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While I was going through my last year's message, hosted in our website, I suddenly
felt that 33rd Durga Puja is knocking at the door and I have not yet prepared
my message for 2011 in spite of severe requests from Rumku. The shops and
establishments are continuously managing the customers with their new products
and it has become very difficult to walk along the footpaths adjacent to Megha
Mallar. The hue and cry sings the song that "Pujo ese gelo". The count down in
different TV channels percolate the signal that we have to finish all pending work
before Ma Durga makes her long awaited entry into our complex for the 33rd year.
The daily newspapers have started describing the comparison between Theme
and Tradition associated with different Pujas. For our own Puja - it is really a long
duration of 12,045 days.
Personally I am not in favour of 'Paribartan' rather a rigorous supporter of 'Tradition'. My focus is directed more towards the family bondage and how a strong bondage could be achieved without the involvement of Ma Durga? I take this opportunity to spread the message to each and every one residing outside Megha Mallar, particularly abroad to make utmost effort to come to their sweet home during the Durga Puja to share the joyous moments with their families, parents, friends, neighbours - all in Megha Mallar. The isolation, melancholy, illness, sorrow - all could be set aside at least for the Puja days by such family bondage. The little boys and girls being tired by carrying large bags and appearing at the unit tests become very much delighted with the blooming of 'Kash phool' and also with the construction of roadside pandals and idols in specialized areas. So it is our duty to keep all these faces smiling so that they can enjoy the festival without any anxiety.
It is very well known that compared to the last year, there has been a phenomenal increase in the prices of all commodities. It had also been a tradition that our friends residing outside Kolkata had made significant special contribution for the organization of our Durga Puja and I take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of them. I now again appeal to all my friends to make special donations for the organization of Durga Puja 2011 so that our biggest autumn festival could be organized in the most befitting "Megha Mallar" manner even in the era of exorbitant price hike. Participation - from all corners, all cross section of people is the only foundation behind the success of Durga Puja and as such I earnestly request all of you to come forward to lend your helping hand to us so that we can keep the flag of Megha Mallar flying for ever with the blessings of All Mighty Ma Durga. We can forget all our hard relations by taking the "Khichuri bhog" side by side with reverberation of 'Balo balo Durga Mai ki joy'. Can we think of any better evening without the distribution of "Luchi- halua- naru" in the midst of "Dhyang kur kur dhyang kur kur"? So get set ready - 2nd October 2011 is not far behind
DR. SALIL KUMAR SANYAL
PRESIDENT 2011
MEGHA MALLAR SANSKRITI-O-KRIRA SAMSAD
September 18, 2011
The thought of Durga Puja at Meghamallar brings back a flood of memories in all our minds - moments of joy, love and celebrating together the homecoming of our beloved Ma.
As many of you would be aware, I grew up in Meghamallar, and have been involved in the Durga Puja celebrations right from the first year at Meghamallar. While I take up the responsibility of being a President of our Samsad, I do realise that it is a great responsibility that I am shouldering. I pray to our beloved Ma Durga to give me the strength to carry forward this glorious tradition. I also appeal to all members of the Samsad to come forward with their support, ideas and find means to increase the advertisement revenue.
In the words of William Wordsworth - "Child is the father of Man". This being the Decade for Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, Puja Committee has decided to have children as the guiding theme for this years Puja. Since my childhood memories are strongly linked to Meghamallar, I relate to this theme is a very special way. I would request for ideas from you to help us in establishing this theme for this year's Puja.
Let us all join hands to make this year's Durga Puja celebration a grand success.
Pranams and best wishes
Debasish Samaddar
Thank you very much for placing your confidence and trust in me which had greatly influenced in assuming the office of President for Puja 2008.
I am also pleased to note that committee for Puja 2008 has been formed , a copy of which has already been circulated to you. To make matters clear, let me have the privelage of inviting anyone eager to be a part of the working committee, be it official or unofficial as there is an imperative necessity for making the 30th year Puja celebrations not only an eye catcher but also a stupendous success to make all of us proud.
