Residents of CG Block were in for an intense adda on Sashthi evening what with poet Binayak Bandopadhyay and orator Chandril Bhattacharya discussing the topic “Bangali kemon achhe”.
The adda was moderated by president of CG Block welfare association, Shyamal Gan, who played the perfect host by bringing up different topics related Bengalis to keep the discussion going.
Chandril shared his puja memories and spoke of how the times have changed now. “When we were youngsters the pujas were simple. There were dramas, musical shows… Children used to perform plays, just like the group of kids who are now waiting in the greenroom to perform after us,” he shared.
He also stated how the trend of doling out puja awards didn’t exist in his childhood. “Only when we were in the college did the pandals start receiving prizes and now everyone wins at least 15 of them! But just because the scale of pujas has increased it is wrong to assume the emotional quotient has gone missing,” he laughed.
Bandopadhyay tried to pinpoint the difference between big and small pujas. “The best pujas are those where Ma Durga is the focus. I have visited many pandals where due to elaborate themes, Durga takes sidestage. When I ask where one offers anjali, I am pointed to a corner where a small idol is worshiped. The main purpose of these big pujas is to attract tourists where small pujas still worship the goddess earnestly,” said Bondhopadhay
The residents agreed with the speakers. “What both the speakers said is correct in a way. We also feel the difference but these changes are expected. Some large-scale puja committees do admit that they miss the essence of the festival, but this is not always the case. We are lucky we stay in a block where the goddess is our main focus,” said resident Bornali Ghosh, from the audience.