Hazra Park Durgotsab turns 80 this year. This year their theme is “Tandav”. This puja is located at Hazra crossing (inside Jatin Das Park).

The theme is Tandav, which is a tangible record of human existence. The core concept of the subject is Tandava, which is essentially a continual process rather than a single moment. Violence occurs every day somewhere in the universe, claims the creation theory. At various layers of the universe, nuclear instability forms the reservoirs of annihilation and creation.

The puja was initially organized at Bhowanipore for a few years before it moved to Hazra Park in 1945.

Tandav is viewed by many as being destructive. But as one reads through the pages of human history, it becomes clear that Tandav refers to a unique moment that starts the process of change, when something new is being created while something else is being destroyed. Life involves change since nothing remains static for very long. Change is inevitable since it is vital for life. Therefore, one must accept this reality and accept the ups and downs of life. We should take lessons from the past rather than break our hearts. The 2022 Durgotsab should be a location of tremendous unity where people can forget the sorrow of the previous three years’ losses, according to the puja’s organizers. Worshipping the Mother Goddess will be helpful. This is what will be done at the Puja at Hazra Park.

Those from lower social groups were welcome to take part in the Puja, which is still held today. Approximately 1000 Harijans are still personally seated and served Bhog and Prasad by the committee members as is customary. This serves as a token of respect for the previous generations who have kept the city tidy for many years.

Priyanka Dutta