Bhalo khawa and moja kora

Bhalo khawa and moja kora

For Bengalis, Durga puja is all about Bhalo khawa and moja kora that means ‘Eating good food and having a good time’. Kharghar-based Bango Sammilani has taken this seriously and promises each and every member grand festivities. Amidst shopping and other preparations, many women still have to worry about going home and cooking. But Bango Sammilani will solve this problem through their chula bandh initiative. The association is organising a lavish spread for lunch and dinner everyday. This means women can have a gala time through Sharadutsab. “Everyone works very hard to make this puja a grand success including the women members. Hence, it is unfair for us to expect women to go back home and cook for us. With chula bandh, our members can enjoy the four puja days without thinking about going home to cook. This is the main reason for us serving both lunch and dinner on Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami,” said Chiranjit Bhadra, member of Bango Sammilani. The association will be celebrating their puja at their usual venue i.e. The Milestone Hall (above ICICI Bank), near Shilp Chowk, Kharghar. Dipankar Pal is designing the six-feet-tall idol of Maa Durga. The idol will adorn traditional dak-er saaj. The puja has become so popular that from 10-15 families in 2009, the strength has increased to 300 families now. Their programmes start from Shashti with local kids performing Aagomoni sangeet followed by Bengali folk dances and a session of modern Bengali songs by the older members. While, Piya Acharya from Kolkata will entertain the audiences on Saptami with Adhunik songs, Laxman Das Baul will sing baul songs on Ashtami. As the organisation encourages local talent, children and members will perform songs and dance-dramas on Nabami. “Besides, we have various events for children like fancy dress, drawing competition and essay writing. Older members can participate on ulu dhwani, shankha dhawani and candle lightening competitions on Nabami afternoon. Dhunuchi naach will be a special item after the cultural programme on Ashtami. This is apt as everyone waits for the late night Sandhi puja,” said Bhadra. The organisation also indulges in charity works and donate money to an orphanage every year.