Here stands Dhakuria Sarbojanin a testament to community spirit. Dhakuria Sarbojanin Durgotsab began in 1930. So Dhakuria Sarbojanin is 95 years old. This Durga Puja is a Sarbojanin type. Sarbojanin means for all people. It welcomes everyone regardless of color creed or caste.
Dhakuria Sarbojanin is located in South Kolkata. Find it near Dhakuria Railway Station at 5 Sarat Ghosh Garden Road. The Postal Index Number is 700031.
Durga Puja itself evolved from family celebrations. Wealthy zamindars first celebrated it in Bengal. Then came Barowari Puja. Baro means twelve and Yaar means friends. So Barowari means a group of twelve friends. Guptipara in Hoogly conceived this idea in 1790. It took 120 years for Barowari Durga Puja to reach Calcutta.
Bhowanipore Sanatan Dharmatsahini Sabha organized Kolkata’s first Barowari Durga Puja in 1910. It took place at Balaram Basu Ghat Road Bhowanipore. Sarbojanin Durga Puja emerged later in the 1920s. Shimla Byayam Samiti and Bagbazar were among the earliest. Atindranath Bose started a Sarbojanin Durga puja in 1926. Anyone could participate irrespective of caste creed or religion. The goal was to instill unity.
Today hundreds of Pujas occur throughout the city. Dhakuria Sarbojanin is a prime example. During Durga Puja streets transform. Pandals appear made of bamboo and cloth. These temporary enclosures house the Goddess. Each pandal has a unique theme. Themes range from current events to history or art. Committees organize these Pujas. They raise funds through donations and advertisements.
Ritual drummers called Dhakis perform during worship. They carry large leather Dhaks. Many idols come from Kumartoli. Artisans live and work in Kumartoli in North Calcutta. Modern Pujas focus on lighting and decoration. Communities compete for awards like Best Puja or Best Idol. This puja form has spread to other states and countries.
In 2019 Dhakuria Sarbojanin had a theme called Akai 100. Sandip Mukherjee and Rakhi Mukherjee created it. Parimal Pal made the Durga idol. Gitasree Decorator handled the decorations. SS Electric managed the lighting. The Khuti Puja took place on August 2 2019. The opening ceremony was September 29 2019. Immersion occurred on October 9 2019. An estimated 150000 people attended. The budget was 2500000. Nikhil Ranjan Ganguly was the Chairman. Sujoy Sarkar served as Secretary.
Dhakuria Sarbojanin continues to be a vibrant celebration. It reflects community spirit and artistic expression. Dhakuria Sarbojanin remains a cherished tradition today.