After two years of silence due to the pandemic, the pandals come alive once again as the Union of Bengal of Chennai swung into action
After two years of silence due to the pandemic, the pandals come alive once again as the Union of Bengal of Chennai swung into action
The grand pandals are back. At the dawn of Mahalaya the air fills with the singing of the song ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, as magnificent idols of Durga await, adorned in all their forms. Bengalis in the city are ready to throng pandals and feast on newly dressed wreaths, prasad and bhog and enjoy live cultural programs in the evening.
The Union of Bengal in Chennai has been preparing for months to host a grand Durga Puja. Bhaskar Sen, vice-president, South Madras Cultural Association (SMCA), says, “Besant Nagar hosts the biggest puja in Chennai. While our location has changed this time, we are expecting a bigger crowd. Usually, our There are around 30 to 40 food stalls nearby, whereas this year, we have 50 food and corporate stalls.”
Kolkata based idol maker Kishori Pal’s team is working in T Nagar. photo credit: Ragu R
Mukul Dasgupta, a member of the governing body of the Dakshin Society in Anna Nagar, says, “This year there is more enthusiasm, and the number of members has increased. They have been busy with daily rehearsals for cultural events for the past two months.”
South Society secretary Subir K Shaw says, “Our six feet Durga idol will traditionally be dhakar saji [made of silver foil and sequins], We are inviting a drummer and a priest from Kolkata. Homemade snacks and sweets will be offered at Anandomela. There will be around 10 stalls as part of the festival. On Navami, an artist from Chennai will perform for our members.”
How to contact Bengali associations in your city
SMCA, 14th Cross Street, Shastri Nagar, Adyar, Corporation Ground: contact@smcachennai.in, 8013380181
Anna Nagar South Society, Postal & BSNL Community Hall: dakhinisocietychennai@gmail.com, 8754485930
DCPCA, Elara Resort, Navalur, OMR: 733891360
Bhaskar says, “Our Durga idol will be more than 12 feet tall. The festival will begin with Panchami with Anandomela, which will be open to all. We are planning to invite a Bengali band from Bangalore and renowned local Bengali singers to perform for us. During the day, we will have several competitions such as drawing, singing, etc. ,
The South Chennai Pravasi Cultural Association (DCPCA) also plans to install a 12-feet tall Durga idol dressed in traditional Bengali attire. “We have a youth brigade of multicultural members who have close ties to Kolkata,” says secretary Jaipal Menon.
Durga Puja is incomplete without the traditional Khichdi Bhog and Chicken Roll in the evening. In keeping with its 44-year-old tradition, SMCA will offer free Khichdi Bhog to all devotees. Bhaskar says, “This time we have signed a special news of Kolkata.”
the artist speaks
The puja brings happiness not only to those who climb the pandal, but also to idol makers like Kishori Pal. The 70-year-old, who spent three months in the city before Durga Puja, has been making idols here since 1982. “I am glad that the pre-pandemic days are back and the Sangh is once again celebrating Durga Puja in full swing. , I have received so many orders that some orders had to be turned down.
Meanwhile, South Society is serving bhog for its members only. “It will involve Luchi, Potato Vegetable, A dish in South Asian cuisine made of rice and lentilsAnd Payesh, The menu will change daily. Later ImmersionWe will serve non-vegetarian food like Khaseer Manso (mutton curry) and matcher zoel (fish curry). Guests will be able to enjoy Bengali delicacies like Biryani and Chicken fund From our stalls in the evening. We have already tied up with some Bengali restaurants in Chennai and are in talks with some restaurants in Kolkata.”
Jaipal says that DCPA has invited cooks from Kolkata to give guests a taste of Bengali cuisine. “there will be Potato Bhaja, innocent And piangzi And different kinds of sweets,” he added. The association will take precautionary measures like urging people to wear masks.