Mini-Bengal comes alive in Lucknow |

Lucknow News - Times of India

https://m.timesofindia.com/city/lucknow/mini-bengal-comes-alive-in-
lucknow/articleshow/24003130.cms

LUCKNOW: One comes across a different view during a visit

to the locality near Shivaji Marg these days, otherwise known
for traffic bottlenecks. Brightly lit up with thematic lights and
crowded with women wearing red and white bangles along
with Bengali ethnic sarees and men in dhoti-kurtas, the area
come alive during Durga Puja .
Elderly and youngsters can be seen greeting each other in
Bangla: 'Kemon Achoo' (Hello, how are you) or 'Ami Bhalo
Achi' (I am fine). Huge gates put up at every major crossroad
add to the festive feeling. With the locality filled with the
essence and aroma of Bengal, it seems as if Kolkata has
transcended to Lucknow. The area is the biggest hub of
Durga Puja celebrations in the city with six pandals within a
1km stretch. The puja organised by Bengali Club and
Youngmen's Association is the oldest.
While puja at Mitro Sangho Committee at Model House Park
was started in 1975, Jogendra Pathak Road Puja Sangsad is
into its 72nd year this time. Similarly, Boys Anglo Bengali
Inter-College and Vidyant Hindu Degree College have been
conducting the puja since long. Even Shashi Bhushan College
has been organising the puja for past many years. After
sluggish afternoon, the locality wears a festive look in
evening. Families dressed in traditional attire indulge in
pandal-hopping.
From Sasthi onwards, the pandals attract a large number of
devotees because the rituals of puja are performed according
to Bengali culture and tradition. People get a chance to gorge
on Bengali delicacies in the 'anand mela' in which ladies
bring home-made food to the pandals. Similarly, they get
hooked to the delicious bhog, which includes 'Khichdi-
Chacheri' and Darbesh, served in the pandals. Organisers
invite people from West Bengal to play dhaak, dhol, basuri,
kashi, dogar and kasha in the pandals.
Dance and drama troupes from West Bengal also perform at
pandals adding colour and vibrancy to the atmosphere. Even
a sense of nostalgia also drives many former residents of the
area. "Earlier the majority of Bengalis used to reside in the
area. The memories of their childhood are attached with this
place. Though most of them now live in other localities, they
make a point to bring their children to this area," said
Nirmoy Mitra, a private executive.
Visiting the pandals in the locality, Pallavi Paul, a student
said, "The celebration mood is best reflected in Shivaji Marg."
She added that they all walk leisurely along the streets all
night and get a chance to meet and interact with their
friends.