May I also take this opportunity to please appreciate that the current inflation trends is compelling us to restrict high level celebrations, however considering the support and assistance extended all these years by each one of you, we have decided to settle for the best. To start with the working committee would be ready with the advertisement forms and subscription books. Advertisement forms would be circulated soon and it is my sincere request to please stretch a little more than in the earlier years and get us insertions as this would be a tremendous boost to start with.
Cash contributions are required to meet fixed expenses like pandal, lighting, Puja Upaachar , all of which has to be decided on incremental rates over which we have little or no control. Herein I would take the liberty of making an honest appeal to kindly increase the normal contributions to the best of your ability and help us to maintain the high standards and traditional spirits of Puja at Megha Mallar.
I am confident that Puja 2008 would be great one while not forgetting for a moment, that the success depends on each one of you embracing and imbibing the culture of our beloved Puja 2008.
Namashkar
Bhaskar Roy
We have been celebrating Durga Puja in our complex for the last 28 years and we feel proud to say that everyone pours his or her heart out during the Puja for which these four days of activities are eagerly awaited , year after year by all of us.
I want to express my hearfelt thanks to those who have accepted responsiblities for performing the Puja all these years, to make the festive days really enjoyable on all account.
With the rising costs, of late uncertainities loomed large initially as how to pool the resources for the Puja expenses.However, by the Grace of Almighty , so long year after year Pujas were held in its own sombre and graceful way.
As per the guideline, the outgoing Puja Committee hands over the reins of the ensuing Puja to a new Puja committee under a new President formed in a general meeting. But this year inspite of such meetings , a new committee could not be formed. The outgoing committee therefore made it known that in case people do not come forward to form a new committee ,perhaps Puja in all probablities may have to be skipped.
At this point some friends, who themselves are senior members and veterans of Puja approached me to become the President of Puja Committee 2007, so that a new committee is formed and Puja held ,as usual in the same spirit and manner befitting the famous and immensely popular Megha Mallar Puja.
To be very frank,I was so long enjoying the puja in the complex but never undertook such responsible position of Puja President earlier. However I was assured by my friends of whole hearted support in all areas and thus I yielded.
I accepted the position also considering the following :
I am sure this year would be no exception and it will be possible to perform Puja 2007 in the traditional Megha Maller way, through the support and patronage of every one.
Finally I thank everyone for bestowing confidence in me as Puja President and appeal to each one of you for all out support to make the Puja a grand success.
With best wishes
Thanking you,
Santi Bhaumick
At the outset I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the residents of Meghamallar for bestowing their
blessings as well as confidence on me to become the president of the Samsad in connection with the celebration
of Sri Sri Durga Puja and Sri Sri Laxmi Puja for the year 2006. I started my involvement in the Annual Puja festival in this
building as an ordinary worker in the year 1979, continued the involvement during the last 27 years in various positions and finally
in the 28th year I have reached the topmost position with active suport from you. The Durga Puja in Meghamallar has reached a substantial standard and it
has now become difficult to sustain the standard in this era of price hike and inflation. To make a comparitive study, let me bring some facts before you.
In the first Durga Puja of 1979 the subscription of members was Rs.8,178 while the advertisement part was Rs.10,200.
However, the corresponding figures for the last Durga Puja was Rs.117,002 and Rs.122,330 respectively. The expenses of 2005
was Rs.268,063 in comparison with those of 1979 of Rs.18,231. So it is clear that it was possible to meet the expenses of 1979
from the funds collected while in the later parts we have had to depend on the previous balance as well as on special
donations. The situation has been going through critical stages in the last five years because many potential members/residents
have either left the building or retired from services, exhibiting a downfall of their contribution in the form of advertisements.
Even during the last 28 years many of our beloved members have left for the heavenly abode. I sincerely recall their contribution
for sustaining the standard of our Durga Puja.
The Samsad has also maintained its commitment to the Society even with its limited financial power. In the past, the Samsad purchased ceiling fans and steel chairs with tables for the Community Hall and very recently the lighting arrangements and the window for the Community Hall have been upgraded. In the Silver Jubilee Year the open space for the construction of the Pandal was reconstructed with bricks by the Samsad. In this year a new table tennis board was purchased with donation from a big well wisher of Meghamallar. Based on the standard set by the Samsad, our Puja got special awards from the Times of India in 2004 and 2005.
