Our Pujo

Currently, over 150 Durga Pujas are celebrated in the UK.
Out of these, more than 100 Pujas take place in and around London and its surrounding areas (counties like Kent, Surrey, Essex, Berkshire, etc.). Just like in Kolkata, Durga Puja here is gradually becoming a grand festival—filled with excitement, food, music, fashion, and photography.

Since taking on the responsibility as a priest for UKHCA’s Durga Puja in Swanley, Kent, three years ago, I have been determined never to let this Puja fade away in the shadow of the festivities.

I have a bit of a reputation for being a perfectionist. Whatever the task may be, I generally want it to be completed properly —not in a ‘half-hearted’ way. When I start preparing for Durga Puja, I found myself in a dilemma—what to include and what to leave out. On one hand, there’s the busy lifestyle of the people here and the limited time for the Puja, and on the other hand, my demands of my perfectionist soul.

After going through many Puja books and having countless arguments with myself, I finally arrived at a compromise.

Within that framework, I have included the key scriptural rituals and traditions of Durga Puja—Nabapatrika Snan, Mahasnan, Balidan (sacrifice), Hom, 108 lotus flowers, 108 lamps, Chandipath, etc.

Every day, Puja is done twice with sixteen offerings (Shodashopachara), and twice-daily Bhog is offered to Maa.

However, one part remained unfulfilled —Kumari Puja. For the past two years, I had skipped this page of the Puja book every time I came to it, but it always felt like something was missing. This year, the final piece of this puzzle will be complete —the divine goddess will be present not only in the clay idol but also in her living form.

For those attending the Puja, I hope you enjoy the arrangements. The festive joy will be there, but everything will revolve around the Puja.

One small request—please come with a bit of patience. Think of it as going to a fine dining restaurant, not a fast-food joint. 😁

See you there. Joy Ma!

Debanjan 🙏🏾