Centuries-old Durga Pujas continue to be hit among revellers

Away from the glitter of big- budget community Durga Pujas, those organised by erstwhile zamindar (landlord) families in the city over the past few centuries continue to be a hit among revellers.

The 410-year old Atchala Bari Durga Puja of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family in Barisha area in the southern part of the city was started by Lakshmikanta Roy Chowdhury and his wife Bhagawati in 1608.

"We don't have grand marquee, theme or illumination. Our USP is the history which cannot be replicated elsewhere," Shubhadip Roy Chowdhury, a member of the family, told PTI.

Roy Chowdhury said as per tradition, other pujas of the area begin the procession for the immersion of their idols -- which is on Tuesday -- only after that of the Roy Chowdhury family.

The idols of the erstwhile zamindar family are traditionally crafted in "Motchouri" style which gives them a golden complexion.

Roy Chowdhury, who is researching household pujas in the city, said seven more Durga Pujas were started by members of his extended family since the original one in 1608.

Ramen Banik, a young executive visiting the puja with his family, said, "We are bored with the repetitive themes and abhor the long queues. You get to see originality in Durga Puja in the century-old ones in the city."