Considering the activities of the Samsad and to keep the minimum standard of the Puja I would appeal to all the residents to come forward to take part in our annual religious , Social and Cultural activities to be held during September 27 - October 3, 2006 & October 6, 2006. I take this opportunity to request each and every resident to increase their contribution in the form of Subscription/Advertisement/Special Donation, as far as practicable without jeopardising their other social commitments. I am very much hopeful that residents would understand the financial implications behind the celebration of our annual cultural festival and would either donate generously or collect more advertisements to keep the standard of our Puja. I also request the residents to take part in our cultural activities during the Puja to increase the cultural as well as the social involvement in our prestigous building.
With best wishes
Thanking you,
Salil Kumar Sanyal
You may be aware the Meghamallar-Sanskriti-O-Krira Samsad has started this web site since the last two years
viz. www.meghamallar.com especially for you all who are now thousands of miles away, where you shall be able to
see photographs of Puja celebrations of the last few years.
We are sure it gives you immense pleasure when you see these rare photographs featuring some of your dear ones and even yourself in acting in a drama or in a street dance during immersion or standing behind a chair for the khichuri bhog. This may remind you of some nostalgic memories of exciting moments and fun that you had with your friends and family during celebrations.
"Meghamallar Durga Pujo" is a "Barir Pujo" for all of us. So when autumn comes all the family members try their best to be present and celebrate the puja in 'Meghamallar traditional' way. For those who are not able to come and participate we have decided to have some new features in our website to make them feel involved to some extent.
We shall be happy to receive your suggestions in above or in any other matter of the celebration.
This puja shall start from 8th October and immersion shall take place on 13th October. Like every year, there shall be "dupurer khawa" and cultural programme every evening.
Last but not the least, you are aware that major part of the puja expenses are met from advertisement but the source is drying up with elders retiring and the brighter generations like you all are away due to professional needs. In view of that, on behalf of the present Durga Puja Committee, I would request you to contribute, if possible, for the Puja so that we are able to perform the Puja in our own traditional way.
May God bless you and your family,
Thanking you,
S.K. Chatterjee (Flat 1 B/1)
As the azure sky peep through the rains and play hide and seek with the clouds, we know it is time of the year to prepare for the homecoming of our beloved Mother, Ma Durga.
For the past 26 years as I grew up in our nest called Meghamallar, I have been deeply involved in all the developments, joys and sorrows. The nostalgic effect, the love and affection given by one and all over these years floods me with emotion. It is indeed a matter of honour and pride to be bestowed with the Presidentship of Meghamallar Sanskriti O- Krira Sansad.
Let our Pujo Mandap be the arena of reunion of the souls of the families living under a canopy called Meghamallar.
New fashion of Atheism moreover some say Religion is an Opium provokes me to Quote from Ancient view of man By Dr Sarbapalli Radhakrishnan "Those who are born in this age feel the loss of faith; they are the spiritually displaced; they are the culturally uprooted; they are the traditionless. The only hope for man is a spiritual recovery, the realisation that he is an unfinished animal and his goal is the kingdom of God which is latent in him."
With folded hands I pray to Her that that She gives us the strength to carry forward the golden torch of a unique heritage we call Meghamallar.
I take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate one and all who are associated with the Abahon of Ma Durga.
Best Wishes,
Amitava Pal
Durga Puja, arguably one of the greatest religious festivals of Bengal, has its origin in the erstwhile zamindar families like Sabarna Chowdhury, Nabakrishna Deb and others. Though, much later, community puja swamped the occasion, even now these family pujas are observed every year, albeit on a much smaller scale and shorn of much of the past grandeur. With the proliferation of large complexes of flats promoted by various cooperative societies, a relatively new trend has emerged, which lies between family puja and community puja.
Meghamallar Cooperative Housing Society, on Gariahat Road, near Golpark, which houses 168 families, is performing its Silver Jubilee year this autumn and is celebrating the occasion in a befitting manner. Perhaps what distinguishes this Puja is the enthusiastic and tireless participation by each and every member of the families. While one could see the ladies of the complex organizing the rituals of the puja in minutest details from early hours of the day, another group of inhabitants will be busy with the preparation of the 'Bhog'. It is a tradition not to cook anything at home for three days. One could see another set of people giving detailed instructions to the decorators. All around there is a sense of joy and satisfaction on everyone's face.
