In the month of Ashwin, Sharad Ritu comes to sanctify us with the Divine Mother’s incarnation on Earth, and Eastern Indians can’t live without the Mother Goddess Maa Durga’s blessings, the joy of bhoger khichudi, payesh, the rhythmic beats of dhak, and the delight of dhunuchi naach.
So, where do they find solace? The answer is in the most-anticipated Durga Puja celebrations conducted by Pujo Committee, standing for devotion, cultural integrity, exuberance and camaraderie, bringing together devotees largely from the 7X sectors.
Durga Puja is conducted by the Pujo Committee – a registered non-profit socio-religious-cultural and philanthropic association in Noida. Founded in 2018, it serves the Eastern Indian diaspora to have a tryst with their heritage, culture and traditions, while remaining devoted to the cause of both divinity and humanity.
This year, the committee initiated early preparations to ensure a joyous and engaging celebration, themed ‘Folk Arts’, at the Durgabari (Home of the goddess), featuring activities throughout the day, every day.
Traditional rituals and hymns set the festive tone, followed by the Ananda Mela on Panchami, a mini-festival, celebrating a variety of homemade delicacies. Enthusiasm and love were the key ingredients.
Sasthi and Saptami saw the chanting of sacred hymns and Pushpanjali being the mainstay at the Puja. On Ashtami, Pushpanjali and Kumari Puja took centre stage.
Multicultural indulgences are integral to this Sharadiya celebration. This year featured a diverse lineup of alluring programmes, from Sashthi to Navami, including vocalists, live bands, dance performances, short plays, recitations and more, adding joyful vibes to the festivities.
The other wow factors – delectable food, Sindhoor Kela, shopping stalls, art competition for kids and alpona competition for kids and adults, added to the revelry.
In the midst of this, all noted dignitaries Dr. Mahesh Sharma, our beloved MP and Yogendra Narayan, Ex-Defence Secretary, Govt. of India graced the puja with their visit.
The celebrations beautifully balanced the magic of gharoa (domestic) and barowari (community) pujas, mirroring the rich art, cultural, and musical heritage of Eastern India in Noida.
A continuous stream of people thronged the Sharadotsab to immerse in festive revelries, making this year’s CNPC Durga Puja an engrossing celebration as always, with the lure of ‘Asche Bochor Abar Hobe.’
