Jorasanko Bandukwala Daw Barir Puja

The Durga Puja of the Bandukwala Daw Bari at Jorasanko is one of the lesser-known yet culturally significant aristocratic household pujas of old North Kolkata. Rooted in the rich heritage of the Bonedi Baris, this traditional celebration reflects the grandeur, devotion, and social legacy of Kolkata’s zamindar-era family worship traditions.

Located in the historic neighbourhood of Jorasanko, the Bandukwala Daw family has preserved its ancestral Durga Puja customs for generations. The name “Bandukwala” is believed to have originated from the family’s historical association with firearms or military supplies during the colonial period, which eventually became an identifying title of the household.

The puja is celebrated with deep spiritual fervour and traditional Bengali rituals that continue to maintain the old-world charm of North Kolkata’s heritage homes. The idol of Goddess Durga is crafted in the classic ekchala style, where the deity and her children appear under a single backdrop, symbolising familial unity and divine strength. The artistic simplicity of the idol, combined with the antique architecture of the courtyard, creates an atmosphere of timeless devotion.

Like many Bonedi Barir Pujas, the rituals here follow age-old customs passed down through generations. Sacred ceremonies such as Bodhon, Sandhi Puja, Kumari Puja, and Dashami rituals are performed with traditional precision. The sound of dhaak, conch shells, and devotional chants fills the mansion during the festivities, offering visitors a glimpse into Kolkata’s aristocratic puja culture.

One of the distinctive features of the Bandukwala Daw Bari Puja is its intimate and heritage-centric ambience. Unlike large community pandals, the focus here remains on family traditions, spiritual devotion, and preserving cultural identity. The house itself, with its colonial-era courtyard, old pillars, balconies, and vintage décor, becomes an integral part of the puja experience.

Today, the puja attracts heritage enthusiasts, photographers, cultural researchers, and devotees who wish to explore the authentic essence of Kolkata’s Bonedi Barir Durga Puja traditions beyond the grandeur of commercial pandals. The Bandukwala Daw Bari stands as a reminder of how family-based Durga Puja celebrations continue to safeguard Bengal’s cultural and spiritual heritage across generations.