Having reached the milestone of Silver Jubilee, we have lined up a series of special programmes to commemorate this occasion. There will be musical soiree, dramas, and varieties of entertainments primarily organized by the members of the society. And within the available budget, this year's pandal and the deities will have a special appeal. All this is planned and implemented by Meghamallar Samskriti o Krira Samsad, the masthead of the Society.
May be, away from the mad rush, you want to 'really' enjoy your Puja, a visit to Meghamallar can be rewarding.
Best Wishes,
Samir Banerjee
2011
While I was going through my last year's message, hosted in our website, I suddenly
felt that 33rd Durga Puja is knocking at the door and I have not yet prepared
my message for 2011 in spite of severe requests from Rumku. The shops and
establishments are continuously managing the customers with their new products
and it has become very difficult to walk along the footpaths adjacent to Megha
Mallar. The hue and cry sings the song that "Pujo ese gelo". The count down in
different TV channels percolate the signal that we have to finish all pending work
before Ma Durga makes her long awaited entry into our complex for the 33rd year.
The daily newspapers have started describing the comparison between Theme
and Tradition associated with different Pujas. For our own Puja - it is really a long
duration of 12,045 days.
Personally I am not in favour of 'Paribartan' rather a rigorous supporter of 'Tradition'. My focus is directed more towards the family bondage and how a strong bondage could be achieved without the involvement of Ma Durga? I take this opportunity to spread the message to each and every one residing outside Megha Mallar, particularly abroad to make utmost effort to come to their sweet home during the Durga Puja to share the joyous moments with their families, parents, friends, neighbours - all in Megha Mallar. The isolation, melancholy, illness, sorrow - all could be set aside at least for the Puja days by such family bondage. The little boys and girls being tired by carrying large bags and appearing at the unit tests become very much delighted with the blooming of 'Kash phool' and also with the construction of roadside pandals and idols in specialized areas. So it is our duty to keep all these faces smiling so that they can enjoy the festival without any anxiety.
It is very well known that compared to the last year, there has been a phenomenal increase in the prices of all commodities. It had also been a tradition that our friends residing outside Kolkata had made significant special contribution for the organization of our Durga Puja and I take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of them. I now again appeal to all my friends to make special donations for the organization of Durga Puja 2011 so that our biggest autumn festival could be organized in the most befitting "Megha Mallar" manner even in the era of exorbitant price hike. Participation - from all corners, all cross section of people is the only foundation behind the success of Durga Puja and as such I earnestly request all of you to come forward to lend your helping hand to us so that we can keep the flag of Megha Mallar flying for ever with the blessings of All Mighty Ma Durga. We can forget all our hard relations by taking the "Khichuri bhog" side by side with reverberation of 'Balo balo Durga Mai ki joy'. Can we think of any better evening without the distribution of "Luchi- halua- naru" in the midst of "Dhyang kur kur dhyang kur kur"? So get set ready - 2nd October 2011 is not far behind
DR. SALIL KUMAR SANYAL
PRESIDENT 2011
MEGHA MALLAR SANSKRITI-O-KRIRA SAMSAD
September 18, 2011
2010
From 1979 to 2010 - a long 32 year interval makes our Durga Puja a matured autumn festival. During this period we have seen many ups and downs in organizing the Puja. The level of involvement of the residents - particularly young boys and girls is declining conspicuously and accordingly the sense of family bondage is also getting affected seriously. The severe financial constraint has now become the only concern for the organization of the biggest annual religious activity of our beloved "Megha Mallar".
To maintain the tradition established during this long 32 year interval, generous donations and contribution through souvenir advertisements are highly desired. Although a strong financial support from few persons residing outside the city of Kolkata is being received regularly - but still the gap between the income and expenditure is becoming uncontrollable day by day. The cost involved in each and every item is increasing every year and it becomes a strong burden on the part of the organizers (no. decreasing at regular intervals) to bridge the gap through special drives. The persons involved in organizing the "Puja" are getting tired and frustrated due to the financial increment in expenses to be incurred, followed by the decrement in the sense of involvement behind the celebration of our "Puja" to continue the 32 - year old 'Megha Mallar' tradition.
