Sonajhuri Durga Puja/Hiralini Durgotsov
Historical Background Of The Hiralini Durgotsov
The unique Durga Puja known as the Hiralini Durgotsov or Badhan Das's Puja was started in 2001 by the late artist Badhan Das. A teacher at Kolkata’s Government College of Art and Craft, Das utilized his creative thoughts in arranging a Durga Puja at his house in Santiniketan. Located near the Sonajhuri forest, his home was built on land he had bought in 1990 to open a studio. In 2001, he involved the tribal people of the nearby villages like Ballabhpur and Banerpukurdanga to arrange a Durga Puja modeled on tribal themes and beliefs in the compound of his house.
Speciality Of The Hiralini Durgotsov
There are several specialties of this Durga Puja. A unique fact is that five separate idols of the Goddess are made. Iron, earth, wood, terracotta, and bamboo are the five structural materials used to build the five idols. The idols of wood and terracotta were made by Das while the others were created by his Das’ sister’s husband Asish Ghosh, an artist, and his students. These idols are worshipped by turn each year and are not immersed in the river.
The tribal people are considered to be the lifeblood of this Durga Puja. They run the puja and put in enormous efforts to organize the festival and associated fairs and cultural programmes. Local bauls and cultural troupes from nearby areas perform during the festival. The tribal influence lends a unique touch to the Hiralini Durgotsav.
The Popularity Of The Hiralini Durgotsov
Located amidst the green backdrop of the Sonajhuri forest, the Durga Puja is one of the most popular Durga Pujas in West Bengal. After Das passed away at the age of 58 years on December 11, 2002, the puja is managed by his sister Chitra and her husband Asish Ghosh. Every year, the government of West Bengal organizes a day tour to the Sonajhuri Durga Puja starting from the tourism department in Kolkata. Over the years, more and more people have been visiting the site and admiring the creativity of the arrangements.
The fair at the Durga Puja venue is also one of the major attractions. Local tribals sell their handmade art and craft items. Food stalls also ensure that visitors can serve their appetite with tasty local dishes.
Historical Background Of The Hiralini Durgotsov
The unique Durga Puja known as the Hiralini Durgotsov or Badhan Das's Puja was started in 2001 by the late artist Badhan Das. A teacher at Kolkata’s Government College of Art and Craft, Das utilized his creative thoughts in arranging a Durga Puja at his house in Santiniketan. Located near the Sonajhuri forest, his home was built on land he had bought in 1990 to open a studio. In 2001, he involved the tribal people of the nearby villages like Ballabhpur and Banerpukurdanga to arrange a Durga Puja modeled on tribal themes and beliefs in the compound of his house.
Speciality Of The Hiralini Durgotsov
There are several specialties of this Durga Puja. A unique fact is that five separate idols of the Goddess are made. Iron, earth, wood, terracotta, and bamboo are the five structural materials used to build the five idols. The idols of wood and terracotta were made by Das while the others were created by his Das’ sister’s husband Asish Ghosh, an artist, and his students. These idols are worshipped by turn each year and are not immersed in the river.
The tribal people are considered to be the lifeblood of this Durga Puja. They run the puja and put in enormous efforts to organize the festival and associated fairs and cultural programmes. Local bauls and cultural troupes from nearby areas perform during the festival. The tribal influence lends a unique touch to the Hiralini Durgotsav.
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The fair at the Durga Puja venue is also one of the major attractions. Local tribals sell their handmade art and craft items. Food stalls also ensure that visitors can serve their appetite with tasty local dishes.
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