motilal Seal is famous for his philanthropy and social activity.Hewas a strong supporter of widow marriage and even paid Rs 20,000 to firstgentleman who married a widow.His next generation has continued to good work,Durga puja of this family is over 150 yerars old.


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Motilal Seals House Durga Idol

28. PATALADNGA BASU MALLICK FAMILY DURGA PUJA

Address18 & 22 Radhanath Mallick LaneClick here for Direction Map

(Radhanath Mallick Lane starts at 22, Surya Sen Street, right after PutiramsEatery as you travel towards Sealdah from College Street. The Lane is besides thelocal Corporation office)

The Durga Puja of Basu Mallick family ages back to 1831, when founder of BasuMallick clan, Radhanath Mallick (who later took the title of Basu Mallick) begin toworship Goddess Durga in the premises of 18 Radhanath Mallick Lane. Radhanathdid business with the British, was amongst the first Benaglis to learn English andhad some 40 mansions in his name when he died at the ripe age of 44. One of TheGrandson of Radhanath Kshetra Chandra Basu Mallick, started Durga puja at 22Radhanath Mallick Lane. The Thakurdalan has a cast iron frame with glass behind it

The oldest house of the Basu Mallick clan is the one at 18 Radhanath Mallick Lane.There are several Statues of Mercury in the courtyard, which were once used to holdgas lamps. The Thakurdalan has stucco floral decoration over its arches. Above thearches there is a row of stucco figures depicting Dasavatar of Vishnu. In 1905,Rabindranath Tagore had visited this house and appealed to students so that theyleave government educational institutions.

22 Radhanath Mallick Lane House


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18 Radhanath Mallick Lane House

29. COCOLA HOUSE DURGA PUJA

AddressArpuli Lane alias Surrendra Lal Pyne LaneClick here for Direction Map

Cocola house is located at the junction Arpuli Lane and Madhu Gupta Lane. Youcan reach here taking the Sreegopal Mallick Lane besides Radhanath Mallick Lane.On Outside of the building Cocola House is mentioned in Bengali. From RamMohan Ray Sarani (Amherst Street) you have to enter through SiddehswarChatterjee lane (134 Raja Rammohon Sarani.) From College Street , you have toenter from no 22.

Cocola House Durga Puja

30. KABIRAJ GANGAPRASAD SENSS DURGA PUJA

Address17 Kumartuli Street, North Kolkata (at Kumartuli, near the Kumartuli Ghat)Click here for Direction Map

Durga puja at reputed physician Kabiraj Gangaprasad Sen is of 168 years. He hadRamakrishna Paramhansa as his regular patient. The Kabiraj earned enough moneyto initiate Durga puja in his premises with enough grandeur. He even constituted atrust to carry on the puja in future generations. The idol is ak chala, butinterestingly Kartick is on the left side below Lakshmi and Ganesh is on the rightside below Saraswati.


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Kabiraj Gangaprasad Sens Durgapuja

31. BHAWANIPUR MALLICK FAMILY DURGA PUJA

AddressMohini Mohan Road, Bhawanipur, South KolkataClick here for Direction Map

Near Netaji Bhawan Metro Station. The lane just before JaduBabur Bazar isMohini Mohan Road. Walk straight until you almost come to the end. Mallick Bariis inside a small entrance on your left.

Durga puja of Mallick Family dates back to 15th Century.The Founder of Mallickfamily Radha Gobinda Mallick settled in Bhowanipur in 1860. His place of originwas the village of Srikhanda, from where they shifted to Guptipara. From 1925,Durga Puja shifted from native village to Kolkata.

Puja rituals are performed at Mallick residence at two locations , namelyAnnapurna Dalan and the other Durga Dalan. Mallick Family are Vaisnavas andprepare vegetarian food from Sasthi to Nabami. After immersion in Dasami, theyprepare Non Veg food. No rice is offered to the goddess, but preparation of wheat isdone. Popular Bengali filmstar Ranjit Mallick and her daughter successful actorKoel Mallick belongs to this family.