It is the responsibility of each and every person associated with Megha Mallar whether residing or not - to attend the meetings regularly and also to respond to the e-mails sent by the organizers. Those who do not reside should at least send their subscriptions to indicate the sense of belongingness to Megha Mallar. Alternate thoughts have now become the need of the day in order to continue our "Puja" considering the poor faces of our kids who wait for every year to see the idol of almighty "Durga Maa" inside their own premises. The non-involvement of the young residents has also put the persons responsible for organizing cultural activities into a highly embarrassing situation. Now a days very few persons are found who can sing and dance to continue the in-house cultural program during the festival. No wonder the persons from this building presented in-house dramas, dance dramas like Shahjehan, Bharate chai, Kenaram Becharam, Shyama, Chitrangada.. and many more!!
Let us now make a promise before almighty "Durga Maa" for the conscious participation in Durga Puja in whatever form so as to continue our "Puja" in years to come. The feeling of strong neighbouring bondage developed during the festival would become an asset, highly required to live in a co-operate building like ours. Isolation and melancholy have to be removed through participation in the biggest Bengali festival. So my humble request to each and every resident to shout the slogan "Bolo Bolo Durga Mae ki Joy - Ashche bachor aabar hobe - Bochor bochor periye jabe".
DR. SALIL KUMAR SANYAL
2009
The thought of Durga Puja at Meghamallar brings back a flood of memories in all our minds - moments of joy, love and celebrating together the homecoming of our beloved Ma.
As many of you would be aware, I grew up in Meghamallar, and have been involved in the Durga Puja celebrations right from the first year at Meghamallar. While I take up the responsibility of being a President of our Samsad, I do realise that it is a great responsibility that I am shouldering. I pray to our beloved Ma Durga to give me the strength to carry forward this glorious tradition. I also appeal to all members of the Samsad to come forward with their support, ideas and find means to increase the advertisement revenue.
In the words of William Wordsworth - "Child is the father of Man". This being the Decade for Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, Puja Committee has decided to have children as the guiding theme for this years Puja. Since my childhood memories are strongly linked to Meghamallar, I relate to this theme is a very special way. I would request for ideas from you to help us in establishing this theme for this year's Puja.
Let us all join hands to make this year's Durga Puja celebration a grand success.
Pranams and best wishes
Debasish Samaddar
2008
Thank you very much for placing your confidence and trust in me which had greatly influenced in assuming the office of President for Puja 2008.
I am also pleased to note that committee for Puja 2008 has been formed , a copy of which has already been circulated to you. To make matters clear, let me have the privelage of inviting anyone eager to be a part of the working committee, be it official or unofficial as there is an imperative necessity for making the 30th year Puja celebrations not only an eye catcher but also a stupendous success to make all of us proud.
May I also take this opportunity to please appreciate that the current inflation trends is compelling us to restrict high level celebrations, however considering the support and assistance extended all these years by each one of you, we have decided to settle for the best. To start with the working committee would be ready with the advertisement forms and subscription books. Advertisement forms would be circulated soon and it is my sincere request to please stretch a little more than in the earlier years and get us insertions as this would be a tremendous boost to start with.
Cash contributions are required to meet fixed expenses like pandal, lighting, Puja Upaachar , all of which has to be decided on incremental rates over which we have little or no control. Herein I would take the liberty of making an honest appeal to kindly increase the normal contributions to the best of your ability and help us to maintain the high standards and traditional spirits of Puja at Megha Mallar.
I am confident that Puja 2008 would be great one while not forgetting for a moment, that the success depends on each one of you embracing and imbibing the culture of our beloved Puja 2008.
Namashkar
Bhaskar Roy
2007
We have been celebrating Durga Puja in our complex for the last 28 years and we feel proud to say that everyone pours his or her heart out during the Puja for which these four days of activities are eagerly awaited , year after year by all of us.
I want to express my hearfelt thanks to those who have accepted responsiblities for performing the Puja all these years, to make the festive days really enjoyable on all account.
With the rising costs, of late uncertainities loomed large initially as how to pool the resources for the Puja expenses.However, by the Grace of Almighty , so long year after year Pujas were held in its own sombre and graceful way.
