Listed below are the Durga Puja pandals to hit in Chennai

An idol at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya, T Nagar
| Photograph Credit score: Santadeep Dey

Kolkata biryani, basanti pulao (aromatic rice), chholar dal (chana lentil), barbeque, kobiraji (cutlets), kathi roll (kebab wrapped in flaky paratha), rosogolla, machh er kaliya (fish curry), Kashmiri alu r dom (steam cooked child potatoes), mutton kosha (mutton curry) and pineapple chutney – these are solely a handful of delectables that shall be served on the Durga Puja celebrations throughout Chennai.

Because the season of Ashwin (sixth month of the photo voltaic Bengali calendar) knocks on our doorways, preparations for Durga Puja are so as. Though a microcosm of the grand spectacle that ensues in Kolkata, Bengali communities in Chennai come collectively to recreate the flurry and fervour of the competition that they grew up witnessing.  

Biplob Bhakta, president of The Bengal Affiliation in T Nagar says, “I imagine we’re the oldest puja in Chennai. That is our 90th yr and we imagine in making the puja an inclusive one the place different communities also can take part in our celebrations Retaining this in thoughts we have now a staff of craftsmen coming in from West Bengal’s Phulia who will show Bengal handicrafts on the venue.” Rituals will follow custom and shall be carried out by a priest from Kolkata. The idol has been sculpted by senior artist Kishori Mohan Pal.

Biplob provides, “We’ve got additionally began publication of a Bengali literary journal known as Dakshiner Darpan (Mirror of the South) which is our third version however this yr we have now made it a Puja version. Bengal has at all times had a wealthy cultural and literary heritage. Retaining with that, this journal shall be a reservoir of poems and creations by us prabasi (Bengali residing outdoors West Bengal) Bengalis.”

Soumya Guha Thakurta, ex secretary of The Bengal Affiliation elaborates, “Since Durga Puja this yr coincides with an extended weekend, we have now organised an elaborate bhog for all those that come for the puja – which is sort of a 25% p.c soar from the preparations we normally have. That aside, singer Raghab Chatterjee shall be acting on Navami.”

Sudip Mitra, president of South Madras Cultural Affiliation (SMCA) is choosy concerning the finer particulars. He factors to a Durga idol at T Nagar’s Kumartuli (a standard potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata) at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya and says, “I needed this yr’s idol to be just like the sabeki (conventional) idol made by Bagbazar Sarbojanin in Kolkata.“The 13-feet tall idol towers over the Vidyalaya in T Nagar the place different Durga and Kali idols are sculpted.  

At Dakshini Society Anna Nagar, celebrations have begun by giving again to Nature. Subir Shaw, secretary of the society says, “Since we full 30 years subsequent yr, we determined to mark the event by planting 30 bushes in Kancheepuram. Our idol shall be within the mould of daaker saaj, (made from rangta or silver foil) and silver sequins,” he says. The identify is derived from daak which means publish, since these supplies have been imported from Germany once they have been unavailable in India. “The idol has been sculpted by Kishori Mohan Pal. A Bengali priest from Bishnupur in West Bengal shall be current to hold out puja rituals,” says Subir. Embellishing the celebrations are meals stalls by Barbecue Nation, Lazeez Bytes, Calcutta Categorical amongst others. The puja is open to all. Nevertheless, the DJ evening on Navami (October 23) is a members unique occasion.

Earlier, SMCA’s puja was held at Besant Nagar. This yr marks their 45th yr which is able to see festivities being shifted to Kailash Conventions, Injambakkam, ECR. Highlighting the occasions record is a musical evening on Saptami (October 21) by singer Lagnajita Chakraborty. “Members and visitors could have free entry to Lagnajita’s efficiency however should pay a donation of ₹500,” says Sudip. Kolkata Khash Khabar will put up a stall and also will put together Ma’s bhog (meals for the goddess). Viens or candy makers from Kolkata could have a dwell counter the place they’ll put together sizzling rosogollas and quite a lot of sweets like pantua, sandesh, kheerer chom chom.

Okay L Subramanian, secretary, Dakshin Chennai Prabasi Cultural Affiliation (DCPCA) says that cultural programmes shall be held all through the 5 days of puja. “Singers Senjuti Das and Rahul Singh shall be coming in on October 20 and 22 respectively. This yr we have now invited a staff of senior residents from Akshaya Belief to supply anjali (prayers). We’re additionally organising a dandiya evening on October 23,” says Subramanian. All festivities shall be held at Ilara resorts Navalur.

In a primary, Live4You is organising a puja with cultural occasions at Krishna Gana Sabha on all 9 days resulting in Navaratri. Celebrations shall be a mix of Bengali and Tamil traditions. The idol shall be that of Thirupurasundari with the face of Bengal’s Durga – symbolic of the combination of two traditions.