An ancient custom from the fall that heralds the arrival of Durga Puja is Khuti Puja. Before erecting the Durga Puja Pandals, a traditional rite involves the installation of a wooden frame or kathamo.

This year, at the Puja pandal of Ballygunge 21 Pally Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samiti, the Khuti Puja was performed with the blessing of the Goddess Durga. Little students of Miranda House dressed as members of the “Ambani family” brought a beautiful finale to the day.

“Every Kolkatan has a special place in their heart for the Durga Puja event. A Khuti Puja is the best way to commemorate Maa’s arrival. Kids nowadays have such wonderful opportunities to take part in occasions like these. These occasions give students a beautiful stage on which to display their talent in addition to giving them confidence boosts. Our children are thrilled; in fact, their parents are happier than they are” said Shubbi Tandon, Coordinator of The Miranda House.

Prasenjeet Mukherjee and Jayeta Mukherjee, the founders of Goomti, a promising phygital startup from Kolkata that specializes in design and aesthetics for homes, hotels, and offices, were thrilled to be attending this event.

With the Khuti Puja already over, devotees are now counting the days until the arrival of the Mother Goddess with her family.

Priyanka Dutta