✦ ইতিহাস ✦
Our Heritage
হরিতকী বাগানের ৯১ বছরের ইতিহাস
Nine decades of faith, community, and the enduring spirit of North Kolkata
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The Beginning
In the year 1936, a group of devoted residents of Haritaki Bagan Lane, Manicktala came together with a singular purpose — to celebrate Maa Durga in the true spirit of sarbojonin (for all). What began as a humble neighbourhood gathering has grown, over nine decades, into one of North Kolkata's most cherished community pujas.
The founders believed that Durga Puja should not be confined to the wealthy or the bonedi baris alone. It should belong to every person in the para — the milkman, the teacher, the shopkeeper, the child. This democratic spirit of celebration, rooted in the culture of old Kolkata, has been the heart of Haritaki Bagan Durgotsab from its very first year.
The puja is registered as the Haritaki Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee, located at 36, Haritaki Bagan Lane, Manicktala, near the Vivekananda Society, Kolkata – 700006.
1936
The First Puja
The Haritaki Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab is established by devoted residents of the lane. The first puja is celebrated with community contributions, hand-made decorations, and collective chanting of mantras under the open Kolkata sky.
1940s
Through Partition & Turmoil
Even through the turbulent years of World War II and India's Partition, the puja continued without break. For many displaced families who found new homes in North Kolkata, this neighbourhood celebration became an anchor of identity and belonging.
"The dhak kept beating even in the darkest years. Maa Durga's blessings never abandoned this para."
1950s – 60s
Growing Roots
Post-independence, the puja grew in size and spirit. New cultural programmes were introduced — lokosangeet, kavita path, and natya — reflecting the rich artistic tradition of Kolkata. The bhog prasad distribution became a beloved tradition, welcoming all without distinction.
1970s – 80s
A Community Landmark
By this decade, Haritaki Bagan Durgotsab had become a landmark in the North Kolkata puja circuit. The pratima craftsmanship, sourced from Kumartuli's finest artisans, drew visitors from across the city. The five nights of cultural programmes became the highlight of the puja season.
1990s – 2000s
Carrying the Tradition Forward
A new generation of volunteers and committee members took the reins, bringing fresh energy while honouring the traditions established by the founders. The Mahila Samiti became an integral part of the committee, ensuring the women of the para were at the heart of the celebrations.
2010s
Recognition & Digital Presence
The puja was listed on indianfestivaldiary.com, bringing wider recognition. A Facebook page was launched at
facebook.com/HaritakiBagan, connecting the diaspora and former residents back to their beloved para puja. In 2018, the committee received the prestigious
Kalasanskriti Sarod Argha award — a proud recognition of its cultural contribution to North Kolkata.
Kalasanskriti Sarod Argha 2018 · কলাসংস্কৃতি শারদ অর্ঘ
2026
The 91st Year — A New Digital Home
As we celebrate our 91st year, Haritaki Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab launches its own website — haritakibagandurgapuja.in — so that devotees near and far can find us, follow our programme, and celebrate Maa Durga with us.
Shashthi falls on 16th October 2026. All are welcome. Ashun, aanandey maton!
The Spirit of Our Puja
What makes Haritaki Bagan Durgotsab special is not the grandeur of its pandal — it is the warmth of its community. Every family in the lane contributes, every neighbour has a role, and every visitor is welcomed as a guest of Maa Durga herself.
The Kumari Puja on Ashtami, the Sandhi Puja at the sacred transition hour, the Sindoor Utsav on Dashami, and the Bisarjan procession to the Ganges — these are living expressions of a tradition passed from generation to generation.
We follow the traditional Bengali puja vidhi in full — from Nabapatrika Snan at dawn on Saptami, to the Navami Homa, to the tearful farewell at Bisarjan — observed with complete devotion and care.
