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 Barowari
Pujas conducted by several clubs and associations. The themes of Pandal and idols of
these pujas change every year. Latest themes of Pandals and idol are the talk of the
town.
Generally overlooked by the Pandal hoppers are the Durga Pujas held privately in
several families some of whom were affluent and stalwarts in yesteryear, specially
during the Colonial Regime. Although the financial condition is not affluent as it was
in earlier days (mainly because the Zamindari system was abolished post
independence), yet these families till date perform Durga Puja with dedication
maintaining all the rituals. The Pujas are all of 100+ years, some even 200+ and
300+ years old. Everyone of the families gather to celebrate Durga Puja with pomp
and show as an annual get-together.
It is still being mentioned by the old timers that Goddess Durga adorned herself with
jeweleries at Jorasankos Shib Krishna Dawns house, had lunch at Abhay Charan
Mitras house at Kumartuli and enjoyed music and dance at the Shovabazar Rajbari.
The Puja of Abhay Charan Mitras house who served gigantic sized sweets have
stopped since long. But the other two houses of Shib Krishna Dawn and Shovabazar
Rajbari 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 to
these families. These Pujas are refereed to in Bengal as Bonedi Barir Puja. I am
sure what is the exact English of Bonedi, but affluent is close resemblance. They
are 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 the
interests 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 with
some addresses and direction of these houses.
This is a compilation of some of these houses with addresses, maps and
photographs. Except one or two all have been visited by me personally and
photographed. In places where I did not have any photographs, I have used snaps
clicked by friends and my father.
I do not claim this to be an exhaustive list. I have tried to be as accurate as possible
in mapping the directions. At present descriptions are very brief. I will go on adding
more descriptions and photographs. In case of families living in close vicinities, I
have clubbed their locations in one Map. So you may land up opening the same map
file 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 to
take photographs inside these house, please be polite to ask for permissions from the
household members. Also it is advisable to dress in conservative fashion
BONEDI BARIR PUJA THE LIST
1. SABARNA ROYCHOWDHURY FAMILY AATCHALA PUJA
Address
26, 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 oldest
family Durga Puja or it might even be the first organized Durga Puja of Bengal.The
family 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
Address
36 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 the
Sovabazar royal family of Raja Nabakrishna Deb, founder of the Shobhabazar
Rajbari. 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 DURGA
PUJA
Address
39, Jatindra Mohan Avenue, North Kolkata
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or
Kashinath Mullick Thakurbari, 142, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata 700007
( Di recti on 1: Jatindra Mohan Avenue is the northern extension of Central
Avenue. If you are driving towards Shovabazar, the Mallick House will come on the
left just before Mitra Cafe near to Shovabazar Metro)
(Di r ecti on 2 :Kashinath Mullick Thakurbari is located at the junction of Mahatma
Gandhi Road and Rabindra Sarani. The house is located on the Southern side of the
road opposite to Bangur Buildings)
About 400 years old, this Durga Puja is perhaps one of the most professionally
managed large scale Bonedi Barir Durga puja of 2013. The Idol worshiped here is of
a Astadhatu Singhabahini (Lion Rider, a form of Durga) which has an interesting
hsitory. Around 1614, Baidyanath De Mallick acquired this idol from a cave at
Chandranath Hill of Chattagram ( Now at Bangladesh), where Singhabahini was
being worshiped secretly, By instruction through Divine intervention in his dream,
Baidyanath De Mallick brought the idol back to his home at Saptagram of West
Bengal.
The puja of this idol alteratively takes places at Jatindra Mohan Avenue house or at
the Kashinath Mullick Thakurbari at Mahatma Gandhi Road. In 2014 the Puja will
be celebrated at the Mahatma Gandhi Road address.
The origin of this idol dates much beyond that. This Singhabahini idol was the
Kuldevi(family deity) of King Harshavardans brother RajyaBardhan Dev. The idol
was obtained by undue influence by Jaipurs King Mansingh and established as his
Kuldevi(family deity)in Rajasthan. On 1614 , after his death the Pujari (priest) of
escaped with the idol to protect it from the Mughals and took it to Chandranath Hill
of Chattagram.
The idol is unique in its style and structure.
Baidyanath (de) Mallicks SinghaBahini Idol, Photo Courtesy : Amit Ghosal
4.BAGHBAZAAR HALDARBARI DURGAPUJA
Address
17/2, Kaliprasad Chakraborty Street
(The house is located at Kaliprasad Chakraborty Street,Bagbazar,Near Bagbazar
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Gouriya Math & opposite to Khirodeprasad Bidyabinod Mancha on Bagbazar
Street & very near to Baghbazar Sarbojaneen Durgapujo Pandal)
The Durga Idol of the Haldar family ages over 400 years. It is said that one of the
Haldar Family ancestors dreamt of this idol buried under Fishermans Hut. The idol
was dug and recovered. However in 19th century the family left this statue
unattended and worshiped a larger idol.
At present the family worships the old idol only with high enthusiasm. Like many
house, 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
Address
AMARENDRA BHAVAN, 4/1, Roy Bahadur A.C. Roy Road, Behala, Kolkata (Near
Behala Thana)
Started by Ray Bahadur Ambika Charan Roy on 1756, Behala Ray Barir Pujo is being
celebrated now at the palatial residence Amarendra Bhaban of his third son
Amarendra Roys Family. Ambika Charan Roy had amassed enough wealth to be set
aside solely for the purpose of conducting the Durga Puja over the years. Other than
Durga 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
Address
56 Bramho Samaj Road, Behala, Kolkata (Near Behala Tram Depot)
Jagat Ram Mukherji original hailed from Barrackpur. He had a second marriage in
the Haldar Family and settled in Behala in 1740. He had one daughter and four sons
from this marriage. Once his daughter along with his nephews went to visit the
Durga Puja of his maternal uncle house the Haldar Family. She was not properly
attended there and so being insulted she returned back home and asked his father
Jagat Ram Mukherji to conduct Durga Puja at his home. It was Navami, the
penultimate day of Durga Puja, so instead of worshiping an idol, symbolic Ghot Puja
was done.
