Four oldest Barwaris still maintain the simplicity of Durga Puja

Prayagraj: As the city is gripped with festive fever of Durga Puja, the four days of worshipping the Goddess in Durga Puja pandals will commence from Oct 8. TOI tries to trace the rich historical background of the four prominent Barwari (Durga Puja committees) of the city, which are over 100 years old. Although not known for majestic gates and theme-based pandals, these Barwaris have a long, rich legacy and history of Durga Puja celebrations.They follow traditional method of worshipping the deity without much pomp and show. The Colonelgunj Barwari, Indian Girl's (City) Barwari, Attarsuyia Barwari, and Lukergunj Barwari are the oldest ones in city.
Talking of the rich legacy of Colonelgunj barwari, the general secretary, Alok Roy, informed that this barwari would be organising the 172nd year of Durga Puja this year. The Barwari was formed in 1853, before which the puja was organised in the houses of devotees. After that, the devotees decided to organise the same by forming a committee. The first community puja was started at the residence of Ram Chandra Banerjee in the outer verandah of his house situated near Bhardwaj Ashram, and this continued for around two decades. Later, towards the end of the 19th century, the venue was shifted to other place. . By the beginning of the 1920s, the venue was finally shifted to the large plot opposite Anand Bhawan.
"It is said that though Durga Puja was performed occasionally, the puja was first celebrated in an organised way in 1853 ," said a senior advisor of this Barwari, Shankar Chaterjee. During those times, folk songs and Bengali traditional drama yatra (Jatra) were also held in puja celebrations. The dari (cotton carpet), utensils, etc, were not available on a hire basis, and the necessary items were provided by Motilal Nehru and his family, he added.
"The most famous dramatist of Hindi, Bhartendu Harish Chandra, held a Hindi drama on the occasion of Durga Puja wherein he himself acted," said Chaterjee.
Likewise, the Indian Girl's (City) Barwari is over 140-year-old Barwari of the Chowk area. This is one Durga Puja committee which is not confined to a locality alone, as the members of this committee are scattered in every part of the city. In its earlier days of formation, this Barwari had both Bengalis and non-Bengalis, mainly the businessmen of the Chowk area, as its members. This Barwari is known for its traditional methodology of worship, be it the priest or the bhog which is offered to the deity. The idols of this Barwari are almost the same every year, which is quite simple. The dhuni dance of this Barwari is popular too.
Attarsuiya Barwari, located in the old city area (under Attarsuiya police station) was formed in 1882. This Barwari would be celebrating its 142nd year of formation. Aimed at saving money and presenting the best in limited resources, this, Barwaris, is known for patronising local artists of the city. The pandal, although smaller in size compared to other larger pandals, always follows some social themes which are presented by handmade posters and banners, informed Sachin Kesarvani, an active member of the Barwari.
The Lukerganj Barwari is known for organising various cultural events, including holding fairs, dramas, and dances. Named after a British officer, Luker, the locality has a substantial number of Bengali communities, which constituted the Lukerganj Barwari Durga Puja and Luxmi Puja committee.