The year 1977 and my first days after having stepped into our BITS, Pilani campus. And as luck had it, the first two guys who knocked the door on my third evening in VK Bhawan both looked very Bongish. Ki bongo santan? Are you a bengali? I nodded. Come along. I knew I was in for a long haul. And that I would have to wait a while before I could ask them about the thought playing in my mind for the last few days as a bong fresher. On whether Ma Durga comes to BITS, Pilani campus every year.

The next five hours didn’t turn out as bad as anticipated. The guy who was initially acting a bit tough turned out to be a singer and as I sang a few songs on their dictate they soon became cool and friendly. As it turned out they both were 2nd semester admission and had just moved into their second year but were aware that Durga Puja wasn’t celebrated in campus. Felt a bit sad but looked forward to the day she would bless us with her footsteps in campus. Along with her children in tow, Saraswati back in her own home Vidya Vihar, Luxmi, Kartick and Ganesh. The day did arrive finally but after almost a decade and half in 1993. Prior to that Durga Puja was organized starting late eighties in a small way.

Memories are forever

Relive Your Memories Again with Travelwisesr Holidays

Here are couple of them!

In a quaint town like Pilani, Pujo is probably one of most exciting and extravagant I remember throughout my childhood. Even before it starts, I remember how I used to go with my parents to preparation meetings. For a 6th grader, who was mainly focussed on hogging as much as mutton / chicken as a human can eat while having fun with friends, I saw everyone, planning pujo with utmost sincerity. This was important, because when you organize one of the largest extravagances in the campus, it has to be perfect.

I remember how mom, would be involved in 17 different things. Starting from going to Puja Pendal at 7am, going to work, and straight back to Pooja Ground, from work, she would be handling prasad and puja rituals. Beyond the 10 days, she always took pride to prepare a performance, usually a dance, with the level of preparation paralleling a broadway musical. The costume had to be exquisite, the song had to be new and perfected, each step had to meticulously decided.

My Dad was equally involved and excited. I was told he was handling finances for a lot of pujo years, which was funny to me because he was a man who misplaced his wallet every alternate day. But the amount of dedication and ethic he put into doing this work was impressive which was only seconded by his dhoti draping skills, a talent which was perfectly utilized to assist everyone in their cultural performances and perfecting pujo outfits for so many people.

What I find so beautiful about pujo was how it went beyond rituals and traditions. We had a sports day, which was preceded by painting and fancy-dress competitions. We spent watching, performing and enjoying three days multiple cultural performances, all so diverse, in terms of age and ethnicity ranging from all sects of the country. I remember, how I have been part of every one of these things. I have danced, for which I apologise to my mentors who had to deal with someone who had zero skills in the art.  I have sat in audience, eating Luchi and Halwa, and watch magic happen on stage, and lastly having the honour to be host for the cultural nights.

Manasija Das, is son of Champak Baran Das and Madhusmita Das. He is currently working as a Product Analyst in Darwinbox and is also an international parliamentary debater, winning laurels all across the world.

Evolving Traditions: The Heartbeat of Durga Pooja in Pilani

The quaint town of Pilani, with its quiet lanes and gentle breeze, became a cradle of tradition, camaraderie, and joyful evolution with the onset of Durga Pooja each year. For me, the saga began in 1998, when the new breeze from Madhya Pradesh carried in a young soul ready to immerse in the age-old traditions of Rajasthan. The humble abode that witnessed the first sparks of planning soon became the nucleus of an ever-evolving tradition.

The initial days were of humble beginnings, simple meetings, and a shared enthusiasm that coursed through the veins of the community. The essence of Durga Pooja was not just in the grandeur but in the unity, the shared laughter, and the collective anticipation that filled the air. The modest gatherings soon transcended into a well-coordinated spectacle, a testimony to the growth and unity of the community.

With time, the canvas of celebration broadened. The arrival of cooks and the revered Pandi Kanayi Da added flavors both spiritual and culinary to the festivities. The essence of the celebration was not lost but enriched with the evolving traditions. The transition of leadership from the seniors to the eager learner from Madhya Pradesh was seamless, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and the zeal to learn and evolve.

The budget sheets, the meticulous planning for the pandal, stage, and equipment were not mere chores, but a journey adorned with learnings and laughter. The Pooja Fund, a humble contribution from each heart, was not just about monetary pooling, but a symbol of collective responsibility and shared ownership of the beloved event.

The effervescence of Durga Pooja reached its zenith on the day of the celebration. The riot of colors, the gleam of jewelry, and the unofficial runway of fashion showcased the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the joyous spirits of the community. The collective heartbeat of the community resonated in the rhythm of the dhak, transcending the mundane into the divine.

The underlying beauty of the celebration was in the harmony that prevailed. While the women orchestrated the proceedings at the pandal, the men and children ensured the home’s warmth and chores were well attended to. It was a dance of roles, a ballet of responsibilities that showcased a profound respect and understanding among the community members.

The evolution of Durga Pooja in Pilani was not merely about a festival; it was about the coming together of hearts, the blending of cultures, and the joyous unfolding of shared dreams. The meticulous planning, the hearty laughter, and the selfless contributions were the threads that wove the beautiful tapestry of Durga Pooja, a tradition that transcended the bariers of age, culture, and geography, nestling forever in the heart of Pilani and its people.

Reena Banerjee is a remarkable woman whose journey began in the serene lanes of Pilani in 1998, where for 22 nurturing years, she flourished as a doting mother and a proficient homemaker. With a knack for meticulous planning and an innate ability to navigate through challenges. She now resides in Jaipur and channels her indefatigable spirit towards uplifting the underprivileged, working with a cherished non-profit organization.

There are so many more beautifully written memoirs including the ones penned down in one of the sweetest languages Bengali. Wish I could publish all of them here. However must thank each of you for taking me down your memory lane and making me feel I was there. And thank my friend Nirankush Dutta for the pleasure.

Also Read: Back to BITS, Pilani- What’s changed?

Durga Puja celebrations 2023

The preparations

Ma Durga arrives on Panchami

Saptami, Ashtami & Navami mornings

Prasad distribution

Afternoon Bhog Prasad

The kids corners

Magical evenings

Sandhya Aarti, Dhunuchi Naach & fun

Durga Puja Celebrations

It’s about Music, Dance & Fancy Dress

Mahishasur Pala

Competition & Sports

Puja is about Sarees

And the happiness of being together

The Little Magazine

Sindur Khela

Bisorjon

A Big Thank You to the entire team at Sharadiya Utsav Samiti, Pilani and each one of you out there for making us experience what I had always wished to for more than four decades. And for motivating many thousand BITSians around the world like me to be there in person sometime to experience Durga Puja in Pilani with all of you.

If you loved this journey to BITS Pilani for Durga Puja, PIN it & forward for friends!