Hara Kutir Durga Pujo: Where Traditions Meet the Modern Era

Nestled snugly in the historic lanes of Pathuriaghata lies a Durga Puja rituals that’s been carrying on for a whopping 336 years. Yes, you heard that right 336 years. The Hara Kutir Ray-Banerjee family Durga Puja has a heritage venue that’s been around for nearly three centuries. From humble beginnings in a mud hut to now, with marbled grandeur sourced from the same batch as Fort William and Victoria Memorial, this Puja holds onto its rich legacy while continuing to grow and evolve. Curious to know more Subhadrika (the author of the original article) caught up with Archisman Ray-Banerjee, the 12th generation organiser, to take us on a delightful journey through the past, present, and future of this grand tradition.

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Archisman, ever the storyteller, pulls back the curtain on history, as only someone steeped in family lore can. “In the beginning, this spot was actually a crematorium,” he begins, pausing for dramatic effect. “When Keshab Chandra Sen, my ancestor, arrived, he discovered a small Ashtadhatu (an alloy) Durga idol already here. He took it as an auspicious sign and began worshipping the goddess. That’s how it all started.”

From those early days in the mid-1700s, the Puja slowly expanded. What began with a wooden idol soon became much more significant, especially when Hara Prasad Bandhopadhyay, a famed Dhrupad singer and Archisman’s ancestor, had a dream. In this vision, the goddess herself gave him instructions on how she wished to be worshipped. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Preparations: A Labour of Love

Now, you might think Durga Puja is a five-day event, but in the Ray-Banerjee household, it’s more like a marathon that kicks off three and a half months early. “It’s no quick job,” Archisman chuckles. “The idol is handcrafted entirely in this house. We begin just after Janmashtami. Tradition dictates that I, as the man of the house, must venture to Sonagachi (a Red Light Area) to collect mud. This mud is then handed to the artisan, and from there, the work begins.”

And the rituals don’t stop there. By the time Mahalaya rolls around, they’re ready for the Debi Chokkhudaan, the ceremony where the eyes of the goddess are painted on. It’s a 10-day Puja affair, stretching from Pratipad to Dashami, all unfolding in the traditional Dalan (courtyard).

A Feast Fit for the Gods

No Durga Puja is complete without its feast, and at Hara Kutir, the Bhog is a family affair. “The men of the house cook here,” says Archisman proudly. “My father takes charge, and I lend a hand. We serve five kinds of fried delicacies, along with khichudi, rice, and an array of 13 sweets, including Rosogolla and Lady Kenni.”

But the star of the show is a dish called Chandoni Kheer, which is offered to the goddess in the evening alongside luchi (fried bread) and begun bhaja (fried aubergine). And come Dashami, after nine days of strict vegetarianism, they cook fish as part of Baashi Bhog, a ritualistic meal considered most auspicious.

Bridging the Past and Present

It’s impossible to ignore how times have changed, even in a place as steeped in tradition as Hara Kutir. With the advent of social media, awareness of these Bonedi Bari Pujas (old family house Pujas) has skyrocketed. “Seven years ago, it was just about doing the rituals properly,” says Archisman. “Now, there’s a queue of photographers and curious onlookers at the gates.”

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Social media has certainly given a platform to these intimate, historic Pujas. And it’s not just Instagram filters that are drawing the crowds. The film Bijoyar Pore, starring Swastika Mukherjee, was recently shot at Hara Kutir, sending the Puja’s popularity soaring. “It’s rather lovely, really,” Archisman says, a smile playing on his lips. “People are recognising the uniqueness of what we do here.”

What’s New This Year?

With the festival fast approaching, Hara Kutir is set to throw open its doors not just for Durga Puja but for a cultural extravaganza beforehand. “We’re hosting Agomonir Adda 1.0,” Archisman reveals. “It’s going to be all about art, photography, and music. We’ve got Srikanta Acharya gracing us with his voice, a photography exhibition, and even a few lifestyle stores. It’s on from the 2nd to the 6th of October, and everyone’s welcome.”

So, there you have it—a little slice of history, a sprinkling of ritual, and a hearty helping of family tradition, all rolled into one splendidly unique Durga Puja celebration at Hara Kutir. If you’re in Kolkata, you’d be mad as a bag of frogs to miss it!