As per the guideline, the outgoing Puja Committee hands over the reins of the ensuing Puja to a new Puja committee under a new President formed in a general meeting. But this year inspite of such meetings , a new committee could not be formed. The outgoing committee therefore made it known that in case people do not come forward to form a new committee ,perhaps Puja in all probablities may have to be skipped.
At this point some friends, who themselves are senior members and veterans of Puja approached me to become the President of Puja Committee 2007, so that a new committee is formed and Puja held ,as usual in the same spirit and manner befitting the famous and immensely popular Megha Mallar Puja.
To be very frank,I was so long enjoying the puja in the complex but never undertook such responsible position of Puja President earlier. However I was assured by my friends of whole hearted support in all areas and thus I yielded.
I accepted the position also considering the following :
- The young generation is slowly gearing up for such occasions and though preoccupied with studies/professional commitments, they are contributing for the Puja equally well.Being not present in the Puja Committee meetings, in my opinion, does not reflect their actual attitude towards Puja and I am confident that they will perform in a bigger way for 2007 Puja in all areas of activities. We have enough senior and experienced members to guide them.
- The financial constraints apparently very conspicuous during the preparatory initial stages gets diluted , thanks to our golden boys abroad , our patrons, and millions of well wishers who have supported the complex Puja .
I am sure this year would be no exception and it will be possible to perform Puja 2007 in the traditional Megha Maller way, through the support and patronage of every one.
Finally I thank everyone for bestowing confidence in me as Puja President and appeal to each one of you for all out support to make the Puja a grand success.
With best wishes
Thanking you,
Santi Bhaumick
2006
At the outset I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the residents of Meghamallar for bestowing their
blessings as well as confidence on me to become the president of the Samsad in connection with the celebration
of Sri Sri Durga Puja and Sri Sri Laxmi Puja for the year 2006. I started my involvement in the Annual Puja festival in this
building as an ordinary worker in the year 1979, continued the involvement during the last 27 years in various positions and finally
in the 28th year I have reached the topmost position with active suport from you. The Durga Puja in Meghamallar has reached a substantial standard and it
has now become difficult to sustain the standard in this era of price hike and inflation. To make a comparitive study, let me bring some facts before you.
In the first Durga Puja of 1979 the subscription of members was Rs.8,178 while the advertisement part was Rs.10,200.
However, the corresponding figures for the last Durga Puja was Rs.117,002 and Rs.122,330 respectively. The expenses of 2005
was Rs.268,063 in comparison with those of 1979 of Rs.18,231. So it is clear that it was possible to meet the expenses of 1979
from the funds collected while in the later parts we have had to depend on the previous balance as well as on special
donations. The situation has been going through critical stages in the last five years because many potential members/residents
have either left the building or retired from services, exhibiting a downfall of their contribution in the form of advertisements.
Even during the last 28 years many of our beloved members have left for the heavenly abode. I sincerely recall their contribution
for sustaining the standard of our Durga Puja.
The Samsad has also maintained its commitment to the Society even with its limited financial power. In the past, the Samsad purchased ceiling fans and steel chairs with tables for the Community Hall and very recently the lighting arrangements and the window for the Community Hall have been upgraded. In the Silver Jubilee Year the open space for the construction of the Pandal was reconstructed with bricks by the Samsad. In this year a new table tennis board was purchased with donation from a big well wisher of Meghamallar. Based on the standard set by the Samsad, our Puja got special awards from the Times of India in 2004 and 2005.
Considering the activities of the Samsad and to keep the minimum standard of the Puja I would appeal to all the residents to come forward to take part in our annual religious , Social and Cultural activities to be held during September 27 - October 3, 2006 & October 6, 2006. I take this opportunity to request each and every resident to increase their contribution in the form of Subscription/Advertisement/Special Donation, as far as practicable without jeopardising their other social commitments. I am very much hopeful that residents would understand the financial implications behind the celebration of our annual cultural festival and would either donate generously or collect more advertisements to keep the standard of our Puja. I also request the residents to take part in our cultural activities during the Puja to increase the cultural as well as the social involvement in our prestigous building.
