The Durga Puja celebration in Howrah’s Shibpur neighborhood is a remarkable example of cultural endurance, now marking its 104th year of continuous tradition. What began as the esteemed “Mukherjee Barir Pujo” (Puja of the Mukherjee Household) a century ago has successfully navigated shifts in location, architecture, and stewardship, preserving its deep spiritual and cultural significance.

The Mukherjee Era: Grandeur and Community

Initiated by the prominent Mukherjee business family in the early 20th century, the pujo quickly grew into a local landmark. It was once synonymous with splendor and elaborate festivities, held in the family’s stately palace. The celebration attracted thousands from surrounding areas and was more than just a religious ceremony; it became a crucial socio-cultural highlight on the community’s annual calendar.

Transition and Transformation

Over the past two decades, the celebration’s former magnificence began to fade. As the younger generations of the Mukherjee family moved away—both abroad and to other parts of India—the original event experienced a visible reduction in scale.

A significant turning point occurred in 2018. The historic palace was acquired for redevelopment and replaced by a modern residential society. This new complex, named “Happy Garden,” now stands as a physical tribute to the Mukherjee family’s lasting legacy of the Durga Puja.

New Stewards, Enduring Spirit

Despite the dramatic change in venue, the spirit of the tradition was wholeheartedly embraced by the new residents. The community of 45 apartments in “Happy Garden” made a conscious choice to continue the Mukherjee family’s legacy. The majority of residents have adopted the custom since the society’s inception, welcoming Maa Durga into their community like a cherished family member and commemorating her annual visit with great enthusiasm.

In this new setting, the nostalgia of the past seamlessly blends with the energy of the present. Crucially, the Durga idol is still crafted using the identical traditional methods employed a century ago, serving as a powerful, tangible connection to the original rituals.

“We are honored to sustain the Mukherjee Family’s legacy,” states Uttam Mukherjee, President of Happy Garden. He emphasizes that the pujo “not only harmonizes the old and new but also acts as a unifying thread, bringing residents together to share joyful moments in welcoming UMA.”

Upholding the Heritage

This effort to maintain the tradition has faced occasional difficulties, including a small handful of residents’ non-cooperation. Despite these obstacles, the society has been overwhelmingly successful in furthering the legacy. Their primary goal is cultural preservation: to safeguard this heritage and transmit it to future generations.

The current Durga Puja at “Happy Garden” is thriving and has become a beacon of cultural continuity. Remarkably, it is now drawing Mukherjee family members who are settled overseas back to Howrah to participate in the powerful homecoming of UMA, ensuring the 104-year-old tradition remains vibrant, inclusive, and memorable.

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