Bangali Akhara, Kalibari observes Basanti Pujo

Patna: Bengalis in Patna are observing 'Basanti Pujo', the worship of Goddess Durga that predates the popular Sharadiya festivities. Known as the ‘Adi’ or original pujo, this springtime celebration follows the lunar calendar's Chaitra month, occurring during the same period as Chaitra Navratri.In Patna, Pucca Bari in Bikhna Pahari has been performing this pujo for nearly three centuries. Beyond private heritage homes, institutions like Bangali Akhara and Patna Kalibari maintain the tradition with community participation.At Bangali Akhara, which is celebrating its 33rd year of Basanti Pujo, the atmosphere is one of an intimate family reunions. "When we started, the budget was around Rs 40,000; now it has reached to Rs 2.5 lakh," said Samir Roy, vice president of the Surodyan puja committee of Bangali Akhara.

He said the festivity remains smaller in scale compared to the October event, because it coincides with Chaitra Chhath. The idol is traditionally smaller and lighter, crafted on a 'baasher chala' (bamboo frame).Despite the smaller scale, the ritualistic rigour remains unchanged. "The public is welcome for ‘bhog’ during Ashtami and Navami. We prepare around 800 packets of khichdi, polau, paneer, and sweets," Roy said.

The celebrations conclude on Dashami with the traditional Dodhikorma ceremony, but the day, being non-holiday, crowds are largely restricted to the local Bengalis.The Patna Kalibari is currently observing its 51st year of the festival. According to general secretary Ashok Kumar Chakraborty, the idol is crafted within the temple premises by artists travelling from Nabadwip, West Bengal. The rituals are extensive, beginning with the 'Amontron' and 'Odhibash' on Sashthi.

The scale of the 'Bhandara' (community feast) is significant: "Bhog is our speciality. We use four quintals of rice and dal on Saptami, which increases to seven quintals on Ashtami," Chakraborty said.A central highlight at the Kalibari is the Sandhi Pujo, marked by the lighting of 108 lamps and lotuses, and the traditional sacrifice of sugarcane and 'chalkumro' (ash gourd). The Navami feast, featuring polau and paneer, remains in high demand. The logistics of such a massive undertaking faced a challenge this year due to an LPG crisis. "We require almost 20 cylinders for the cooking. The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has assured us for all help," Chakraborty said.

The festivity also features Bankura dhakis and a dhunuchi naach competition, culminating in the 'Sindur Khela' on Dashami.