“Who knew a simple shop celebration could become one of Kolkata’s grandest Durga Pujas?” That’s the question on everyone’s lips as we stand before the famed Chaltabagan.
Chaltabagan Durga Puja. It is not just a festival. It’s a vibrant spectacle. It embodies the spirit of Kolkata. This isn’t just any puja. This is Manicktalla Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja.
Let’s step back in time. The year is 1943. India is under British rule. A young boy named Lakhi Chand Jaiswal dreams of celebrating Durga Puja. He wants to celebrate it right here in Chaltabagan. But there are hurdles. The British Raj restricts such gatherings.
Lakhi Chand doesn’t give up. He is determined. He finds support in Lt Shri R P Shaw and Lt Shri Bindesri Prasad Shaw. Their shop becomes the initial gathering place. The sound of Dhakis fills the air. It echoes from Lt Baba Chitani Ram’s shop. Others join including Lt Sri Budhu Mousa and Lt Sri Hiralal Jaiswal. The community is coming together.
Over the years, Chaltabagan’s Durga Puja grows. Lt Shri Heera lal Jaiswal and Lt Shri RamNarayan add their efforts. Lt Shri Makunji Shaw and Lt Sri Ram Chandra also contribute. Lt Sri Satya Narayan and Lt Sri Jagannath Prasad help too. The festival expands beyond the shop.
Later Lt Shri Kali Prasad and Lt Shri Tapsi Prasad from Chaltabagan join. Shri Jai Prakash joins too. The list goes on. More and more people become involved.
Fast forward to 1992. Chaltabagan celebrates its Golden Jubilee. The celebrations are grand. The puja brings joy every year. Not just during Sharodutsav, but all year round. They organize health camps. They provide charitable donations to those in need.
The Manicktalla Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja stands near the intersection of Vivekananda Road and Amherst Street. Environmentalism is a key theme. The organizers have even used windmills and solar panels to power the lighting.
Chaltabagan’s Durga Puja has earned accolades. It won the Asian Paints Sharad Shamman award for Best Puja in 1997. It also won for Best Artisan in 2002. In 2010, it entered the True Spirit Puja Hall of Fame.
But it’s more than just awards. The Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja supports charitable causes. They donated to disaster relief for Cyclone Aila victims in 2009. They also contributed to the Governor of West Bengal’s relief fund in 2010.
As we stand here today, remember the humble beginnings. Remember the young boy’s dream. Remember the community that came together. Chaltabagan’s Durga Puja is a testament to perseverance, community spirit, and the enduring power of dreams. It is a celebration that continues to evolve, embracing environmentalism and charitable work. It is all while staying true to its roots. It is a true Kolkata treasure.