From next year till 1867 Clay idol of Goddess Durga was worshiped in this house.In
1868, Jyotinath Mukherjee great grand son of Jagat Ram made Durga idol of Gold,
which is being worshiped till date.
J agat Ram Mukherjees house of Golden Durga Idol
7. RANI RASHMONI FAMILYS DURGA PUJAS
Address
13 Rani Rashmoni Road, 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road and 18 Rani Rashmoni Road
(At Janbazaar at the crossing of Rani Rashmoni road and S.N. Banerjee Road. One
end of Rani Rashmoni Road lands at Lenin Sarani, while the other part extends
into Mirza Ghalib Street alias Free School Street. Driving through this street takes
you to Park Srteet. There are two houses here. One on S.N. Banerjee Road and the
other on Rani Rashmoni Road)
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Founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and a pillar of strength in the male
dominated society, Rani Rashmoni started Durga Puja at her S.N. Banerjee Road
residence. After her death in in 1861, his sons-in-law and daughters continued Durga
Puja celebrations in their respective premises.In the S.N. Banerjee Road house the
festival is celebrated by two families while at Rani Rashmoni Road house, Puja is
celebrated by one family.
The Durga Puja held at 13 Rani Rashmoni Road is the one originally initiated by
Rani Rashmoni herself. Thakur Ramakrishna Paramahansa has worshiped here too.
The entry to this Puja is through the Free School Street. The Hazra family are in
charge 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 the
entrance on S.N. Banerjee Road itself. This is 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road premises
Durga Puja, held by the Chowdhury family. It is interesting to note that one Building
has different street addresses
On the other side of the Road at 18 Rani Rashmoni Road stands the huge Rani
Rashmoni Bhawan. This Puja is conducted by the Biswas family.
Durga Puja at 13 Rani Rashmoni Road. This is the Durga Puja initiated by
Rani 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
Address
47 Pathuria Ghata Street , North Kolkata
(Opposite lane to Lohia Matri Sadan on Rabindra Sarani)
The Thakurdalan of Khelatchandra Ghoshs House is one of the largest such
structure in Kolkata, if not THE Largest. Apart from having a 85 feet long corridor of
Marble, this premises showcases a grand dancing hall, which has been converted
into Khelat Ghosh Memorial Hall.
9.JORASANKO DAWN HOUSE
Address
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12A Shibkrishna Dawn Lane , North Kolkata
(Near Girish Park. Walking towards Rabindra Sarani on Vivekananda Road, this
lane originates on your left just after no 24A Vivekananda Road.)
A successful businessman Gokul Chandra Dawn of Satgachia came to reside at
Jorasanko. Here He adopted Shibkrishna Dutta, his relatives son as his own. On this
occasion, Gokul Chandra Dawn celebrated Durga Puja in 1840. From then the
tradition has been carried on by Shibkrishna Dawn and later his descendents till
date. Shibkrishna Dawn built up a Coalliary and had major contribution in building
up Rail Lines. The Thakurdalan and the courtyard is huge and has been shooting
venue of many a films. It is said that Goddess Durga comes to wear her Jeweleries at
the Jorasanko Dawn House. The reason being Gold ornaments in large quantity to
decorate the Chalchitra along with Ornaments of diamonds and emeralds were
brought from Europe.
J orasanko Dawn Bari, 12A Shibkrishna Dawn Lane
10.BALARAM DEY STREET DUTTA BARIR PUJA (Also Known as
BALARAM DEY STREET GHOSH BARI PUJO)
Address
159, Balaram De Street Kolkata , North Kolkata
(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 Khola
Dutta Bari in the year 1882, the Puja is carried by 6th descendent of the family. The
house is known for following many ancient rituals including carrying idols on
Bamboos 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
Address
32, Darpanarayan Tagore Street
(Darpanarayan Tagore Street connects Maharshi Debendra Road and Jadulal
Mallick Road. Coming from Girish Park, you have to walk quite a a bit as it is an
one way. Crossing Rabindra Sarani, as soon as you come from Jadulal Mallick
Road on your right, take a right turn. Then again take a left turn to enter
Darpanaryan Street. The Mallick Bari will fall in your left. If you are not intersted
in walking, cross Grish Park while driving on Central Avenue and take a left turn
from 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 later
went 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 no
Lakhsmi and Saraswati Idol here, but two Jaya and Bijoya idols which are not only
taller 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
Address
20 Vivekananda Road, North Kolkata
(Just a few steps before Rabindra Sarani, while coming from Girish Park. Falls on
your 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 Gun
Makers and Merchants.
Narsingh Chandra Daw Familys Durga Idol.
