Indore (Madhya Pradesh): As Durga Puja approaches in September, preparations have already begun at the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)—where tradition meets technology.
This year marks the silver jubilee of RRCAT’s Sharodotsav, a community Durga Puja started 25 years ago by Bengali scientists and families far from home, now organised by the Bengali Cultural Association, RRCAT.
Durga Puja has been a central celebration in Bengal since at least the 12th century, with references in Vidyapati’s Durgabhaktitarangini. Krittivasi Ramayan describes Ram’s worship of Durga—Akal Bodhan—which initiated the tradition of autumnal puja. Over centuries, Bengali texts like Chandimangal and Annadamangal transformed Durga into a relatable, compassionate figure—friend, mother and neighbour.
These evolving portrayals reached their social zenith through the baro-yaari movement of 18th-century Guptipara, West Bengal—paving the way for the “sarbojonin” (community) Durga Puja.
Today, this spirit thrives at RRCAT. The puja, held at the open-air theatre, includes traditional rituals like Sandhipuja, a symbolic vedic yajna and the Navami feast, all supported by voluntary contributions from staff and well-wishers.
President Sushmita Bose and secretary Kiran Gorai reflect on how this celebration preserves cultural identity while embracing a collective spirit. Every ritual, from Nabapatrika to bhashan, echoes the same unity seen in the early landlord-led pujas where every caste, class and community participated—florists, drummers, barbers and farmers alike.
In Indore, this scientific campus now resonates each year with dhak beats, shlokas and the emotional farewell chant: “Aschhe bochhor abar hobe”—we’ll celebrate again next year.
