Latest news with #Bhowanipur75Palli
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Community service, security boost, crowd control top clubs' Durga Puja grant spend wish list in Kolkata
Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement of an increased grant of Rs 1.1 lakh to each registered Durga Puja committee in the state has added to the festive fervour. This move has been welcomed by organisers and the larger puja fraternity at a time when artisans are busy giving shape to Durga idols and pandals across the city. The announcement, an increase from last year's Rs 85,000, has sent the city's thousands of puja committees to the table to plan how to spend the money in the most efficient way. While the lights, pandals, and processions will certainly dazzle, organisers are prioritising security, crowd management, and community engagement this year. Part of the funds will also go towards increasing the pay of sanitation workers, electricians, and other essential service providers during the festival. Bhowanipur 75 Palli will spend the grant on promoting the 'Save Drive, Save Life' campaign, besides endorsing Bengal as a tourist destination. "We will put in place healthcare facilities," said Subir Das, secretary of the puja committee. The increased funding will also allow committees to enhance safety measures without compromising on artistic creativity, organisers said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo by Taboola by Taboola "We will be utilising the grant for better crowd management and safety features for the visitors. We will also use the money to increase facilities at our health camp and increase the pay of healthcare workers and other service providers," said Sanjay Majumdar, secretary of the Thakurpukur SB Park Sarbojanin. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Members of the Forum for Durgotsab, an umbrella body of over 400 puja committees, hailed the move as a boost to Bengal's creative economy. Since Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021, the festival has been attracting visitors from around the world. Gourab Biswas of United Club in Baguiati said the organisers would use the funds to increase fire safety measures in the pandal, insure the puja, and distribute clothes, books, and sweets among underprivileged children. "We will also use the funds to sensitise people about malaria and dengue," said Biswas. "We plan to use the funds to hire additional security personnel and grant will help us do that without cutting corners," said an organiser. The increased fund would help organisers of Durga Puja in Mohammad Ali Park to organise the festival efficiently, said Ashok Ojha, Joint Secretary of the Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja committee. The budget for this Puja had dropped by 75% after after a portion of the park caved in a few years ago.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhowanipur 75 Palli kicks off 61st Year of Durga Puja with Binodini theme tribute
Kolkata's Bhowanipur 75 Palli Durga Puja committee has commenced its 61st year with Khuti Puja, unveiling the theme 'Binodini.' This year pays tribute to Nati Binodini, the 19th-century Bengali theatre icon, celebrating her resilience and artistry. The Puja aims to blend tradition with a narrative of dignity and equality. Bhowanipur 75 Palli, heralded the beginning of its 61st year of celebrations with the traditional Khuti Puja recently. Marking the spiritual onset of the grand festival, the ceremony also saw the much-awaited unveiling of this year's theme — 'Binodini.' A powerful tribute to Nati Binodini, the legendary 19th-century Bengali theatre actress and trailblazer, this year's theme seeks to revive her forgotten legacy. Known for her courage, artistry, and resilience, Binodini's story reflects the larger journey of women's empowerment in cultural spaces. Through this theme, Bhowanipur 75 Palli aims to blend tradition with storytelling that resonates with contemporary conversations on dignity, equality, and remembrance. Club secretary Subir Das shared, 'Durga Puja is more than festivity — it's a canvas for community expression. With 'Binodini', we honour a cultural icon whose voice still echoes through time. It's a story of strength and spirit we hope will touch hearts.' Bhowanipur 75 Palli has long been recognised for merging creativity with social responsibility. Alongside their artistic celebrations, the committee continues to support various charitable activities year-round — from healthcare camps and educational aid to initiatives for underprivileged families — funded through donations collected during the Puja. With 'Binodini' as the centrepiece, the 2025 edition promises to be both a visual spectacle and a thoughtful homage, continuing the puja's rich tradition of culture, consciousness, and community spirit.