Bhawanipur Mallick Bari Durgapuja. Photo Courtesy : Shailesh Liya

32. BHAWANIPUR MITRA FAMILY DURGA PUJA


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Address13, Paddapukur Road, Bhawanipur, South KolkataClick here for Direction Map

Near Netaji Bhawan Metro Station. The lane just after JaduBabur Bazar isPaddapukur Road. Walk straight until you almost come to the end towards AllenbyRoad. Mitra Residence is on the left. You can see the Thakurdalan from the roaditself.

At THe Mitra residence at Bhowanipore. the Durga Puja origin back to 1757. TheDurga Idol appears to be Dwiabhuja at fisrt sight but actually has two natural handsand the rest of the eight hands are short and on the shoulders. After the idol isdressed up, you cannot see the rest of the eight small hands.Laxmi and Saraswatihave no vahan and are seen on the lotus.The Lions head has a close resemblance toHorse and is painted white with mustache in black

Bhawanipur Mitra Bari Durgapuja. Photo Courtesy : Shailesh Liya

33.AKRUR DUTTAS DURGA PUJA

Address1 Rajen Datta Lane, North KolaktaClick here for Direction Map

(Walking from Wellington square towards College Street, after Crossing GaneshChnandra Avenue, Akrur Dutta Lane falls on your right)

Born in 1720 in Sonatikri village in Hooghly district, Akrur Dutta visited Calcutta in1740 and started business with Pritiram Marh, the father-in-law of Rani Rashmoni.From this business Akrur Dutta becaome enviably rich.

Durga puja began in the late 18th century in the Thakurdalan of his house at 1 RajenDatta Lane, which is now invisible from the road as because a flat has rosen infrontof it at 18/4 Akrur Datta Lane. In Colonial era thaere used to be a hideout tunnelunder the thakurdalan whixh opened on to Wellington Square.


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Akrur Duttas Durga Puja

34. RAMGOPAL SAHAS HOUSE DURGA PUJA

Address4 Thakurdas Palit Lane, North Kolkata


(Thakur Das Palit Lane is continuation of Akrur Dutta Lane. Drive Straight crossBancharam Akrur Dutta Lane and you get this huge building on your right)

The Durga Puja of Saha family is over 175 years old. Initiated by Ramgopal Saha Awine and Liquor merchant, Saha family residence has a wonderful Thakurdalanwhich once impressed Ace Lensman Raghu Rai. However now days photographersget restricted entry to this house. Any uninvited person with a camera is a strict nono in this house during Sandhipuja.

Ramgopal Saha Thakur dalan

35. SISIR KUMAR HALDER HOUSE DURGA PUJA

Address15 Ramanath Kabiraj Lane ( 55 Sashibhusan dey Street)Click here for Direction Map

(You can continue from Thakur Das Palit Lane as mentioned in entry no 28. Turnleft and then again a left turn into a very narrow alley to reach Ramanath KabirajLane.Mind it lanes are rather narrow here.)

200+ year old Haldar Family Durgapuja has a permanent Durga Idol made of Gold.The Thakurdalan has an unique shape with Stained Glass decorations.


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Rakhaldas Halder Thakurdalan

36.CHANDRA FAMILYS DURGA PUJA

Address23 Nirmal Chandra Street, Central KolkataClick here for Direction Map

( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh ChnandraAvenue, this house fall on your left on Nirmal Chandra Road as you travel tow radsBowbazar.)

The Chandra Family hailed from Khisma village of Nadia district. The first familymember to settle at Kolkata was Bharat Chandra in 1781 . The Durga Puja started in1877 by Ganesh Chandra (Ganesh Chandra Avenue is named after him) afterbuilding up the immense Thakurdalan.The Thakurdalan was designed by renownedarchitect, Srish Chandra Chattapadhyay. The Chandras are both Vaishnavas andShaktas. Late Pratap Chandra Chunder union minister of India hails from thisfamily.


