Recognising the social significance of Durga Puja beyond the grandeur of pandals and the artistic excellence of idols, 25 Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata and its surrounding areas have received the ‘Mahashakti Samman’. The recognition was jointly presented by ‘We Are the Common People’ and the ‘West Bengal Community Alliance’.

The initiative aims to preserve Bengal’s festive heritage while highlighting social responsibility, inclusivity and the participation of people from all sections of society.

Every year, Durga Puja transforms Kolkata into a vast arena of art, culture and community engagement. The construction of pandals, creation of idols, decorative lighting and cultural programmes generate employment and create opportunities for people from diverse professions. Many pujas are also deeply connected with local history, longstanding traditions and collective memories. The ‘Mahashakti Samman’ seeks to recognise these diverse contributions.

Traditional and Community Pujas Receive Recognition

The list of awardees includes several prominent and traditional pujas in North Kolkata, including Tala Pratyay, Bagbazar Sarbojanin, Jagat Mukherjee Park, Kumartuli Sarbojanin, Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin, Ahiritola Sarbojanin, Chorbagan Sarbojanin, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Nalini Sarkar Street Sarbojanin and Kashi Bose Lane Sarbojanin.

Other recognised celebrations include Sreebhumi Sporting Club, College Square Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Asha O Abhilasha Durga Puja Committee and Beleghata Young Sporting Club, among others.

A distinctive feature of the initiative is its emphasis on participation and dignity for people across different sections of society. In this context, the recognition of the Durga Puja organised by the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee is particularly significant.

The organisation works to promote the rights and social dignity of sex workers. By recognising its puja, the initiative has sought to broaden the meaning of inclusivity in Durga Puja and highlight the importance of equal participation by marginalised communities in public celebrations.

Heritage Family Pujas Also Honoured

Alongside community celebrations, the initiative has recognised the tradition of Durga Puja in Bengal’s historic aristocratic households.

Tamogna Ghosh was mentioned in connection with the puja organised by the Ghosh family in North Kolkata, while Loknath Chattopadhyay was mentioned in connection with the Chattopadhyay family’s puja in South Kolkata.

Family-organised Durga Pujas preserve generations of history, memories and cultural heritage. Community pujas, meanwhile, reflect collective participation and local solidarity. Bringing both traditions under the same recognition programme highlights the diversity of Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Special Award in Memory of Chhanda Duttagupta

The initiative is also associated with the memory of the late Chhanda Duttagupta. A special award, titled the ‘Chhanda Duttagupta Award for Excellence in Festive Heritage & Social Commitment’, has been named in her honour.

The award aims to recognise outstanding contributions to the preservation of festive heritage and the promotion of social responsibility.

Durga Puja celebrations depend on the collective efforts of numerous people, including idol makers, pandal construction workers, lighting technicians, volunteers and local residents. Alongside recognising their contributions, the initiative seeks to highlight the cultural role of puja committees and their involvement in social activities.

Shubhajit Duttagupta, secretary of ‘We Are the Common People’ and convenor of the ‘West Bengal Community Alliance’, is closely associated with the initiative. Dipankar De, Priyanshu De, Rahul Das and Akash Ganguly are also involved in the programme.

By bringing together heritage, culture and social responsibility, the ‘Mahashakti Samman’ presents a broader perspective on the significance of Durga Puja. Its central message is that the true value of a festival lies not only in the joy of celebration but also in its ability to strengthen social connections and encourage a deeper sense of responsibility towards society.