With best wishes
Thanking you,
Salil Kumar Sanyal
2005
You may be aware the Meghamallar-Sanskriti-O-Krira Samsad has started this web site since the last two years
viz. www.meghamallar.com especially for you all who are now thousands of miles away, where you shall be able to
see photographs of Puja celebrations of the last few years. We are sure it gives you immense pleasure when you see these rare photographs featuring some of your dear ones and even yourself in acting in a drama or in a street dance during immersion or standing behind a chair for the khichuri bhog. This may remind you of some nostalgic memories of exciting moments and fun that you had with your friends and family during celebrations.
"Meghamallar Durga Pujo" is a "Barir Pujo" for all of us. So when autumn comes all the family members try their best to be present and celebrate the puja in 'Meghamallar traditional' way. For those who are not able to come and participate we have decided to have some new features in our website to make them feel involved to some extent.
We shall be happy to receive your suggestions in above or in any other matter of the celebration.
This puja shall start from 8th October and immersion shall take place on 13th October. Like every year, there shall be "dupurer khawa" and cultural programme every evening.
Last but not the least, you are aware that major part of the puja expenses are met from advertisement but the source is drying up with elders retiring and the brighter generations like you all are away due to professional needs. In view of that, on behalf of the present Durga Puja Committee, I would request you to contribute, if possible, for the Puja so that we are able to perform the Puja in our own traditional way.
May God bless you and your family,
Thanking you,
S.K. Chatterjee (Flat 1 B/1)
2004
As the azure sky peep through the rains and play hide and seek with the clouds, we know it is time of the year to prepare for the homecoming of our beloved Mother, Ma Durga.
For the past 26 years as I grew up in our nest called Meghamallar, I have been deeply involved in all the developments, joys and sorrows. The nostalgic effect, the love and affection given by one and all over these years floods me with emotion. It is indeed a matter of honour and pride to be bestowed with the Presidentship of Meghamallar Sanskriti O- Krira Sansad.
Let our Pujo Mandap be the arena of reunion of the souls of the families living under a canopy called Meghamallar.
New fashion of Atheism moreover some say Religion is an Opium provokes me to Quote from Ancient view of man By Dr Sarbapalli Radhakrishnan "Those who are born in this age feel the loss of faith; they are the spiritually displaced; they are the culturally uprooted; they are the traditionless. The only hope for man is a spiritual recovery, the realisation that he is an unfinished animal and his goal is the kingdom of God which is latent in him."
With folded hands I pray to Her that that She gives us the strength to carry forward the golden torch of a unique heritage we call Meghamallar.
I take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate one and all who are associated with the Abahon of Ma Durga.
Best Wishes,
Amitava Pal
2003
Durga Puja, arguably one of the greatest religious festivals of Bengal, has its origin in the erstwhile zamindar families like Sabarna Chowdhury, Nabakrishna Deb and others. Though, much later, community puja swamped the occasion, even now these family pujas are observed every year, albeit on a much smaller scale and shorn of much of the past grandeur. With the proliferation of large complexes of flats promoted by various cooperative societies, a relatively new trend has emerged, which lies between family puja and community puja.
Meghamallar Cooperative Housing Society, on Gariahat Road, near Golpark, which houses 168 families, is performing its Silver Jubilee year this autumn and is celebrating the occasion in a befitting manner. Perhaps what distinguishes this Puja is the enthusiastic and tireless participation by each and every member of the families. While one could see the ladies of the complex organizing the rituals of the puja in minutest details from early hours of the day, another group of inhabitants will be busy with the preparation of the 'Bhog'. It is a tradition not to cook anything at home for three days. One could see another set of people giving detailed instructions to the decorators. All around there is a sense of joy and satisfaction on everyone's face.
Having reached the milestone of Silver Jubilee, we have lined up a series of special programmes to commemorate this occasion. There will be musical soiree, dramas, and varieties of entertainments primarily organized by the members of the society. And within the available budget, this year's pandal and the deities will have a special appeal. All this is planned and implemented by Meghamallar Samskriti o Krira Samsad, the masthead of the Society.
May be, away from the mad rush, you want to 'really' enjoy your Puja, a visit to Meghamallar can be rewarding.
Best Wishes,
Samir Banerjee