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Chandra Family Durga Puja

37. DUTTA FAMILYS DURGA PUJA ON HIDARAM BANERJEE LANE

Address62 Hidaran Banerejee Lane, Central KolkataClick here for Direction Map

( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh ChnandraAvenue, travel on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near BowbazarCrossing, this narrow Hidaram Banerjee lane falls on your right admidst a bazzar.The Dutta House falls on your left after walking down the lane. )

Durga Puja was started on 1883 in this family by Gobinda Chandra Dutta. He hadbusiness of Belgium Glass

Hidaram Banerjee Dutta Family Durga Puja

38. BISWANATH MOTILALS FAMILY DURGA PUJA

Address1/C Durga Pithuri Lane, Central KolkataClick here for Direction Map

( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh ChnandraAvenue, travel on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near BowbazarCrossing, this narrow Hidaram Banerjee lane falls on your right admidst a bazzar.Durga Pithuri Lane is the first turn on your left after crossing Dutta house on theleft. 1/C is the first house on left of Durga Pithuri Lane.)

One of the oldest aristocrat families of calcutta is that of Biswanath Motilal, who hadhis roots at Joynagar. It is believed that the Bowbazar Area was allocated to hisDaughter in lawas a gift, hence the name Bow Bazar (Bow in Bengai meansWife).This simple Family Puja dates over 300 years. Among the house being a placeof historical place (Outside the house a worn out name plate says Here lived BabuBisso Nath Motilal Born : 1779 Died :1844), there is an interesting shaped brass Oilmulti lamp, which burns from Saptami onwards.


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Biswanath Motilals Family Durga Puja

39. NILMANI DEY THAKURBARI DURGA PUJA

Address45 Hidaram Banerjee Lane, Central KolkataClick here for Direction Map

( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh ChandraAvenue, walk on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near BowbazarCrossing, this narrow Hidaram Banerjee lane falls on your right admidst a bazzar.Walking for sometimes on this road you will come across Nlmani Dey Thakur Barion your left)

This 116 year old Puja Of Nilmani Dey Thakurbari has interesting history. NilmoniDey was an ordinary clerk who stayed at his maternal uncles house after his fathersdeath. He later on left his job and started his own business. After being well settledand raising up a family, it is said that instructed by divine intervention through adream Nilmoni Dey was asked to built a Laksmi Jagganath Temple. There was awood storage shed just adjacent to his house. He bought the land and built up ALakshmi Naryan temple in 1896. Later he built up Kashthi Pathar Durga idol andworshipped it. A trust is there at present to run the expenses of the temple. Theworship is being carried in the Vaishnavaite style. Many other Pujs are also heldhere.

Nilmoni Dey Thakur Bari Durgapuja

40. KUNDU BARI DURGA PUJAAddress


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9, Peary Mohan Pal Lane, North Kolkata Click here for Direction Map

(As you walk from Girish Park To Esplanade, the first right right turn near aTemple is the Baranasi Ghosh Street. Step inside the Street. Peary Mohan Pal Lanefalls is the first lane on the right of this street. It is extremely narrow.)

Widely used Gupta Press Panjika aka Paanji (Hindu astronomical almanac) cameinto existence on the Bengali Year 1276 (English: 1879). As per Kundu familymembers their Durga Puja started from that very year by their ancestors KrishnaDas Kundu iniated by his wife Rajomani Dasi. Rajomoni had seen Durga Pujacelebrated every year at her house before she got married. So she naturally wanted tohave Durga Puja celebrated at her in laws residence too. Her wish was fulfilled by herhusband.

Krishna Das Kundu became rich after doing business as a Kerosene Dealer andhence was known as Kerosone Kundu.

His sons Durlabh Chandra Kundu and Sudhir Chandra Kundu carried on DurgaPuja. Their pet name was Buddhu and Suddhu. Hence the Puja was known by theirname as Puja of Buddhu and Suddhu (similar to Latu Babu Chatu Babu Durga Puja).These two gentlemen were famous for their Tarja songs too.

The Thakurdalan looks deserted and is piled up with cardboard boxes during theyear, but Durga Puja it undergoes a radical change. The unique thing about thisDalan is that it has beautiful stucco work on it. Dhuno Porano Ritual takes places onAstami at Kundu Family.

