Pune: Celebrate Durga Puja in Baner with Charity Camps and Traditional Bengali Food Fair
Pune: Celebrate Durga Puja in Baner with Charity Camps and Traditional Bengali Food Fair
Pune’s Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh is all set to celebrate the 7th year of its grand Durga Puja festival, which has become a much-anticipated event in the city. The six-day gala, featuring cultural programs, ‘Bhog’ (Prasad), and a pet-friendly pandal, is already winning hearts.
Durga Puja is more than just a festival it’s a carnival of emotions, joy, and togetherness. It marks the time when families come together to enjoy great food, music, and cultural evenings, all while welcoming Maa Durga back to her paternal home.
Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh: A Cultural Citadel
Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh, a socio-cultural organization based in Pune, is committed to activities spanning across cultural, sports, literature, and philanthropic efforts. This year, the Sangh is celebrating its 7th Durga Puja at Baner.
The festivity began with Khuti Pujo on 25th September, a traditional ritual where bamboo pillars are worshipped before constructing the pandal. “Khuti Pujo marks that the most favorite festival is not far away,” said Rajesh Burman, General Secretary of Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh, Pune. He further added that the Durga idol this year is made from eco-friendly materials, in a bid to save the environment. The pandal will feature traditional Daker Saaj décor, made from bamboo kulo and shola.
Grand Durga Puja Pandal
Spanning over 45,000 square feet, the grand Durga Puja pandal will soon take shape. All club members are actively involved in planning the event. The key festival days will kick off on Mahalaya Amavasya, followed by Ghatsthapana on 3rd October, which signals the beginning of the celebrations.
The Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh’s six-day celebration will include:
- Cultural programs
- Kichuri Bhog (a special prasad meal)
- Anondo Mela: A fair featuring traditional Bengali home-cooked food, prepared by the members.
“We invite all Punekars to come and enjoy this festival,” said Rajesh Burman. He also highlighted the organization’s charitable efforts.
Charity Initiatives
As part of its ongoing charity work, Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh has organized several initiatives:
- Bhog distribution for members and their families (serving Khichadi, Begun Bhaja, Labra, chutney, and sweets).
- Blood Donation Camp.
- Health Checkup Camp.
- Spot Eye Testing.
- Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math and Krishna Bhau of Shantiniketan will grace the occasion.
- Over 500 car parking spaces will be available.
Cultural Programs and Power-Packed Performances
Durga Puja wouldn’t be complete without an array of cultural performances, promising a power-packed experience for all attendees:
- Folk songs by Suman and team from Birbhum.
- A dance performance by Dr. Devika P. Borthakur and her team, who received a fellowship as an Outstanding Artist of Sattriya from the Ministry of Culture, Delhi.
- A musical performance by the original team of R.D. Burman, featuring Raj Sodha, Pradipto Sengupta, and Sachin Jambhekar.
- An eclectic performance by the Bangla Band Bondini Bangla Bhasha.
- Numerous food stalls serving a variety of mouth-watering dishes.
Open to All – Including Pets!
“We believe in inclusivity, and our Durga Puja is open to everyone,” said Burman. Aagomoni Prabasi Sangh takes pride in hosting Pune’s first pet-friendly pandal, inviting all families along with their furry friends to join in the festivities. There are no VIP passes; everyone is welcome to celebrate this joyous occasion together.
