Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Durga Puja: From Elite Ritual to a Celebration for All
Durga Puja started as a celebration for rich families.
Then, people from all walks of life wanted to join, so they started their own pujas!
These community pujas became super popular.
Over time, the way the puja was done changed.
It was influenced by the British and later by nationalism.
Today, you see more involvement from companies and political parties.
Durga Puja has changed over time, reflecting how society itself has changed.
Durga Puja's origins trace back to the 15th century.
Early pujas were sponsored by rulers and elites.
The Baroiyari Puja in the 18th century promoted public participation.
20th-century pujas became platforms for nationalism and the Swadeshi movement.
Contemporary celebrations see involvement from corporate entities and political parties.
- Who
- Bengalis, from landlords and elites to communities and corporations
- What
- The evolution of Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal
- When
- From the 15th century to the present
- Where
- Bengal, particularly Kolkata
- Why
- To celebrate, express cultural identity, and reflect societal changes
Traditional Baroiyari Pujas
Corporate-Sponsored Pujas
Community Involvement
Traditional Baroiyari Pujas
Emphasizes voluntary participation of ordinary people in every para.
Corporate-Sponsored Pujas
Dominated by a select few, often lacking broad community engagement.
Influence
Traditional Baroiyari Pujas
Avoids political influences
Corporate-Sponsored Pujas
Enmeshed with political parties.
- Original Origins
- Believed to have begun around the 15th century with Raja Ganesh.
- Early Sponsorship
- Raja Krishnachandra and Raja Nabakrishna Deb were early patrons.
- Social Shift
- The Guptipara Baroiyari Puja in the 18th century challenged elite control.
- Public Involvement
- Baroiyari Pujas gained popularity, expanding participation beyond elite families.
- Nationalism
- 20th Century Durga Pujas became platforms for the Swadeshi Movement and nationalist expression.
- Modern Trend
- Increasing corporatization and political party involvement in contemporary pujas.
Sources
Forging new bonds, rebuilding their lives: The history of Durga Puja in Delhi’s CR Park
Puja 2025 guide: Top pandals, cultural picks & food stops in Salt Lake - Telegraph India
The City & I: Kolkata teaches you who you are without ceremony
Art, Creativity And Splendor: Five Big-Budget Kolkata Pujas Drawing Crowd This Year
Durga Puja 2025: Maha Ashtami, Navami and Dussehra schedule; check full calendar
CR Park to Kashmere Gate and Lajpat Nagar, Delhi’s most famous Durga Puja pandals
Flavours finding favours with city’s foodies
