The Durga puja was started in 1935 by Late Saroj Bagchi at his Ritchie
Road residence. The puja was shifted to the Maddox square park the
following year. In it's silver jubilee year in 1960…the Goddess was
transformed into the traditional 'ekchala' structure with silver
colour attire popularly known as'Daker saaj'.In it's golden jubilee
year in 1985 the "Daker saaj" was changed from silver to gold in
keeping with the jubilee celebrations as remains the same till date.
The "Daker saaj" is done by artists from Krishnanagar while the
Goddess earlier was curved by President's medal award winner Late
Srish Chanda Pal. At present the idol is prepared by Mr.Nikhil Pal in
the 'Potuapara' in Kalighat.
The Goddess is ornamented by gold jewellery donated by various local
residents and samity members. The Pandal is constructed in the
traditional format of a 'Nat Mondir'
In a more present day context, Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity –
Maddox Square remains as one of the hottest destinations for all
Bengalis during Durga Puja every year. It is one of the oldest Pujas
in the city and is well known the world over.One of the most common
question that the members are asked about the Puja is about the
'Theme' which the Samity follows every year.Ballygunge Durga Puja
Samity always had, has and will have only one 'theme' – Durga
Puja.That remains the focal point and every thing else is built
around it. The Samity recognizes the fact that Durga Puja is a one of
the biggest festivals in the Bengali calendar and tries to organize it
in such a way that only the local residents but also the visitors have
a pleasant experience. The puja in itself boasts of a very homely
atmosphere in the Pandal and the whole neighborhood joins to
experience the puja as if they gather at their own private courtyard.
Everyone, regardless of his or her identity gets prasad and bhog
during the distribution hours on the Puja days. The Samity has been
time and again awarded for excellent atmosphere that is created by
the event and that seems to be seconded by the lakhs of visitors
every year. As for the visitors, they are not required to queue up as
with other places…the park has 6 entry and exit points to facilitate
the movement of the visitors. The puja premises are lit up in a way
that it facilitates the movement of visitors and those who are
present and flickering light arrangements are not used as a rule.
They can sit back and relax from pandal hopping and enjoy the great
food available on the premises which varies from pizzas to
puchkas.They also enjoy the various cultural programmes that are
organized by the Samity. In the recent times security has been a
concern for all Puja committees.Realeazing the need of the hour, the
Samity has started using security cameras at the Puja grounds and
deploys 50 additional private security guards to ensure that security
is never compromised on the Puja grounds.
Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity – Maddox Square remains a popular Puja
destination for the young and the old. The residents around the park
gather and offer prayers to the Goddess every year in a way that
makes this religious community activity a very personal experience.
For the visitors at the park every year during the Pujas, Maddox
Square remains to be a place where they can chill out for hours, feel
at home and still experience the magic known as Maddox Square Durga
Pujo.
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