Prayagraj’s oldest Durga Puja barwaris uphold tradition in 2026

Prayagraj: While elaborate gates and theme-based pandals have become a defining feature of Durga Puja in Prayagraj, four century-old Barwaris continue to keep the focus on tradition. Colonelganj, Indian Girls’ (City), Attarsuyia and Lukerganj Barwaris, among the city’s oldest community puja committees, are once again observing the festival in 2026 with rituals and cultural practices rooted in their long histories.The Colonelganj Barwari is celebrating its 174th Durga Puja this year. The committee was formally formed in 1853, when devotees decided to move the worship from individual homes to a community celebration. Its first organised puja was held at the residence of Ram Chandra Banerjee, in the outer verandah of his house near Bhardwaj Ashram. The venue remained there for about two decades before being shifted elsewhere and finally, by the early 1920s, moved to the large plot opposite Anand Bhawan.The president of this oldest barwari of the city, Shankar Chaterjee, said the puja may have been held occasionally earlier, but 1853 marked its beginning as an organised community event. In those days, celebrations included folk songs and Bengali Jatra performances. Even basic requirements such as cotton carpets and utensils were not available on hire, and Motilal Nehru and his family provided the necessary items, he said. Hindi dramatist Bhartendu Harish Chandra also staged a Hindi play during the festival and acted in it himself, Chaterjee added.The Indian Girls’ (City) Barwari, associated with the Chowk area, has a history of more than 142 years. Unlike most locality-based committees, its members are spread across Prayagraj. In its early years, the committee included Bengalis and non-Bengalis, particularly businessmen from Chowk. Its puja remains distinctly traditional, from the priest and bhog to the simple idol that largely retains the same form each year. Its dhuni dance remains another popular attraction.The Attarsuyia Barwari, formed in 1882, is observing its 144th year in 2026. Member Sachin Kesarvani said the committee has traditionally sought to create an attractive celebration with limited resources while supporting local artists. Its relatively compact pandal carries a social theme each year, conveyed through handmade posters and banners.The Bai Ka Bagh Barwari is also marking its centenary in 2026 with a grand Kerala-inspired theme. Its 60-foot-high pandal is being designed as a replica of the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, with eight doors inspired by the temple’s famed treasury doors. An idol of Lord Vishnu will be installed inside, while six dhak artistes from Kolkata have been invited to add a traditional Bengali touch to the celebrations.The Lukerganj Barwari, meanwhile, reflects the strong Bengali presence in the locality, which was named after British officer Luker. The Barwari, formed as part of the area’s Bengali community, is known not only for Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja but also for fairs, dramas, dances and other cultural programmes, keeping the festival connected with the city’s cultural heritage.Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news. Download the TOI App.