Photo Courtesy : Tirthankar Sarkar
13.HAATKHOLA DUTTA BARIR PUJA
Address
78, Nimtala Ghat Street, North Kolkata
Click Here for Direction Map
(Coming on to Rabindra Sarani from Girish Park take a right turn on the tramline
and drive straight. Soon you will land up at Chitpur Jatrapara, where colourful
posters of Jatra falls on your left. Take a left turn and go straight until you land up
near the massive ruins of a building which was once Scottish Church School on
your right. A few steps ahead is the Dutta Bari. if youre coming from Central
Avenue , you have to take a left turn at Dani Ghosh lane extension Of Beadon
Street and Drive straight )
Hatkhola Dutta House was constructed by Dewan Jagataram Dutta in the late
eighteenth century. His Grandfather Ramchandra Datta was employed in East India
Comapanys Export import Division in Patna Warehouse. A very conservative family
who stayed away from the usual frivolities of wasting money has been carrying their
Durga Puja since last 200 years
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Hathkhola Dutta Bari Durga Puja
14. CHATUBABU LATUBABU FAMILYS DURGA PUJA
Address
Ramdulal Nibas, 67E Beadon Street ( Alias Dani Ghosh Street), North Kolkata
(At the crossing of Beadon Street and Central Avenue)
At his Beadon street residence,Ram Dulal Deb (Sarkar) started organising Durga
Puja from the year 1770. After his demise, the Puja was carried on by his sons
Asuthosh and Pramatha Nath Debs, more commonly known as Chatu babu and Latu
babu which continues by his grandson Anath Nath Deb.The highlight of the idol is
presence of Jaya and Bijaya, the two companions of Parvati, who flank Durga poised
on lotuses. They have no Veena or Pot but just have their hand raised
Durga Puja of Chatu Babu Latu Babu
15.DARJIPARAR MITRA BARI
Address
19, Nilmani Mitra Street & 42, Beadon Row, North Kolkata
(The First house is the Huge building Of the Mitras with a Huge and well
maintained Thakur Dalan, the second is a small house with a small run down
Thakururdalan)
The palatial building of Mitras came into existence during the times of Durgacharan
Mitra who had several business including being court jeweller of Nawab Siraj -ud
-Daulah. His Nephew Nilmani Mitra continued the legacy. Later the familys
condition declined. but Nilmani Mitras grandson Radhakrishna bought back fortune
in the family. It was Radhakrishna who started Durga Puja in n 1807. This is one of
the three top Banedi Pujas of Kolkata other than Jorasnako Dawn Bari and Sova
bazar 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
Address
122A Maniktala Street, North Kolkata
(If you are driving from Girish Park towards Maniktala, you will get Maniktala
Street on your left in an angular fashion besides Swami Vivekananda;s Statue just
before you get Raja Rammohan Sarani Alias Amherst Street on right. )
The Maniktala Saha Family was originally Salt Merchants and had a huge Zamindari
throughout Kolkata. The family originated from Allahabad. Durga Puja of this family
is around 150 years.The white Coloured Huge house is located just at the junction of
Vivekananda Road and Maniktala Street. It has a huge Thakurdalan inside.
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Maniktala Saha Familys Thakurdalan
17. BHOLANATH DUTTA BARIR PUJO
Address
33/2, Beadon Street (Alias Abhedananda Road), Kolkata 700006
(From Manikatala crossing whilst going towards Shyambazar, Beadon Street falls
just after the crossing on the right. Beadon street has been divided and renamed as
Abhedananda Road upto Bidhan Sarani and then till Rabindra Sarani it has been
renamed as Dani Ghosh Lane)
At the Kulin Gandhabanik Dutta household, Bholanath Dham the idol of Durga is
sitting on Shivas Lap with no weapons or Vahana and no Mahishashur around. This
is a legendary idol visualized by one of legendary Merchants of history Dhanapati
Saudagar, also belonging to the kulin Gandhabanik clan. Bholanath Dutta started
this Shiva Durga Puja idol in 1905 at Bholanath Ashram of Varansai. His sons
continued the Puja till 1913 after Bholanaths death and then eventually shifted it to
Sovabazar 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
Address
17 Mahendra Srimani Street (Alias Sukea Street), Kolkata 700009
(Mahendra Srimani Street is just opposite Ram Mohan Library and at the junction
of Ram Mohan Roy Road (not Sarani) and A. P. C. Road at 267, A.P.C. Road
between Rajabazar and Maniktala. Alternatively while coming from Girish Park
towards Maniktala, turn right to Raja Rammohan Sarani Alias Amherst Street and
drive striaght crossing the famous the Chaltabagan Lohapatty Puja. Mahendra
Srimani 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 an
important social worker too. The Thakurdalan has several interesting elements and
the idol is traditional. Being a resident of this area let me volunteer with two
information. 1. Sukea Street is named after Parsee Doctor Sukeas 2.Within stone
throwing 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
Address
4, Kalidas Singha Lane Kolkata 700009
(Behind Rajabazar Science College, by lane of Keshab Chandra Sen Street)
(This is close to Srimani Barir Puja at Sukea Street. Actually it is on the back side of
Rajabazar Science College. From Sukea Street you may walk back to A.J.C. Bose
Road and turn right towards Razabazar. Just before Rajabazar Science College a
lane falls on the right. This is Parsi Bagan Lane. Walk though it for sometimes until
you 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 will
get Kalidas Singha Lane on your right.)
This is one of the earliest Bonedi Barir Puja of Kolkata which is of 291 years old. It
started in 1722 when one of the descendants of family Harinath Mookerjee shifted
to Kolkata (then Calcutta) from his ancestral Zamindar house at Gondol para of
Chandannagar along with his mother.The Family history says that Harinath
Mookerjee brought with him a metal ghot (pot to store water). This was found by his
grandfather while ploughing a field. After recovering the ghot, Harinaths
Grandfather had a dream where he had divine instruction to worship Goddess
Mangal Chandi every day.
Harinath Mookerjee acquired two houses at Rajabazar area which was actually a
washermans den. He established Devi Mangal Chandi as the family deity in this
house. Under divine instruction, Harinath started Durga Puja in this house. He
started business of Jute as a supplier with East India Company which was successful
to a great extent. He became a landlord (Zamindar) and built up the present
mansion along with Thakurdalan and huge decorative interiors.
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The Thakurdalan is not enormous but very interesting. At its entrance there is a
unique design of stucco painted in multicolor with figures and floral motifs. On each
side of the Thakuradalan there is a figure (one male and female) which looks
surprisingly of African descendant. They look representing slaves as there is
indication of having chains tied to their legs. Most probably the statues were of
Habshi, slaves in pre-British India.
