In the city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh (UP), the Bandav Committee annually holds its rich tradition, celebrating the 166th Bengali Durga Puja from Shashti to Dashami. During this festival, members of the Bengali community worship the goddess Durga using traditional rituals, reading the Chandi Path, performing Agmani Gana, and dancing Dhuchi.
Pilgrims from the Bundelkhand region participate in this religious event. In addition to fulfilling their religious duties, the committee conveys an important social message about water and nature conservation through ceremonies involving immersion in the pond on the complex grounds and the use of various eco-friendly themes.
Arindam Ghosh, associated with the Bandav Committee, stated that the Bengali rites have been conducted here since 1861, and this year marks the 166th Durga Puja. The celebration begins on Shashti at five in the morning with the recitation of the Chandi Path and performance of Agmani Gana. In the evening, the invocation and installation of Goddess Durga take place. After the rituals on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, the immersion ceremony of the idol is held on Dashami after offering sindoor.
During the Aarti, men and women dance while holding dhuchi to the sound of the dholak drum, which is the main attraction for devotees. Madhumita Ghosh noted that the Dhuchi dance is a special tradition of the Bengali Durga Puja, expressing devotion to the goddess. This year, a Kuchipudi team from Raipur performed.
According to ancient beliefs, the gods granted Goddess Durga their strength and weapons to free her from the tyranny of Mahishasura, after which she fought him. According to Madhumita Ghosh, this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The rituals conducted from Shashti to Dashami vividly demonstrate the religious faith of the Bengali community.
For environmental protection, the committee began the practice of immersing the idol using a crane into the pond located in front of the pandal 12 years ago. Arindam Ghosh explained that the goal of this measure is to reduce pollution of natural water bodies. Attempts are made to reuse the land and water after the immersion.
This year, the committee is working on themes such as 'Water is Life,' 'Water Conservation,' 'Be Green,' and 'Be Blue.' Madhumita Ghosh emphasized that the committee has been raising public awareness for the past decade. It is crucial not only to observe religious traditions but also to protect natural resources.