Pragati Club, a well-known cultural group in Vasai, is celebrating a significant milestone this year as it marks its 25th year of hosting Durga Puja. This year’s event, which runs for four days, carries a special significance as it coincides with the club’s Silver Jubilee, celebrating not just the festival, but also the unity and cultural richness it has fostered within the Bengali community. The theme for this year’s Durga Puja is “Reunion of Bengalis,” bringing people together to rejoice in their shared heritage.
Vasai East, where the celebrations take place, is an old township in Maharashtra, known for its historic Bassein Fort. This location, steeped in history, offers a fitting backdrop for the cultural and spiritual richness of the event. Durga Puja, one of the most important festivals in Bengali tradition, is celebrated annually with fervor and grandeur. For Pragati Club, however, this year’s celebration is extra special as it marks 25 years of preserving and promoting their cultural roots.
A Club That Feels Like Family
Pragati Club holds a special place in the hearts of its members, many of whom regard it as much more than just an organization. President Subroto Roy, speaking about the sense of community that has developed over the years, referred to the group as “Pragati Parivar,” which means “Pragati Family.” This sense of belonging is at the core of what makes the club’s Durga Puja celebration stand out. Unlike larger, more public events, Pragati’s Durgotsav has always maintained a more intimate, family-oriented atmosphere.
The club was founded by the late Dr. Deepak Biswas, a former scientist with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Dr. Biswas envisioned Pragati as a way to bring together Bengalis living in and around Vasai, to celebrate their traditions and pass them on to future generations. Over the years, the club has stayed true to that mission, creating an inclusive environment for all who participate.
Celebrating with Purpose
This year’s Silver Jubilee celebration is packed with various activities designed not just to celebrate the occasion, but to give back to the community. One of the key initiatives is a blood donation camp, aimed at contributing to local healthcare needs. In addition, the club has organized medical camps where people can receive free health checkups, and clothing distribution for those in need. These efforts reflect the club’s dedication to social service, which has been an integral part of its existence since the beginning.
One of the most eye-catching elements of this year’s Durgotsav is the 13-foot-tall idol of Maa Durga, designed under the theme of “Mrinmayee Maa.” This idol, intricately crafted, will be the focal point of the celebration. In keeping with tradition, the idol is housed in a massive mandap (pavilion) that has been designed to resemble a Buddha temple. The mandap is further adorned with intricate Shola (goose plant) crafts, a hallmark of Bengali artistry, which enhances its grandeur. As visitors step into the pavilion, they are greeted by a grand statue of Buddha, symbolizing peace and serenity.
The Spirit of Community
The four-day celebration will feature a ‘Bhandara’ or community feast, which is one of the highlights of the event. This feast, open to people of all communities, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, especially on the day of ‘Ashtami,’ the eighth day of Durga Puja, which holds special spiritual significance. The Bhandara represents the club’s effort to bring people together, not just to celebrate but also to strengthen community bonds through shared experiences.
On October 11, 2024, a free medical camp will be held as part of the celebration. This camp is open to everyone and will provide essential healthcare services at no cost. That evening, visitors will also be treated to a special performance by the band ‘Kaya,’ adding a vibrant, musical touch to the day’s events.
A Growing Community
Pragati Club has come a long way since it was founded 25 years ago. Over the years, the club has grown steadily, both in terms of membership and the impact it has had on the local community. What started as a small gathering of Bengali families has now evolved into a socio-cultural association with over 1,000 member families. These families, representing a variety of backgrounds, have not only contributed to the club’s growth but have also played an active role in community-building efforts in the Vasai-Virar region.
The club’s activities are not limited to Durga Puja alone. Throughout the year, Pragati engages in a range of cultural and social programs designed to uplift the local community. From organizing health camps to promoting educational initiatives, the club has made a name for itself as a positive force for change in the region. This commitment to social and cultural development has only strengthened over the years, with the Silver Jubilee celebration serving as a testament to the club’s enduring legacy.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change
Durga Puja is an event rich in tradition, and Pragati Club’s celebration is no different. The rituals associated with the festival, from the daily worship of Maa Durga to the elaborate artistic displays, are all carried out with great devotion and attention to detail. However, while the club honors these age-old traditions, it also embraces change, incorporating modern elements into its celebrations.
One example of this is the use of art and design in creating the mandap and the Durga idol. While the overall design stays true to tradition, the use of the Buddha temple theme and Shola crafts adds a contemporary twist, making the celebration accessible and relatable to a wider audience. In this way, Pragati Club is able to preserve its cultural heritage while also ensuring that it remains relevant in today’s world.
As the Pragati Club celebrates its 25th year of Durga Puja, it is clear that the festival is about more than just rituals and festivities. It is a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of giving back. Through its initiatives and dedication to promoting Bengali traditions, Pragati has not only enriched the lives of its members but has also made a lasting impact on the wider community. This year’s Silver Jubilee is a reminder of the power of tradition, the importance of unity, and the enduring spirit of celebration that continues to thrive in Vasai.