The picturesque Thakurdalan of Harinath Mookerjee at Rajabazar
20. LAHA BARI DURGA PUJA
Address
2A Bidhan Sarani (College Street) or 121 Mukataram Babu Street, North Kolkata,
50A, Kailash Bose Street, Kolkata- 700006 or 1 Bechu Chatterjee Street, off Bidhan
sranai
(2A Bidhan Sarani falls near to Thanthania Kali Bari. Bechu Chatterjee street is
just opposite to the Kalibari. 121 Muktaram Babu Street falls on the left hand side, if
you enter from Central Avenue near Ram Mandir. From Bidhan Sarani Muktaram
Babu Street is the lane just after Bina Cinema. Kailash Bose street falls near
Sreemani Bazar on Bidhan Sarani alias College street.)
Durgapuja of Laha Family near Thanthania is 200 years plus old. The first
generation of Laha family Madhu Mangal Laha run a business at Saptagram. Durga
Puja of Laha Bari was started by Late Bhagibati Charan Laha. The Puja flourished
during the time of Late Prankrishna Laha, who had developed a huge profitable
business.
The Puja is held alternatively at Bidhan Sarani House of Kristodas Laha or at the
Muktaram Babu Street of Ramcharan Laha or at Kailash Street House of Joygobinda
Laha or at house of Parbaticharan Laha at Bechu Chatterjee Street. In 2013 Durga
Puja was held at Joygobinda Lahas residence at Kailash Bose Street. In 2014 Durga
Puja 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 the
lap of Shiva with no arms, no Vahana and without any Asur Demon. This is known as
Hara Gouri Idol.
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Durga Idol of Thanthania Laha Bari
21. THANTHANIA DUTTA BARI
Address
3 Bidhan Sarani (College Street), North Kolkata (Near Thanthania Kali Bari)
Started in 1855 by Dawaraka Nath Dutta, The Duttas of Thanthania worship Hara
Gouri like their neighbour The Lahas. The Puja is celebrated with great pomp and
show till date.
Durga Dalan of Thanthania Dutta Bari
22. CHORBAGAN CHATTERJEE BARI
Address
120, Muktaram Babu Street, North Kolkata
(Enter Mukataram Babu Street from Central Avenue near RamMandir. The
Chatterjee house will fall mid way on your right. In case you enter from Bidhan
Sarani take the lane just after Bina Cinema. )
The most unique thing of Chorbagan Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja is that from
Saptami to Dashami fish is offered to Devi as bhog. The Durga Puja Carried in their
ancestral house is over 150 years old which was initiated by Ram Chatterjee. He was
a Stevedore by profession.
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Chorbagan Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja
23. CHORBAGAN MITRA BARI
Address
(Enter Mukataram Babu Street from Central Avenue near RamMandir. The Big
Red Pillared house is just at the entrance of the street opposite to Ramchandra
Lahas house. In case you enter from Bidhan Sarani take the lane just after Bina
Cinema. )
Both the house and the Durga Puja of Chorbagan Mitra Bari are of 300 plus years
old. The Magnificient building looked grand in its haydays with its huge pillars, but
now is a crumbling situation. The house was built by Ramsundar Mitra who was a
money lender by profession.He event lent money on interest to Lord Clive. Durga
Puja is held alternatively in the Thakurdalan on the Muktram Bbau Street or in the
dalan on the other part of the house, whose entrance is through the super narrow
Mitra lane adjacent to the house.
Chorbagan Mitra house Durga Puja. This Dalan has to be entered from the Mitra Lane. The other dalan falls on
the Muktaram Babu entrance.
24. CHORBAGAN SEAL BARI
Address
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(If you are coming from Girish Park To Esplanade, you have to enter that part of
Muktaram Babu street which falls on your right. The house is just some steps after
the Giant Marble Palace on your left )
Khetramoni Debi, wife of successful businessman and exporter took the initiative to
start Durga Puja in the Seal family, 158 years ago. There is a plaque at the house to
this effect. Seal family follows Vaishnavism and are strictly vegetarian.
Chorbagan Seal Family Durgapuja
25. BADAN CHANDRA ROYS HOUSE
Address
2A, Gopal Chandra Lane, Colootola, North Kolkata
(You can access to Gopal Chandra Lane from Central Avenue itself or enter
Colootola Lane alias Maulana Shaukat Ali Street and turn left)
The 150 years Durga puja was started by Late Badan Chandra Roy in his palatial
three storied house at Kolootola opposite to Medical College Hospital. The
Thakurdalan is quite large here too. The lights on the courtyard gives a beautiful
glow in the night.
Badan Chandra Roys grand Thakurdalan
26. PURNA CHANDRA DHARS HOUSE
Address
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32A, Debendra Mullick Road, North Kolkata
(Devendra Mallick Lane is just opposite to Medical College . Go straight to the end
of the lane. The house on your right is Dhar Familys residence. Access the house
from 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 Abhaya
Murti. In Abhaya Murti, Durga has only two hands, without any Demon Asurs but
with two lions.It may be mentioned that Thakur Ramakrishna Dev visited this house.
Purnachandra Dhars Abhaya Durga Idol
27. MOTILAL SEALS HOUSE
Address
60 Colootola Street (alias Maulana Shaukat Ali Street), North Kolkata
(Coolotola Lane is located just besides C.R. Avenue Post Office on the opposite foot
of Medical College.)
Apart from being an extreme wealthy businessman who earned plenty from various
kind of business, Motilal Seal is famous for his philanthropy and social activity.He
was a strong supporter of widow marriage and even paid Rs 20,000 to first
gentleman 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
Address
18 & 22 Radhanath Mallick Lane
(Radhanath Mallick Lane starts at 22, Surya Sen Street, right after Putirams
Eatery as you travel towards Sealdah from College Street. The Lane is besides the
local Corporation office)
The Durga Puja of Basu Mallick family ages back to 1831, when founder of Basu
Mallick clan, Radhanath Mallick (who later took the title of Basu Mallick) begin to
worship Goddess Durga in the premises of 18 Radhanath Mallick Lane. Radhanath
did business with the British, was amongst the first Benaglis to learn English and
had some 40 mansions in his name when he died at the ripe age of 44. One of The
Grandson of Radhanath Kshetra Chandra Basu Mallick, started Durga puja at 22
Radhanath 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 hold
gas lamps. The Thakurdalan has stucco floral decoration over its arches. Above the
arches 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 they
leave government educational institutions.
