Residents urge CM to set up Durga Angan at Guptipara
The Statesman | 31 July 2025
The recognition of Bengal’s Durga Puja by UNESCO has drawn global attention to the region’s traditional art, culture, literature, and rituals, showcased vividly through thematic pandals and the Durga Puja carnival.
During her address on 21 July, the chief minister said, “Maa Durga is our national asset. Durga Puja is not only Bengal’s traditional and cultural treasure but also that of the entire nation. This festival has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Just like I built Jagannath Dham, I will build a ‘Durga Angan’ in Bengal, where people can visit and experience the colours and essence of Durga Puja throughout the year.”
She indicated that the proposed Durga Angan could take the form of an open-air museum, highlighting the idols, customs, and heritage associated with the festival.
The first Barwari Puja was initiated at Guptipara in Balagarh, and it carries with it a powerful message of nari shakti (women empowerment).
In the era of nawabs and zamindars, Durga Pujas were performed exclusively by the privileged landlords within their rajbaris (palatial homes), and commoners, especially women, were largely excluded.
According to local tradition, a group of Brahmin women once attempted to witness the Durga Puja organised by the Senbabu zamindar family but were denied entry. Deeply offended, a group of twelve Brahmin friends — ‘12 of them — resolved to organise their own public Durga Puja. Since the time had passed for Durga Puja, they instead worshipped Bindhyabasini, also known as Jagaddhatri, giving rise to what became known as the first Barwari Puja in undivided Bengal.
Subrata Mondal, a social welfare activist, along with other residents, believes that since the first Barwari Puja originated in Guptipara through the initiative of empowered women, the proposed Durga Angan by chief minister Mamata Banerjee should rightly be established there. This, they argue, would not only honour the historical roots of community Durga Puja but also preserve Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.
Mr Mondal said: “We are extremely enthusiastic about the prospect. I have written to the chief minister urging her to set up the Durga Angan at Guptipara, where it truly belongs.”