In a first, the Bengalis of Ahmedabad will get to experience 'Kumari Puja', that celebrates the spirit of womanhood. The oldest and largest Bengali association, Bengali Cultural Association (BCA) Ahmedabad, is all set to bring Belur Math's 'Kumari Puja' to the city this Durga Puja.
Kumari Puja is worship of a pre-pubertine girl as goddess Durga. It was started by Swami Vivekananda in 1901 at the Math in Kolkata to underline the importance of women.
"Kumari Puja has never been organized in Ahmedabad. It is basically worshipping a girl before menstruation or adulthood. The girl who is worshipped symbolises power that regulates creation, stability and destruction. It is a very auspicious Puja for Bengalis," Kanak Das Adhikary, General Secretary, BCA said.
Taking inspiration from Belur Math, global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math, we are bringing the same to Ahmedabad. Kumari Puja will be held in the afternoon on 'Navami' (ninth day) which is October 18. We will be adorning a girl with a sari, ornaments, like a goddess and people, will worship her."
This will be BCA's 81st Durga Puja which will be held at Ahmedabad Education Society's ground in Bodakdev. The Mahalaya will be held on October 8 whereas Anandmela will be held on October 13. For the first time, organizers have roped in Pandal decoration artists from Bengal.
Said Adhikary, "Until now, we used to get artists from Bengal only to prepare the idol. But this year, even the pandal decoration and the gates will be designed by local artists of Bengal. It will be a delight for the Bengalis this Durga Puja."
The ongoing metro-rail work has yet again compelled the organizers to chose Ghuma Talav, near South Bopal for idol immersion. Last year, the organizers had shifted the venue for idol immersion to Ghuma Talav as they could not reach Sabarmati river for the same.
FESTIVE FORMULA
- Kumari Puja is worship of a pre-pubertine girl as goddess Durga. It was started by Swami Vivekananda in 1901 at the Math in Kolkata to underline the importance of women.
- Taking inspiration from Belur Math, global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math, we are bringing the same to Ahmedabad.
- Kumari Puja will be held in the afternoon on ‘Navami’ which is Oct 18.