22 Radhanath Mallick Lane House
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18 Radhanath Mallick Lane House
29. COCOLA HOUSE DURGA PUJA
Address
Arpuli Lane alias Surrendra Lal Pyne Lane
Cocola house is located at the junction Arpuli Lane and Madhu Gupta Lane. You
can reach here taking the Sreegopal Mallick Lane besides Radhanath Mallick Lane.
On Outside of the building Cocola House is mentioned in Bengali. From Ram
Mohan Ray Sarani (Amherst Street) you have to enter through Siddehswar
Chatterjee lane (134 Raja Rammohon Sarani.) From College Street , you have to
enter from no 22.
Cocola House Durga Puja
30. KABIRAJ GANGAPRASAD SENSS DURGA PUJA
Address
17 Kumartuli Street, North Kolkata (at Kumartuli, near the Kumartuli Ghat)
Durga puja at reputed physician Kabiraj Gangaprasad Sen is of 168 years. He had
Ramakrishna Paramhansa as his regular patient. The Kabiraj earned enough money
to initiate Durga puja in his premises with enough grandeur. He even constituted a
trust to carry on the puja in future generations. The idol is ak chala, but
interestingly Kartick is on the left side below Lakshmi and Ganesh is on the right
side below Saraswati.
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Kabiraj Gangaprasad Sens Durgapuja
31. BHAWANIPUR MALLICK FAMILY DURGA PUJA
Address
Mohini Mohan Road, Bhawanipur, South Kolkata
Near Netaji Bhawan Metro Station. The lane just before JaduBabur Bazar is
Mohini Mohan Road. Walk straight until you almost come to the end. Mallick Bari
is inside a small entrance on your left.
Durga puja of Mallick Family dates back to 15th Century.The Founder of Mallick
family Radha Gobinda Mallick settled in Bhowanipur in 1860. His place of origin
was 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 , namely
Annapurna Dalan and the other Durga Dalan. Mallick Family are Vaisnavas and
prepare vegetarian food from Sasthi to Nabami. After immersion in Dasami, they
prepare Non Veg food. No rice is offered to the goddess, but preparation of wheat is
done. Popular Bengali filmstar Ranjit Mallick and her daughter successful actor
Koel Mallick belongs to this family.
Bhawanipur Mallick Bari Durgapuja. Photo Courtesy : Shailesh Liya
32. BHAWANIPUR MITRA FAMILY DURGA PUJA
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Address
13, Paddapukur Road, Bhawanipur, South Kolkata
Near Netaji Bhawan Metro Station. The lane just after JaduBabur Bazar is
Paddapukur Road. Walk straight until you almost come to the end towards Allenby
Road. Mitra Residence is on the left. You can see the Thakurdalan from the road
itself.
At THe Mitra residence at Bhowanipore. the Durga Puja origin back to 1757. The
Durga Idol appears to be Dwiabhuja at fisrt sight but actually has two natural hands
and the rest of the eight hands are short and on the shoulders. After the idol is
dressed up, you cannot see the rest of the eight small hands.Laxmi and Saraswati
have no vahan and are seen on the lotus.The Lions head has a close resemblance to
Horse and is painted white with mustache in black
Bhawanipur Mitra Bari Durgapuja. Photo Courtesy : Shailesh Liya
33.AKRUR DUTTAS DURGA PUJA
Address
1 Rajen Datta Lane, North Kolakta
(Walking from Wellington square towards College Street, after Crossing Ganesh
Chnandra Avenue, Akrur Dutta Lane falls on your right)
Born in 1720 in Sonatikri village in Hooghly district, Akrur Dutta visited Calcutta in
1740 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 Rajen
Datta Lane, which is now invisible from the road as because a flat has rosen infront
of it at 18/4 Akrur Datta Lane. In Colonial era thaere used to be a hideout tunnel
under the thakurdalan whixh opened on to Wellington Square.
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Akrur Duttas Durga Puja
34. RAMGOPAL SAHAS HOUSE DURGA PUJA
Address
4 Thakurdas Palit Lane, North Kolkata
(Thakur Das Palit Lane is continuation of Akrur Dutta Lane. Drive Straight cross
Bancharam 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 A
wine and Liquor merchant, Saha family residence has a wonderful Thakurdalan
which once impressed Ace Lensman Raghu Rai. However now days photographers
get restricted entry to this house. Any uninvited person with a camera is a strict no
no in this house during Sandhipuja.
Ramgopal Saha Thakur dalan
35. SISIR KUMAR HALDER HOUSE DURGA PUJA
Address
15 Ramanath Kabiraj Lane ( 55 Sashibhusan dey Street)
(You can continue from Thakur Das Palit Lane as mentioned in entry no 28. Turn
left and then again a left turn into a very narrow alley to reach Ramanath Kabiraj
Lane.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
Address
23 Nirmal Chandra Street, Central Kolkata
( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh Chnandra
Avenue, this house fall on your left on Nirmal Chandra Road as you travel tow rads
Bowbazar.)
The Chandra Family hailed from Khisma village of Nadia district. The first family
member to settle at Kolkata was Bharat Chandra in 1781 . The Durga Puja started in
1877 by Ganesh Chandra (Ganesh Chandra Avenue is named after him) after
building up the immense Thakurdalan.The Thakurdalan was designed by renowned
architect, Srish Chandra Chattapadhyay. The Chandras are both Vaishnavas and
Shaktas. Late Pratap Chandra Chunder union minister of India hails from this
family.
