When they performed their first Duga puja, they did not even have a field to host it. They performed it in the open space under a co-operative building. But now that New Town’s CC Block performed the khuti puja for its 10th edition, they consider it a landmark achievement.
“Of course, the celebration would have been grander if it wasn’t for the pandemic but we are in a better position to hold it than last year,” said Lalit Kumar Ray, president of Newtown CC Block Puja Samity. “In 2020, we even contemplated a ghot puja but residents wanted all the rituals.”
The khuti puja this year was held on Green Verge 12 that has now been allotted for their puja. Residents joined the priest for the rituals, maintaining distance. The idol, it was announced, would be a traditional one this year with shola pith decorations.
“Our biggest success last year was that even a month after the Pujas not a single case of Covid-19 was reported in the block,” said secretary Biman Samaddar. “And this time, we have more experience on how to conduct the puja amidst the pandemic. For instance, we shall now install a projector at the pandal and play pre-recorded cultural performances by residents.”