12 October,2010 10:00 AM IST | | Debarati Palit
Members of Paschim Pune Bongio Samiti actively participate in Durga Puja celebrations in Baner
The Paschim Pune Bongio Samiti was established seven years ago by the residents of Pashan, Baner, Aundh and Sus Road. Bengalis staying in this particular area decided to celebrate Durga Puja in Baner. With more than 300 members, the entire event is self-financed.
"That's the highlight of our pandal. There are no advertisements or sponsors. The members raise the money and we celebrate the puja," said Gautam Ghosh, president of the samiti.
He also said their aim was to create awareness about Bengali culture.
B L Mitra, former president and founder member said that no one was forced to donate particular amounts. "Members pay according to their wish and capacity."
If you visit the Puja during those five days, its looks like a homely affair. The responsibilities are divided among the members well in advance. In the beginning, there were only 150 members, but gradually more started joining.
Mitra also pointed out that a lot of working professionals participated in the Puja. "Because Aundh, Baner and Pashan are dominated by working professionals especially in the IT sector, we get lot of youngsters. We advise them not to become a member but to only to participate as they get transferred regularly."
He added that the second generation of the members always made it a point to come to the city during the Puja. "We have children staying in various part of country but they always come to the city during the festival."u00a0
Another highlight of the samiti is that they only invite local talents for the cultural festivals that happen in the evening. "We do not call artists from outside the city because our aim is to promote local talents," said Ghosh.
Mitra also mentioned that on Vijaydashami they had an open night where members who were new to the city
showcased their talent.
"They can dance, sing or act and show their talent," he added.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Besides Durga Pujo, the samiti also celebrates Lakshmi and Saraswati Puja.u00a0
