From 20 to entering 21—and wearing Sera Pujo’s crown at that! Have you ever wondered how this is possible? It really is—thanks to Durga Online and Indian Festival working together.

Let me start by saying that Durga Puja is a worldwide event nowadays. Everything has changed and peaked over time, even the excitement and the preparations. As we have all witnessed and experienced, the style of pandals has evolved from traditional to thematic, and crowds at the events have increased. Numerous Sharad honors serve as evidence that many people have seen these developments. However, one of the most well-known of them has been “Sera Pujo”, which was staged in collaboration with Durga Online and Indian Festival. Almost in the space of a single glance, what started in 2004–2005 has now entered its 21st year.

However, it has evolved, much like a child who progressively grows up, and it is not just about reaching the age of 21.

We discovered from the Indian Festival and Durga Online organizers and their staff that they had loved and cared for this project as if it were their own kid. As a result, every group and puja organizer mentions them today. They further revealed that their sole motivation is their devotion to Durga Puja, Bengal’s festival of lifeblood. Their project has spread to the Hooghly district as a result of this affection.

Preparations are at their highest level since, as in previous years, they are returning the title of “Sera Pujo” this year. With full-scale work underway, one could argue it feels like a combat operation.

Ashley Hills, a global women’s clothing company, is the title’s primary sponsor this year. ARC Insulation and Insulators (ARC’s Group) is also a co-sponsor, and Puzzle Effects has also offered assistance.

We learned from Durga Online and the Indian Festival that having these businesses by their side has boosted their confidence and made them joyful.

They are presently in the twenty-first year of this adventure, which started in 2004–2005. We also learnt from the organizers and their staff that these 21 years have not been an easy journey. They started off as a modest organization, and now they have made a name for themselves.

The winners of last year’s Indian Festival “Sera Pujo” 2024 were Santoshpur Lake Pally, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Kendua Shanti Sangha, Naktala Udayan Sangha, and others.

Priyanka Dutta