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Chandra Family Durga Puja
37. DUTTA FAMILYS DURGA PUJA ON HIDARAM BANERJEE LANE
Address
62 Hidaran Banerejee Lane, Central Kolkata
Avenue, travel on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near Bowbazar
Crossing, 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 had
business of Belgium Glass
Hidaram Banerjee Dutta Family Durga Puja
38. BISWANATH MOTILALS FAMILY DURGA PUJA
Address
1/C Durga Pithuri Lane, Central Kolkata
Avenue, travel on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near Bowbazar
Durga Pithuri Lane is the first turn on your left after crossing Dutta house on the
left. 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 had
his roots at Joynagar. It is believed that the Bowbazar Area was allocated to his
Daughter in lawas a gift, hence the name Bow Bazar (Bow in Bengai means
Wife).This simple Family Puja dates over 300 years. Among the house being a place
of historical place (Outside the house a worn out name plate says Here lived Babu
Bisso Nath Motilal Born : 1779 Died :1844), there is an interesting shaped brass Oil
multi lamp, which burns from Saptami onwards.
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Biswanath Motilals Family Durga Puja
39. NILMANI DEY THAKURBARI DURGA PUJA
Address
45 Hidaram Banerjee Lane, Central Kolkata
( From Crossing of Hind Cinema (Now Shopping Mall) on Ganesh Chandra
Avenue, walk on Nirmal Chandra Road towrads Bowbazar. Near Bowbazar
Walking for sometimes on this road you will come across Nlmani Dey Thakur Bari
on your left)
This 116 year old Puja Of Nilmani Dey Thakurbari has interesting history. Nilmoni
Dey was an ordinary clerk who stayed at his maternal uncles house after his fathers
death. He later on left his job and started his own business. After being well settled
and raising up a family, it is said that instructed by divine intervention through a
dream Nilmoni Dey was asked to built a Laksmi Jagganath Temple. There was a
wood storage shed just adjacent to his house. He bought the land and built up A
Lakshmi Naryan temple in 1896. Later he built up Kashthi Pathar Durga idol and
worshipped it. A trust is there at present to run the expenses of the temple. The
worship is being carried in the Vaishnavaite style. Many other Pujs are also held
here.
Nilmoni Dey Thakur Bari Durgapuja
40. KUNDU BARI DURGA PUJA
Address
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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 a
Temple is the Baranasi Ghosh Street. Step inside the Street. Peary Mohan Pal Lane
falls is the first lane on the right of this street. It is extremely narrow.)
Widely used Gupta Press Panjika aka Paanji (Hindu astronomical almanac) came
into existence on the Bengali Year 1276 (English: 1879). As per Kundu family
members their Durga Puja started from that very year by their ancestors Krishna
Das Kundu iniated by his wife Rajomani Dasi. Rajomoni had seen Durga Puja
celebrated every year at her house before she got married. So she naturally wanted to
have Durga Puja celebrated at her in laws residence too. Her wish was fulfilled by her
husband.
Krishna Das Kundu became rich after doing business as a Kerosene Dealer and
hence was known as Kerosone Kundu.
His sons Durlabh Chandra Kundu and Sudhir Chandra Kundu carried on Durga
Puja. Their pet name was Buddhu and Suddhu. Hence the Puja was known by their
name 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 the
year, but Durga Puja it undergoes a radical change. The unique thing about this
Dalan is that it has beautiful stucco work on it. Dhuno Porano Ritual takes places on
Astami at Kundu Family.
Stucco Art Decorated Thakurdalan of Kundu Family
41. AMRITA LAL DAWN HOUSE
Address
8 Dinu Rakhsit Lane, North Kolkata Click here for Direction Map
(Beniatola Street (not to be confused with Beniatola lane of College Street) is
located just at the junction of B.K. Pal Avenue and Rabindra Sarani. If you are
coming towards Shyambazar through Rabindra Sarani, Beniatola Street falls on
your left. At the entrance of Beniatola Street there is a Barowari Puja. Immediately
after the Puja , you get the Dinu Rakshit Lane on your right ( just before Dawn
Lane and Sashi Sur Lane). Chances are you may miss the Lane , thinking it to be
entrance to a house. One is bound to miss this interesting family Run Durga Puja if
the 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 to
lead the interested visitor to the exact location..)
The Durga Dalan and House have been recently renovated. There are Glass Paintings
29 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
inside the Thakur Dalan and Mina work over the Entrance Door. The Dawn Family is
not interested in getting media attention, so they get very pleasantly surprised when
you take an effort to locate their Family Puja and will offer you to have Prasad and
welcome you to their Puja. Among many rituals, they perform Dhuno Porano on
Astami. The family worship Naryan as Salgramshila. Interestingly the Salgramshila
stone was even attired with a Dhoti!
The Durga Puja of the Dawn Family is of over 120 years started by Amrita Lal Dawn
who was into dealership of Petrol and Diesel. This Gandhabanik caste family has its
root at from Kotulpur of Bankura.
The primary Puja of the family is that of Goddess Jagadhatri. The family also
performs Kali Puja.
Amrita Lal Dawns ThakurDalan
42. NILMANI DUTTA THAKURBARI DURGAPUJA
Address
56A, Doctors Lane, North Kolkata Click here for Direction Map
(Puran Chandra Nahar Lane originates in front of Union Chapel, connects Lenin
Sarani and S.N. Banerjee Road and continues to form the narrow Doctors Line
which widens as you proceed inside. The Pink Coloured Dutta Residence falls on
your left.)
Not be confused with Nilmoni Dey Thakurbaris Durga Puja at Hidaram Banerjee
Lane. This Humble Family Durga Puja is held in a Thakurdalan of Single Arch. This
110 years old Durga Puja was started by Nilmoni Dutta 110 years ago. The family also
celebrates Jagadhatri Puja.
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Nilmani Dutta Thakurbari Durgapuja
43.SHAMBHU NATH SENS HOUSE DURGAPUJA
Address
3, Rammohan Ray Sarani (Amherst Street), North Kolkata
(The Red coloured Mansion of Shmabu Nath Sen is just besides Lady Dufferin
Hospital)
The Durga Puja of Shambu Nath Sen ages over 100 years. Originating from
Saptagram at Hooghly, Shamabu Sen was a sales Commission agent with G.