Stucco Art Decorated Thakurdalan of Kundu Family

41. AMRITA LAL DAWN HOUSEAddress8 Dinu Rakhsit Lane, North Kolkata Click here for Direction Map

(Beniatola Street (not to be confused with Beniatola lane of College Street) islocated just at the junction of B.K. Pal Avenue and Rabindra Sarani. If you arecoming towards Shyambazar through Rabindra Sarani, Beniatola Street falls onyour left. At the entrance of Beniatola Street there is a Barowari Puja. Immediatelyafter the Puja , you get the Dinu Rakshit Lane on your right ( just before DawnLane and Sashi Sur Lane). Chances are you may miss the Lane , thinking it to beentrance to a house. One is bound to miss this interesting family Run Durga Puja ifthe exact address and direction is not known. You will NOT find it in Google Map.The one I have attached here shows the lane alright, but that is my handiwork tolead the interested visitor to the exact location..)

The Durga Dalan and House have been recently renovated. There are Glass Paintings


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inside the Thakur Dalan and Mina work over the Entrance Door. The Dawn Family isnot interested in getting media attention, so they get very pleasantly surprised whenyou take an effort to locate their Family Puja and will offer you to have Prasad andwelcome you to their Puja. Among many rituals, they perform Dhuno Porano onAstami. The family worship Naryan as Salgramshila. Interestingly the Salgramshilastone was even attired with a Dhoti!

The Durga Puja of the Dawn Family is of over 120 years started by Amrita Lal Dawnwho was into dealership of Petrol and Diesel. This Gandhabanik caste family has itsroot at from Kotulpur of Bankura.

The primary Puja of the family is that of Goddess Jagadhatri. The family alsoperforms Kali Puja.

Amrita Lal Dawns ThakurDalan

42. NILMANI DUTTA THAKURBARI DURGAPUJA

Address56A, Doctors Lane, North Kolkata Click here for Direction Map

(Puran Chandra Nahar Lane originates in front of Union Chapel, connects LeninSarani and S.N. Banerjee Road and continues to form the narrow Doctors Linewhich widens as you proceed inside. The Pink Coloured Dutta Residence falls onyour left.)

Not be confused with Nilmoni Dey Thakurbaris Durga Puja at Hidaram BanerjeeLane. This Humble Family Durga Puja is held in a Thakurdalan of Single Arch. This110 years old Durga Puja was started by Nilmoni Dutta 110 years ago. The family alsocelebrates Jagadhatri Puja.


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Nilmani Dutta Thakurbari Durgapuja

43.SHAMBHU NATH SENS HOUSE DURGAPUJA

Address3, Rammohan Ray Sarani (Amherst Street), North KolkataClick here for Direction Map

(The Red coloured Mansion of Shmabu Nath Sen is just besides Lady DufferinHospital)

The Durga Puja of Shambu Nath Sen ages over 100 years. Originating fromSaptagram at Hooghly, Shamabu Sen was a sales Commission agent with G.Arthurton & Co. who were importers of products like Sunlight, Pears, Lux from LiverBrothers (Now Hindustan Unliver) in late ninenteeh and early 20th century followedlater in 1930-40s with importring of Cherry Blossom Shoe Polish and Horlicks.

Shambu Nath Sen acquired the land of the present residence of Sen family in 1906for Rs 9000 and built up a huge residence in 1909. The School of Tropical Medicinestands in the place of their earlier residence. You can see the idol straight from theroad itself.

This family is distantly related to the famous Gouri Sen of Bengal in the 18th centurywho earned enormous amounts of money from the family export-import businessand donated freely to repay debts of other people.

Shambhu Sens House Durgapuja

References

1. Banedi Kolkatar GharBari by Debasish Bandopadhyay, Ananda Publishers


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A MONSOON HOLIDAY, PART II GANAPATIPULE

TREKKING TO GOECHA LA IN THESAHIB STYLE

Barun ChowdhuryOctober 8, 2013 at 1:36 pm | Reply

Fatafati ! Compilation is precise and curt. Great going? !

