Reported by: Taatparjyo Moitra, M.A.in English, 3rd semester
Suruchi Sangha is one of the most talked-about Durga pujas in Kolkata who showcase their grandeur to attract thousands of people during the Puja days. Just a 10 minutes walk from this grand puja, Dattu Phadkar Children’s Park hosts the Durga Puja for ‘New Alipore Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity’.
New Alipore Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity: A silent witness to the changing society
The puja has been a silent witness of the changing society. While commenting on this, UJjwal Mukjherjee, a senior member of the puja committee said, “We used have a tight-knit community here where everyone celebrated Durga Puja together here. Our puja was humble yet intimate.”
Mukherjee pointed out the irony that even in an age of social media, how the neighbours lack connection with each other in the locality.
Times they are changing
“Our Puja is around 72 years old now,” said Susmit Kar, a member of the puja committee. Recounting the long journey, Kar noted, “The journey has been long indeed. It has been difficult but are fighting our struggles.”
The puja committee members also expressed their concern on the rising costs of the commodities which is becoming a burden on the puja committee. “It is becoming an increasingly daunting task to organise the Puja. Earlier, we were able to offer Bhog to everyone in the locality but now our hands are tied,” lamented Mukherjee.
Monojit Das, the Dhaki who has played in New Alipore since the establishment of the puja committee, can also feel the shoe-string budget of the puja. “Playing here has never paid me much. I work at a farm in Murshidabad. I really love the festive season here and the Durga Puja helps me to make some extra cash,” said Das. He also added that of late this side fiddle has become more and more difficult due to the scarce payments.
Towards an uncertain future
An envelope of uncertainty surrounds the future of this puja. The organizers of New Alipore Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity hopes for a better future with the revival of their lost glory.