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Time of India
17 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
From churches to temples & gurdwaras, city prays for crash victims
Kolkata: Churches across Kolkata offered prayers and tributes to the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash that occurred on Thursday. Several Durga Puja organisers also offered prayers and tributes during Khuti Puja, the formal ritual marking the start of the preparations for Durga Puja. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Friday, several mosques, including Nakhoda Mosque on Zakaria Street, where worshippers gathered after the Friday prayers to recite verses and offer collective dua, sought peace for the victims and strength for their grieving families. Several gurdwaras also held special prayers. On Sunday, churches, including the Old Mission Church on RN Mukherjee Road, St John's Church on Council House Street, and the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary in Burrabazar, observed special prayers for the victims, their family members, and the people involved in rescue operations during their regular Sunday mass. Devotees lit candles and prayed for the deceased and their loved ones in an atmosphere marked by quiet reflection and sorrow. At St John's Church, Father Pradip Kumar Nanda led the Sunday service. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of so many lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash," said Rangan Dutta, church officer. "During our Sunday service, we offered prayers for the souls of the departed and comfort to their grieving families. At times like these, we are reminded of our shared humanity, and we pray for healing, peace, and strength for all those affected," he added. "Let us remember the distressed families of those passengers who were on the London-bound Air India flight which crashed on Thursday. May God's peace and comfort help them to cope with this tragedy. Also, let us pray for God's wisdom and strength for those who are helping the victims and families of this tragedy," was the prayer at the Old Mission Church. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many city-based Durga Puja organisers also paid homage to the departed souls of the Ahmedabad plane crash victims on Sunday. Samaj Sebi Sangha, in their 80th year of puja, dedicated their Khuti Puja to the deceased and their family members of the tragic incident, where all the participating male members of the club were dressed in white clothes as a mark of respect. "We worship Maa Durga as 'Durgatinashini', who is the destroyer of all sufferings, eliminates hardships and obstacles. We pray to her so that in the future this type of horrible incident should not happen again," said Arijit Maitra, general secretary of the club. Before the heart-breaking incident took place Maitra had planned to dedicate the event to all the fathers as it was organised on Father's Day. Bhowanipur 75 Palli, during Sunday's theme banner release programme along with a blood donation camp, observed a minute of silence to honour the deceased before the beginning of the event on their 61st year of puja. "We are all dumbfounded after the disastrous incident and what we can do more except pray to Maa," said Subir Das, club secretary. Soumojit Das, joint secretary of Entally Kanthal Bagan Sarbojonin, has already put up condolence hoardings in their locality and plans to pay homage to the crash victims during their upcoming Khuti Puja on June 27. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Joka organised a special prayer during the Sunday morning assembly which happened as per schedule worldwide. "Monks prayed for the strength for the families of the crash victims during the last 15 minutes of the assembly," said Manish Jasani, a senior devotee.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Puja curtains go up with khuti puja at Hazra Park Durgotsab
Hazra Park Durgotsab commenced its 83rd year preparations with the Khuti Puja at Jatin Das Park, attended by dignitaries like Mayor Firhad Hakim and actress Darshana Banik. The event, marked by traditional dhak beats, signals the start of the festive season. The festive spirit of Durga Puja officially began today as Hazra Park Durgotsab performed its traditional khuti puja at Jatin Das Park (Hazra crossing), marking the start of preparations for its 83rd year of celebrations. Renowned for its avant-garde pandals and socially conscious themes, Hazra Park Durgotsab continues to be one of the city's most anticipated Puja destinations. This year's Khuti Puja was graced by several dignitaries including actress Darshana Banik . The rhythmic beats of dhaks added to the festive fervour, heralding the season's onset with traditional grandeur. 'This year, we aim not only to innovate but to inspire,' said Sayan Deb Chatterjee, joint secretary of Hazra Park Durgotsab Committee. He added, 'Our 83rd edition will blend artistic brilliance with a deep cultural narrative. We invite all to be part of this journey with friends and family.' Known for its vibrant cultural programming and meaningful community outreach, Hazra Park promises an immersive and memorable Puja experience. With work on the pandal and festivities now in full swing, the countdown to Durga Puja has truly begun.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Early Khuti Puja at clubs for more puja prep time
Kolkata: Many organisers in the city held their Khuti Puja on Wednesday, making an early start to the months-long planning for Bengal's biggest festival. The puja coincided with Snan Yatra; it is usually held around Rath Yatra, which falls on June 27 this year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Shashthi on Sept 28 and Dashami on Oct 2, puja committees are planning in advance to complete their elaborate pandals, lighting, and artistic installations without last-minute rush. Some committees had even conducted Khuti Puja in the second week of May. Organisers are also factoring in delays and time lags due to the weather, official clearances, and other factors. Paddapukur Youth Association held their Khuti Puja on Wednesday evening, which was early by at least two weeks. "This time we are holding Khuti Puja early to help us complete puja preparations in time," said Subhankar Roychoudhury of the association. Beadon Street Sarbojonin Durgotsab and Gouribari Sarbojonin Durgotsab held their respective Khuti Puja on Wednesday. " This early start will help us avoid the last-minute rush," said Abhijit Das, a member of Beadon Street Sarbojonin Durgotsab. At Thakurpukur SB Park Sarbojanin, the Khuti Puja was held in the third week of May, said Sanjay Majumdar, club secretary. "In the past, we saw that several man-days were lost due to the weather. Starting early gives some elbow room," said a member of Ballygunge Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee, which organised Khuti Puja on May 25.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Organisers cancel Khuti Pujas
Kolkata: Two major Durga Puja committees in the city — Chorebagan Sarbojanin in the north and Santoshpur Lakepally in the south — have cancelled their Khuti Puja scheduled this Sunday due to the current war situation. Rasbehari's 66 Pally Durga Puja has decided to proceed with their platinum jubilee year Khunti Puja but scaled down the celebrations. "It is not the time to celebrate when people residing in the border areas are getting killed everyday. We should support the Indian Army," said Jayanta Banerjee, puja convenor of Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durgoutsav Samity."If the situation gets better then we will plan the Khuti Puja in June, on the day of Ratha Yatra," said Somnath Das, senior executive member of Santoshpur Lakepally Durga Puja.