AMITABHA GUPTAOctober 8, 2013 at 6:59 pm | Reply

Good to know you liked it.

2. Vishnu avatars & Mercury by Soumitra Das. The Telegraph, March 1 2009

3. What lies behind the block of flats by Soumitra Das. The Telegraph, November 152009

4. Durga Puja , Celebrating the Goddess Then and now by Sudeshna Banerjee,Rupa & Co, 2006

Special Thanks

1. My Father Asim Gupta for getting me interested in these houses

2. Mr. Kanad Sanyal for giving me information and helping in locating thesebuildings

3. Akash Mondal, Suman Roy, Suvojit, Sandip Chatterjee and Tirthankar Sarkar foraccompanying me in house hunting

4. Members of the Household of many Bonedi Bari

This entry was posted in Festivals Of India and tagged "Bonedi Barir Puja", Badan Chandra Roy Durgapuja,

Badan Chandra Roy er Barir Puja, BALARAM DEY STREET DUTTA BARIR PUJA, BALARAM DEY STREET

GHOSH BARI PUJO, Behala Jagat Mukherjee Durga Puja, Behala Roy Paribarer Durga Puja, Bonedi Barir

Durga Puja, Bonedi Barir Durga Pujo, Bonedi Barir Pujo, Chorbagan Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja, Chorbagan

Seal Barir DurgaPuja, Darjipaar Mitra Bari Durga Puja, Dawn Barir Durga Puja, Durgapuja of Rajabazar

Mookerjee barir Pujo, Jorasanka Dawn Bari, Kolkatar Bonedi Bari, Laha Barir Durga Puja, Pataladangar Basu

Mallickder Barir Puja. Bookmark the permalink.

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Sagnik ChakrabortySeptember 27, 2014 at 9:26 am |

Durdanto collection.anekdin theke purono kolkata rdurgapuja gulo dekhbo..apnar website ta peye darun

laglokhub informativeI wish if I could be with you while you wascollecting the informations and roaming aroundas a matter of fact Ilive near Hidaram Banaerjee Lane but unfortunately I did not knowthese barir pujas ..however..thanks again..:-)

AMITABHA GUPTASeptember 27, 2014 at 11:56 am |

Aapnar Bhalo legeche jene khushi holam.

Aparna BhattacharyaOctober 8, 2013 at 7:24 pm | Reply

great Info.

AMITABHA GUPTAOctober 9, 2013 at 12:47 am | Reply

Thanks

nayan halderOctober 8, 2013 at 8:21 pm | Reply

execellent article



PrasunOctober 8, 2013 at 9:43 pm | Reply

Really Awesome

arup deyOctober 8, 2013 at 10:01 pm | Reply

very good, well informed. keep it up

samitOctober 9, 2013 at 7:45 pm | Reply

very informativethank you for this research




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Abhik Kr. MukherjeeOctober 10, 2013 at 11:17 am | Reply

A very precise and informative collection


Thanks

Kanad SanyalOctober 10, 2013 at 5:47 pm | Reply

Enjoyed reading it.

vagabongOctober 10, 2013 at 11:53 pm | Reply

Great Blogpost I searched the web last year for the exact address butthere was no site that gave exact address or location. But I guess you

have filled the vacuum. great effort I also write about kolkata, and have writtenabout the Shobhabazar rajbari do visit this page and tell me whether you liked it ornot. heres the link

http://www.kolkatatraveller.com/2013/10/shobhabazaar-rajbari-well-preserved.html


Nice article useful photographs too!

Joydeep DasguptaOctober 11, 2013 at 12:12 pm | Reply

I was thinking of taking my family to a tour of Bonedi Baris Pujo thisyear, searched the net for info, did not get any serving my purpose

until I found yours. It helped me immensely. Thanks a lot.


My Pleasure. I am glad it helped you.

