The Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Puja, Bangalore.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What's in store this puja @ Jayamahal!

The Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Puja is one of the most prominent, big budget pujas celebrated in Bangalore. The Ganges clay idol (called the protima) is made by the expert artisans brought in from Kumartuli in West Bengal and the idol is made out of clay from the river Ganges. A conscious decision was made to adhere to the environmental theme this year of ‘Going Green’. No lead or any toxic chemicals have been used in creating or decorating the idols of Durga and the entire ensemble of gods and goddesses.

Known for its creativity, this year too the Jayamahal Durga Puja will host a unique exhibition comprising of a gallery of rare photographs on Swami Vivekananda‘s life and works. Books and souvenirs from Swamiji will also be on sale. This exhibition is being supported by The Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Last year this puja had made a first of its kind exhibition comprising of rare letters and other paraphernalia on Rabindranath Tagore from the H K Kejriwal collection. A special Arati ritual is also planned by priests from the Bharat Sevashram Sangha.

A bevy of cultural events are lined up including a performance by the famous rock band ‘Cactus’ who will be performing on the 3^rd of October 2011. Dance Drama “Shyama” by Probal & Group on 4^th October 2011 and Musical Extravaganza by Biju Nair and Party on 5^th October 2011 followed by the immersion and a grand feast on the last day.

The Jayamahal Puja established way back in 1955 is among the oldest and most heavily visited among the pujas in the diaspora of over 4 lakh Bengalis residing in Bangalore.