Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha, Keyes High School, Secunderabad
About 102 people from our association had been preparing for cultural programmes such as jatras, plays, children’s plays and dance dramas,” said Subrata Ganguly, General Secretary, BSS.
The décor recreates the elegant atmosphere of an old Bengali zamindar house, with traditional arches, antique-inspired elements, soft lighting and intricate patterns,” said President Sanjay Bose and Theme and Decoration In-charge Sujata Pan. The art competition for children and pottery workshop were part of this effort to bring traditional art and craft activities into the festive celebrations,” said Biswajit Mukherjee, Vice-Chairman of the samity. “Our Ma Durga idol is in a red-bordered saree, just like a village woman, in the Ekchala art form,” said Anirban Guha, General Secretary, Prabashi Association. “The performance will tell the story of rural Bengal, especially for children who can see what a village Pujo in Bengal looks like,” Guha added.
The pandal drew inspiration from the Kashi Vishwanath temple and Vande Mataram, while the idol followed the traditional dhaaker shaaj style. “Our pujo preparations started two months ago, including pandal preparation and rehearsals. “Our dhaaki have come all the way from Murshidabad. Artisans from Kumartuli in Kolkata came all the way here to prepare the idol, which was made at Ramoji Film City. Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, Bengalee Cultural Association brought the grandeur of Bengal’s traditional household pujas to Hyderabad with the theme ‘The Grandeur of Banedi Bari Pujo’. “This year’s Durga Puja decoration celebrates the timeless charm of the traditional Banedi Bari Pujo of Bengal — the Durga Puja celebrations traditionally hosted by affluent Bengali zamindar families in their ancestral homes. “The theme reflects the rich heritage, family traditions and cultural beauty associated with Banedi Bari Puja, where devotion and artistry come together. Hyderabad Bangalee Samity marked its 85th Durga Puja with an inauguration attended by Sanjay Jaju, Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana, and VC Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City. This year, the association also looked to engage younger visitors through more hands-on activities. “We wanted to cater more to Gen Z this year and go a little analog, encouraging them to step away from screens and engage with activities that allow them to create something with their hands. For its eighth Durgotsav, Prabashi Socio Cultural Association turned to the sights and sounds of rural Bengal. The décor features elements of traditional mud houses and thatched roofs, recreating the look of a Bengali village. Adding to the experience, the association brought Baul performers from Bolpur, Santiniketan. Utsab Cultural Association marked its 14th annual Durga Puja with the theme ‘Chotobelar Pujo’, celebrating childhood memories of simpler pandals and traditional festive art. Music and poetry formed a key part of the programme. Singer Rupankar Bagchi performed tracks including E Tumi Kemon Tumi, Jaago Uma and Gobhire Jao, while poet Bonnya Kar recited Subodh Sarkar’s Ami Firoza, Ekti Bharatiya Meye.