Partho MondalOctober 13, 2013 at 3:03 am | Reply

Thanks for a superb post on the Bonedi Barir pujoYou have takengreat pains to give complete and detailed information on these

historic Durga Pujas. Takes you back to the days of Sahib Biwi Ghulam andJalsaghar.

Saw another album on the Bonedi Barir Pujo of this year (2013) athttp://www.learningandcreativity.com/album/6641/



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Thanks I am adding more different kind of Pujas in everyday

Partho MondalOctober 13, 2013 at 2:23 pm |

Thats great news! I will come back often to read moreof your puja descriptions.

anonymousOctober 13, 2013 at 6:30 am | Reply

Excellent.


Thanks

Bhavesh DaveOctober 15, 2013 at 11:02 pm | Reply

great information buddygud to know abt many bari pujo..vill luv tovisit many of this takin info frm here


Thank You. Please do visit.

rajeshOctober 16, 2013 at 6:18 pm | Reply

awesome it was good to know about us -thanthania dutta bari


Thanks. Good to know you appreciate it.

Manoj BhatacharyaOctober 17, 2013 at 10:00 pm | Reply

an n ei ! i e nu !


Thanks

Moon Moon SealOctober 22, 2013 at 10:18 am | Reply

what a compilation of banedi barir pujoour heritage, our traditionrelived by so many yet once again.


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Thanks for visiting. Good to know you liked it.

Asim GuptaOctober 24, 2013 at 6:44 pm | Reply

My own liking & devotional attraction towards Kolkatas BanediBaarir Durgapuja inspired my son Amitabha for a long time. I am

pleased to see that he had fulfilled my ambition of making a concise group of someimportant Bonedi Baarir Durgapuja. This blog gives an insight into the short historyof these household Pujas. Special credit to be given for the address & direction mapof the houses which will be helpful for persons interested in these Family orientedDurgapujas.


Thanks Dad for your guidance. Without your help I simplycould not have made this compilation. Good to know you liked

it.

ReenaOctober 24, 2013 at 8:51 pm | Reply

Amazing work-Thank you and keep it coming every year!R Mallick (Bhowanipur)


Thanks Ms. Mallick. Appreciation and suggestions from myviewers will definitely help me to carry on the good work.

NOIKATA ADHIKARIOctober 27, 2013 at 8:52 pm | Reply

THANK YOU SIR,It helped a lot in my research

Island TravelerNovember 15, 2013 at 2:59 pm | Reply

What an amazing, beautiful journey of man blessings, culture,traditions, of faith, family and friendship. These is a spectacular list.

Thanks for sharing and thanks for the recent generous thoughts and prayers for thePhilippines.

AMITABHA GUPTANovember 16, 2013 at 7:52 pm | Reply

Thanks for taking interest .

Amartya MitraDecember 21, 2013 at 11:51 pm | Reply


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This is an excellent and outstanding research work and indeed worthan acclamation. I am certain it will prove to be an immensely useful

article for people who wish to navigate around these places. This work would surelyremain as an archive of Old Calcutta heritage. My thanks to you on behalf of myfamily, the members of Darjipara Mitra Bari.

AMITABHA GUPTADecember 31, 2013 at 4:41 pm | Reply

Thanks Mr. Mitra. Happy New Year.

Chaitali HalderDecember 30, 2013 at 12:25 pm | Reply

Sir,you dont know how immensely helpful this blogpost has been tous .I have been sarching the net like frazy since the last 2-3 years

every time during the pujas,and all i would draw is a blank or some vaguenothing.And this has been a such generous gift to us explorers! Thanks a lot

AMITABHA GUPTADecember 31, 2013 at 5:02 pm | Reply

Thanks Ms Haldar. Good to know you liked it.

Shankar BhattacharjiFebruary 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm | Reply

Immensely helpful to the readers, get knowledge about the culture ofkolkata.

Rudra R UpadhyayMarch 17, 2014 at 7:12 pm | Reply

You have done an excellent job,brother.

AMITABHA GUPTAMarch 23, 2014 at 4:31 pm | Reply

Thanks .

Amit DharApril 6, 2014 at 6:25 pm | Reply

Khub bhalo kaj hoyache Amitabha.Amit Dhar.