Arthurton & Co. who were importers of products like Sunlight, Pears, Lux from Liver
Brothers (Now Hindustan Unliver) in late ninenteeh and early 20th century followed
later 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 1906
for Rs 9000 and built up a huge residence in 1909. The School of Tropical Medicine
stands in the place of their earlier residence. You can see the idol straight from the
road itself.
This family is distantly related to the famous Gouri Sen of Bengal in the 18th century
who earned enormous amounts of money from the family export-import business
and 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 THE
SAHIB STYLE
Barun Chowdhury
October 8, 2013 at 1:36 pm | Reply
Fatafati ! Compilation is precise and curt. Great going? !
AMITABHA GUPTA
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 15
2009
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 these
buildings
3. Akash Mondal, Suman Roy, Suvojit, Sandip Chatterjee and Tirthankar Sarkar for
accompanying 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 PUJ A, BALARAM DEY STREET
GHOSH BARI PUJ O, Behala J agat 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, J orasanka Dawn Bari, Kolkatar Bonedi Bari, Laha Barir Durga Puja, Pataladangar Basu
Mallickder Barir Puja. Bookmark the permalink.

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of Palaces
32 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
Sagnik Chakraborty
September 27, 2014 at 9:26 am |
Durdanto collection.anekdin theke purono kolkata r
durgapuja gulo dekhbo..apnar website ta peye darun
laglokhub informativeI wish if I could be with you while you was
collecting the informations and roaming aroundas a matter of fact I
live near Hidaram Banaerjee Lane but unfortunately I did not know
these barir pujas ..however..thanks again..:-)
AMITABHA GUPTA
September 27, 2014 at 11:56 am |
Aapnar Bhalo legeche jene khushi holam.
Aparna Bhattacharya
great Info.
AMITABHA GUPTA
October 9, 2013 at 12:47 am | Reply
Thanks
nayan halder
execellent article
AMITABHA GUPTA
Prasun
Really Awesome
arup dey
very good, well informed. keep it up
samit
very informativethank you for this research
AMITABHA GUPTA
33 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
Abhik Kr. Mukherjee
A very precise and informative collection
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks
Kanad Sanyal
Enjoyed reading it.
vagabong
Great Blogpost I searched the web last year for the exact address but
there 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 written
about the Shobhabazar rajbari do visit this page and tell me whether you liked it or
not. heres the link
http://www.kolkatatraveller.com/2013/10/shobhabazaar-rajbari-
well-preserved.html
AMITABHA GUPTA
Nice article useful photographs too!
Joydeep Dasgupta
I was thinking of taking my family to a tour of Bonedi Baris Pujo this
year, searched the net for info, did not get any serving my purpose
until I found yours. It helped me immensely. Thanks a lot.
AMITABHA GUPTA
My Pleasure. I am glad it helped you.
Partho Mondal
Thanks for a superb post on the Bonedi Barir pujoYou have taken
great pains to give complete and detailed information on these
historic Durga Pujas. Takes you back to the days of Sahib Biwi Ghulam and
Jalsaghar.
Saw another album on the Bonedi Barir Pujo of this year (2013) at
http://www.learningandcreativity.com/album/6641/
AMITABHA GUPTA
34 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
Thanks I am adding more different kind of Pujas in every
day
Partho Mondal
October 13, 2013 at 2:23 pm |
Thats great news! I will come back often to read more
of your puja descriptions.
anonymous
Excellent.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks
Bhavesh Dave
great information buddygud to know abt many bari pujo..vill luv to
visit many of this takin info frm here
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thank You. Please do visit.
rajesh
awesome it was good to know about us -thanthania dutta bari
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks. Good to know you appreciate it.
Manoj Bhatacharya
an n ei ! i e n
u !
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks
Moon Moon Seal
what a compilation of banedi barir pujoour heritage, our tradition
relived by so many yet once again.
35 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks for visiting. Good to know you liked it.
Asim Gupta
My own liking & devotional attraction towards Kolkatas Banedi
Baarir 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 some
important Bonedi Baarir Durgapuja. This blog gives an insight into the short history
of these household Pujas. Special credit to be given for the address & direction map
of the houses which will be helpful for persons interested in these Family oriented
Durgapujas.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Dad for your guidance. Without your help I simply
could not have made this compilation. Good to know you liked
it.
Reena
Amazing work-Thank you and keep it coming every year!
R Mallick (Bhowanipur)
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Ms. Mallick. Appreciation and suggestions from my
viewers will definitely help me to carry on the good work.
NOIKATA ADHIKARI
THANK YOU SIR,
It helped a lot in my research
Island Traveler
November 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 the
Philippines.
AMITABHA GUPTA
November 16, 2013 at 7:52 pm | Reply
Thanks for taking interest .
Amartya Mitra
December 21, 2013 at 11:51 pm | Reply
36 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
This is an excellent and outstanding research work and indeed worth
an 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 surely
remain as an archive of Old Calcutta heritage. My thanks to you on behalf of my
family, the members of Darjipara Mitra Bari.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Mr. Mitra. Happy New Year.
Chaitali Halder
Sir,you dont know how immensely helpful this blogpost has been to
us .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 vague
nothing.And this has been a such generous gift to us explorers! Thanks a lot
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Ms Haldar. Good to know you liked it.
Shankar Bhattacharji
February 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm | Reply
Immensely helpful to the readers, get knowledge about the culture of
kolkata.
Rudra R Upadhyay
March 17, 2014 at 7:12 pm | Reply
You have done an excellent job,brother.
AMITABHA GUPTA
March 23, 2014 at 4:31 pm | Reply
Thanks .
Amit Dhar
April 6, 2014 at 6:25 pm | Reply
Khub bhalo kaj hoyache Amitabha.Amit Dhar.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks
Neela
Its really nice work and i feel so nice to see Maa Durga puja
images. thank you very much..
