Prayagraj: While elaborate gates and theme-based pandals have become a defining feature of Durga Puja in Prayagraj, Georgetown Barwari Durga Puja Committee will enter 98th year, with this year edition already kicked off on October 15 and culminating on October 20 in premises of Jagat Taran prangan to mark Durga Puja. Georgetown Barwari Durga Puja once again observing the festival in 2026 with rituals and cultural practices rooted in its long history. The George Town Barwari committee has a rich multi-decade legacy of organizing traditional community pujas and cultural events in the area (originating around 1929). Its puja remains distinctly traditional, from the priest and bhog to the simple idol that largely retains the same form each year. Its Anando Mela, dhuni dance and cultural events remains another popular attraction.
Shedding light on this year festivities Chief Patron Arindam Ghosh said, “Stress has been laid on the fact that the idol of Goddess Durga portray the many facets of her personality and the element of artistry should draw one towards the aura of goddess. It is our endeavour to see that people visiting pandals should undergo a novel experience every year which is the reason why aesthetics combined with artistry has given shape to pandals of various hues, shades and designs over the previous decade.” Arindam Ghosh further added, “Everyone is cordially invited with family and friends to the 98th year of celebrations of George Town Barwari Durga Puja from October 15 to October 20 and Shree Shree Kali Puja at Jagat Taran Girls’ P.G. Degree College, 32, A.N. Jha Marg (Hamilton Road), Prayagraj.”
An air of festivity intertwined with an element of vibrancy is blowing round the corner as Durga Puja celebrations kicks off. Owe to the efforts of some members of the Bengali community, Durga Puja celebrations in the city, heralding onset of festivities on a large scale, if not grandiose.
Recalling the old days celebrations, President Poonam Ray says, “In essence Durga Puja celebrations apart from serving as the rendezvous point of people from all communities including Bengalis, also provided a platform to local talents in the field of performing arts to display their skills before the people.”
General Secretary Sumit Bhattacharya and Treasurer Subrato Sen added that in the early years focus was on Puja, which had to be performed in orthodox Bengali style with the pre-condition that the purohit performing it should be from the Bengali community. It was only in the later years that extracurricular activities were introduced with the objective of breaking the monotony in the daily schedule. With this in mind the element of entertainment was introduced to allure and captivate the visitors to Durga Puja pandals.
