Durga Pujo : Borobari theke Barowari

(From the Wealthy to the Community – A Historical Journey of Durga Puja) - By Sandip Bandopadhyay

Durga Puja has emerged as a festival par excellence invoking much pomp and glory in the twenty-first century. But little do we know about the history behind the origin of this overwhelming festival that has continued to weave its illimitable magic over millions of Bengalis. Bada Badi Theke Baroyari traces the humble beginnings of the puja to its lavish journey in the modern era. Initially, back in the nineteenth century, the puja celebrations were limited to the boundaries of a few wealthy families in Kolkata. The five-day fiesta was merely an artificial show of wealth and power for attracting the attention of the erstwhile British officers during the period of the British Raj. The book goes on to explore the transformation of this much coveted festival to its more familiar Baroyari form. The book illumines a myriad of dark corners surrounding the enigma of the most celebrated festival of Bengal. From tracing down the beginnings of the first Bada badi puja to the first Baroyari puja, this book is sure to enlighten the readers with its rich storehouse of information environing the nitty gritty of the Durga Puja saga.