The Durga Puja pandal of Neta Nagar barwari of Prayagraj, made on the theme of Disnyland
Around 150 barwaris still follow traditional Bengali rituals, even though most of their organisers are non-Bengali. The Durga Puja committee at Shervani Legacy, named Sheravali Welfare Society, is entering its third year of celebrations in 2026, adding to the growing number of neighbourhood committees keeping the festival alive across Prayagraj. The committee has been worshipping Goddess Durga for the past 17 years and has established itself as a regular part of the city’s Durga Puja celebrations.
“A strong community of around 500 households of various housing projects come together every year to celebrate the festivities, giving opportunity to kids and other residents to show their talent,” said KK Rao, senior lawyer of Allahabad High Court and president of the Durga Puja committee. Prayagraj: In Prayagraj, Durga Puja has gone beyond community lines. From worship and bhog to aarti, dhak and immersion, these committees have preserved the festival’s traditional spirit while making it a key part of Prayagraj’s culture. Likewise, all the members of Allahapur Barwari are from the non-Bengali community, yet the puja follows traditional Bengali customs. The committee brings a priest from Bardhaman district of West Bengal, along with dhak players and pandal artisans, to maintain the traditional character of the celebrations. The Sai Durga Puja Committee of Preetam Nagar is another example of the festival’s wider community appeal.