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Every year, people from India and abroad head to Kolkata to see one of the most spectacular festivals in the world, the Durga Puja. The festive spiritual and cultural celebration in Kolkata was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Everyone's festive itinerary will be packed with many things to do during the week-long celebration. But one thing that you must experience are the puja celebrations at the old mansions of Kolkata. As Durga Puja draws near, the opulent mansions of Kolkata's aristocratic families are bedecked to welcome the goddess.
These stately residences, known as bonedi bari, have upheld the tradition of celebrating Durga Puja with grandeur since the colonial era. Once owned by affluent merchants, the homes were renowned for their lavish festivities. Despite scaling back the extravagance, the bonedi baris of the city continue to offer a glimpse into the grandeur of yesteryears, evoking a sense of nostalgia. This Durga Puja 2024, explore these five bonedi bari pujas in Kolkata that offer an unmissable experience.
The Durga Puja festivities of this place originated in 1770. Established by Ram Dulal Dey, whose remarkable journey from poverty to prosperity became part of Kolkata's folklore, the puja is named after his two sons, Ashutosh Dey (Deb Sarkar) and Pramatha Nath Dey. These affluent merchants brought unparalleled grandeur and splendour to the celebration. During the event, the goddess Durga is accompanied by her attendants, Jaya and Bijaya, which adds an aura of grace and power to the festivities.
Address: 67, Abhedananda Rd, Maniktala, Girish Park, Manicktala, Hedua, Ward Number 16, Kolkata
The Durga Puja holds a distinguished status in the city and is hosted by the descendants of Raja Nabakrishna Deb, who was the founder of the Shovabazar Raj family and a confidant of Robert Clive, a significant figure in British colonial history. Of historical importance is the fact that Nabakrishna Deb graciously hosted Robert Clive at his home following the latter's victory in the Battle of Plassey. Today, the site attracts numerous visitors who come to witness the traditional rituals and rites that unfold over the Durga Puja celebration days. The festival's events are organised around the ancestral stylised thakur dalan at the rajbari. The striking display of goddess Durga and her children positioned against a single backdrop on the same platform is a notable feature of the celebration.
Address: 36 and 33, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar, Kolkata
The Thanthania Dutta Bari, founded in 1855 by Dawaraka Nath Dutta, holds a special place in the Bonedi Bari Durga Puja Parikrama in Kolkata. The Duttas of Thanthania have a unique tradition of worshipping "Hara Gouri," where the puja venerates Durga and Shiva together. This puja is known for the ritual of dhuno porano, where married women place clay plates containing burning coal on their heads and palms as they offer prayers to the goddess for the well-being of their families.
Address: 3, Bidhan Sarani Road, College Street, Kolkata
The Daws of Jorasanko have been celebrating Durga Puja in their thakur dalan since 1859. The festival was initially established by Shibkrishna Daw's father in 1840 but gained prominence under the leadership of his son, who added grandeur to the festivities. The goddess idol here is renowned for her exquisite collection of gold ornaments. The chalchitra in the bonedi bari is beautifully crafted, and the goddess's weapons are made of brass. Interestingly, the splendid ancestral mansion, known for its pillared hall and overhanging balconies, has been a sought-after location for numerous film shoots.
Address: 12, Shib Krishna Daw Ln, Raja Katra, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata
The bonedi bari puja takes place in Bhowanipore, a neighbourhood in south Kolkata. It is hosted at the residence of Ranjit Mallick, a well-known personality in Bengali cinema, and has been a tradition since 1925. Ranjit Mallick's daughter, Koel, who is a prominent actress in Tollywood, actively participates in the festivities every year. The puja follows the Vaishnav way of worship.
Address: 25A,C, Mohini Mohan Rd, Jadubabur Bazar, Bhowanipore, Kolkata