37 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks
sourav motilal
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:-)
AMITABHA GUPTA
It was a pleasure visiting your house. Your family was full of
warmth and hospitality.
Regards
Amitabha Gupta
Sutapa Baul
August 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 articles
on the brick temple towns of Bankura.A fortnight back,i had visited
Kotulpur,Joypur and Gokulnagar.If all goes well,i wish to visit Hadal
Narayanpur and Sonamukhi after a couple of months or so.Thank you
once again.PLease stay well and keep on informing us about all these
unheard places.Sutapa
AMITABHA GUPTA
August 7, 2014 at 1:07 am |
Though you have commented in a different blog, I
guess 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 for
my next entries.
38 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
Shubha
I never knew that Kolkata still has so many Jomidari Baris. Excellent
simply excellent.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Yes Kolkata do have many such Bonedi Barir Durga Puja in
fact around 100.
ivy sarma
May 16, 2014 at 3:11 pm | Reply
Celebrations of traditions keep us rooted to our heritage. Thank you
for your extraordinary endeavour. Its not only entertaining but
informative as well.
AMITABHA GUPTA
May 28, 2014 at 6:19 pm | Reply
prabir kumar ghosh
September 7, 2014 at 6:37 pm | Reply
excellent work.to know the heritage of kolkata this will help many
people & 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 GUPTA
September 10, 2014 at 1:11 am | Reply
Thanks. there is already a book on Bonedi barir Puja in
Bengali. Have thought of making a writeup on Bonedi Barir
Puja outside Kolkata. but that is a big project.will see if I can manage it
someday.
39 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
Wanderlust
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..
AMITABHA GUPTA
No idea Why Ganesh and Kartick are not in their usual places at Kabiraj
Ganga Prasad Sens puja
.many rituals are age old in these houses and the reasons for them have
faded into oblivion in many cases.
Sumanta De
you can also look at our pujo Bhowaniporer De Barir Pujo.
https://www.facebook.com/BhowaniporeDeBari
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Mr. De. Will surely visit this year.
Sumanta De
you will be always welcomed.

a akn o i
p e e s
c i
AMITABHA GUPTA
Aamar Lekha ti aapnar bhalo legeche jene khushi holam.
Aapna keo Sharadiar Aagam Subhechha Janai.
balaka
OMG didnt know that s many barir pujas are held in Kolkata alone.
Great research.
40 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
AMITABHA GUPTA
Yes. There are much more than I have listed here.
Sumela Dutta
Really fascinated to see this compilationlovers of Kolkata will look
forward to you for more such works.thank you..!!!!
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks Madam. Good to know you liked it.
AMITABHA GUPTA
You are most welcome.
Suvomoy Nandy
This is really really helpful specially thanks for adding maps. I was
looking something like this from a long time. I am collecting your
maps and making plan for this year. Thanks a lot.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Good to know the maps are being used to track down the
houses
Anumita
hi Amitabha, I must thank you for this article. I would link your
article 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 my
blog as a reference if you are ok with that. Subha Mahalaya!
AMITABHA GUPTA
Subho Mahalaya!
You are welcome to use my article as reference in your blog. The more the
people knows about these pujas , it is better.
Sheela
Would so like to know the presence of maa Durga and experiences by
the family members.The spiritual side of this grand festival .please.
41 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks for your suggestion. For the family members
experience I will have to write another blog someday.
SUJIT KUMAR PAL
Thanks for your such nice collections & also thanks for your
dedication to collect all the information.
Regards.
Sujit Kr. Pal
AMITABHA GUPTA
Thanks for visiting my blog. Good to know it came useful.
Pingback: Calcutta heritage walk II | maverickbird
Koushik
This is an excellent compilation. Your research, dedication and effort
towards 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 a
package tour. I have mentioned about your blog in Indiamike. We will be waiting for
more additions to this already wonderful blog.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Yes.. the sole intention of writing this blog is to make Bonedi
Barir Puja more accessible to people, without depending on
travel agencies who show at the most 6 7 houses and that too in a very short
time.
Ajitkumar
Simply awesome! Loved the contents. We are from Chennai. Now in
Kolkata for pujo. Is it possible to get a glimpse before Sashti? We are
leaving on 1st.
AMITABHA GUPTA
Yes .. you can jolly well visit houses on 30th sasthi.
Marine Mukherjee
Dear Mr. Gupta,
Great work done ! Will be of much help to people like us who look for these
42 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
alternative Pujas. Some of these houses are covered by WBTDC Sanatani (Bonedi
Barir Pujo) Tour. Many are not. Could you share from your experience, if some of
them allow photo enthusiasts like us for a photography tour of these Pujas ? For
example:
1. BEHALA RAY BARIR PUJA
2. Rani Rashmoni Bhawan Durga Puja, 18 Rani Rashmoni Road
3. PATHURIAGHATA KHELAT GHOSHS HOUSE
4. HARINATH MOOKERJEE FAMILYS DURGAPUJA, RAJABAZAR
5. BADAN CHANDRA ROYS HOUSE
6. KUNDU BARI DURGA PUJA
By the way, Ive shared your blog in my timeline on Facebook
Regards,
Marine Mukherjee
Kolkata
AMITABHA GUPTA
No problem in visiting them for photography during
DurgaPuja. 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 about
history of the Puja and NEVER dictate the family members to pose for you,
specially when they are busy.
Marine Mukherjee
Thanx a lot , Mr. Gupta ! Most probably I will go alone or at best with
a 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 you
know how it all went.
Regards
Marine
AMITABHA GUPTA
Hope you enjoy it.
Chaitali Chakraborty
Appreciate your passionate hard work. Great information
documented and featured in a single page. Thanks.
AMITABHA GUPTA
43 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM
44 of 44 9/30/2014 2:18 PM

Durga Puja of "Bonedi" Families at Kolkata

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