AMITABHA GUPTAApril 15, 2014 at 2:24 pm | Reply

Thanks

NeelaApril 8, 2014 at 9:16 pm | Reply

Its really nice work and i feel so nice to see Maa Durga pujaimages. thank you very much..


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Thanks

sourav motilalApril 15, 2014 at 1:59 pm | Reply

thank you sir for such a wonderful survey on bonidi bari durga puja,and a special thanks for inclusion of our familys name listed above as

biswanath matilals family durga puja:-)


It was a pleasure visiting your house. Your family was full ofwarmth and hospitality.

Regards

Amitabha Gupta

Sutapa BaulAugust 4, 2014 at 4:19 am |

Good Morning,Mr.Gupta;Hope you are well?

Please allow me to thank you very much for your informative articleson the brick temple towns of Bankura.A fortnight back,i had visitedKotulpur,Joypur and Gokulnagar.If all goes well,i wish to visit HadalNarayanpur and Sonamukhi after a couple of months or so.Thank youonce again.PLease stay well and keep on informing us about all theseunheard places.Sutapa

AMITABHA GUPTAAugust 7, 2014 at 1:07 am |

Though you have commented in a different blog, Iguess you are referring to my blogs- Brick Temple

towns of Bankura Part II to V which starts from here :

https://amitabhagupta.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/brick-temple-towns-of-bankura-part-ii-hadal-narayanpur/

Good to know you liked my Blog and found it useful. Look out for formy next entries.


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ShubhaApril 20, 2014 at 9:11 pm | Reply

I never knew that Kolkata still has so many Jomidari Baris. Excellentsimply excellent.


Yes Kolkata do have many such Bonedi Barir Durga Puja infact around 100.

ivy sarmaMay 16, 2014 at 3:11 pm | Reply

Celebrations of traditions keep us rooted to our heritage. Thank youfor your extraordinary endeavour. Its not only entertaining but

informative as well.

AMITABHA GUPTAMay 28, 2014 at 6:19 pm | Reply


prabir kumar ghoshSeptember 7, 2014 at 6:37 pm | Reply

excellent work.to know the heritage of kolkata this will help manypeople & we are proud to get it in net. I request you to publish this

work as book with the road map in one.have you any other work on this subject on pujas out of kolkata?keep on going. we will be thankful to you.Prabir ghosh.

AMITABHA GUPTASeptember 10, 2014 at 1:11 am | Reply

Thanks. there is already a book on Bonedi barir Puja inBengali. Have thought of making a writeup on Bonedi Barir

Puja outside Kolkata. but that is a big project.will see if I can manage itsomeday.


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WanderlustSeptember 9, 2014 at 8:50 pm | Reply

Great photography with detailed information..I am.keen on this part,why ganesha and kartikeya are in different places in the Kabiraj

Ganga Prasad Sens puja, may I know..



No idea Why Ganesh and Kartick are not in their usual places at KabirajGanga Prasad Sens puja

.many rituals are age old in these houses and the reasons for them havefaded into oblivion in many cases.

Sumanta DeSeptember 12, 2014 at 11:15 pm | Reply

you can also look at our pujo Bhowaniporer De Barir Pujo.

https://www.facebook.com/BhowaniporeDeBari


Thanks Mr. De. Will surely visit this year.

Sumanta DeSeptember 13, 2014 at 8:44 pm | Reply

you will be always welcomed.

September 14, 2014 at 8:45 am | Reply

a akn o i p e e s

c i

AMITABHA GUPTASeptember 16, 2014 at 9:43 pm | Reply

Aamar Lekha ti aapnar bhalo legeche jene khushi holam.Aapna keo Sharadiar Aagam Subhechha Janai.

balakaSeptember 16, 2014 at 4:37 pm | Reply

OMG didnt know that s many barir pujas are held in Kolkata alone.Great research.


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Yes. There are much more than I have listed here.

Sumela DuttaSeptember 18, 2014 at 11:20 pm | Reply

Really fascinated to see this compilationlovers of Kolkata will lookforward to you for more such works.thank you..!!!!


Thanks Madam. Good to know you liked it.


You are most welcome.

Suvomoy NandySeptember 21, 2014 at 10:21 am | Reply

This is really really helpful specially thanks for adding maps. I waslooking something like this from a long time. I am collecting your

maps and making plan for this year. Thanks a lot.


Good to know the maps are being used to track down thehouses

AnumitaSeptember 23, 2014 at 2:52 pm | Reply

hi Amitabha, I must thank you for this article. I would link yourarticle to my bucket list and hope to visit all of them at least once in

my lifetime (thankfully some are covered). I wanted to reference this article in myblog as a reference if you are ok with that. Subha Mahalaya!


Subho Mahalaya!

You are welcome to use my article as reference in your blog. The more thepeople knows about these pujas , it is better.

SheelaSeptember 24, 2014 at 10:22 am | Reply

Would so like to know the presence of maa Durga and experiences bythe family members.The spiritual side of this grand festival .please.


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Thanks for your suggestion. For the family membersexperience I will have to write another blog someday.

SUJIT KUMAR PALSeptember 24, 2014 at 9:33 pm | Reply

Thanks for your such nice collections & also thanks for yourdedication to collect all the information.

Regards.Sujit Kr. Pal


Thanks for visiting my blog. Good to know it came useful.

Pingback: Calcutta heritage walk II | maverickbird

KoushikSeptember 27, 2014 at 11:43 am | Reply

This is an excellent compilation. Your research, dedication and efforttowards making this compilation is highly appreciable. It is going to

help a lot of travelers like us who wish to explore these pujas without going in apackage tour. I have mentioned about your blog in Indiamike. We will be waiting formore additions to this already wonderful blog.


Yes.. the sole intention of writing this blog is to make BonediBarir Puja more accessible to people, without depending on

travel agencies who show at the most 6 7 houses and that too in a very shorttime.

AjitkumarSeptember 28, 2014 at 9:41 am | Reply

Simply awesome! Loved the contents. We are from Chennai. Now inKolkata for pujo. Is it possible to get a glimpse before Sashti? We are

leaving on 1st.


Yes .. you can jolly well visit houses on 30th sasthi.

Marine MukherjeeSeptember 28, 2014 at 1:02 pm | Reply

Dear Mr. Gupta,

Great work done ! Will be of much help to people like us who look for these


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alternative Pujas. Some of these houses are covered by WBTDC Sanatani (BonediBarir Pujo) Tour. Many are not. Could you share from your experience, if some ofthem allow photo enthusiasts like us for a photography tour of these Pujas ? Forexample:1. BEHALA RAY BARIR PUJA2. Rani Rashmoni Bhawan Durga Puja, 18 Rani Rashmoni Road3. PATHURIAGHATA KHELAT GHOSHS HOUSE4. HARINATH MOOKERJEE FAMILYS DURGAPUJA, RAJABAZAR5. BADAN CHANDRA ROYS HOUSE6. KUNDU BARI DURGA PUJA

By the way, Ive shared your blog in my timeline on FacebookRegards,

Marine MukherjeeKolkata


No problem in visiting them for photography duringDurgaPuja. All are very welcoming. Harinath Mookerjees

house is my latest discovery this year.

Just be sure you go in small groups, dress conservatively, show interest abouthistory of the Puja and NEVER dictate the family members to pose for you,specially when they are busy.

Marine MukherjeeSeptember 28, 2014 at 7:21 pm | Reply

Thanx a lot , Mr. Gupta ! Most probably I will go alone or at best witha friend (That makes 2 of us). And dictating the family members to

pose, never will I do that. Thanx a lot for you advise. If I can make it, I will let youknow how it all went.RegardsMarine


Hope you enjoy it.

Chaitali ChakrabortySeptember 28, 2014 at 7:31 pm | Reply

Appreciate your passionate hard work. Great informationdocumented and featured in a single page. Thanks.




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Documents

Durga Puja of “Bonedi” Families at Kolkata