Durga Puja, the greatest families of the Bengalees is celebrated in many households of Kolkata, and, in some of them, it is held for more than three centuries. One such house is Harakutir of 53, Pathuria Ghat Street where the puja began around 1692.
The first thing that comes to mind is about the name of the house – Harakutir. It is because here Sridhar Narayan Jiu and Siddheswar Maharaj shiva linga is worshipped round the year. The present structure of the house including the fire-arched thakurdalan with stucco decoration in the front was built somewhat in the middle of the eighteenth century; though Durga Puja started much earlier. According to Dr. Archisman Ray Banerjee, Keshab Chakraborty came here from Bishnupur and found an eleven inch idol made of astodhatu (an alloy of eight metals) followed by a divine dream and puja started. He added that for the first 62 years the puja took place in a wooden idol. Later the puja continued in a clay idol.
The idol is built in the thakurdalan following kathamo puja on the following day of Janmastami. The ekchala protima deserves mention in many respects – Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati have no “traditional carriers”; Lord Ganesh is red in colour; both Kartick and Ganesh are worshipped as like sons and the lion is horse-faced. This grand thakurdalan and the rows of rooms on the three sides and two entrances is a wonderful blending of neo classical and gothic architecture.
There are many unique things associated with this puja. Here Durga puja is a ten-day affair starting from pratipad when the ghat is installed. The artisan paint the eyes of the deities in the early hours on the day of Mahalaya. The nabapatrika is not taken to the Ganges rather the same is bathed in the courtyard. According to Dr. Ray Banerjee, the river at one point of time flowed beside the dalan though it has receded now. The puja is held according to rituals mentioned in Kalikapuran. There is no kumari puja here but the ritual of dhuno porano by the female members of the family is practiced here on Mahastami. Maha Nabami witnesses the maha hom. There is no balidan or sacrifice. The idol is placed on the pancha mundir aashana. Previously there is a practice of firing during Sandhi Puja and the ritual of flying nilkantha bird during Dasami but now only white pigeons are made to fly instead as a symbol of peace. On Dasami after kanakanjali and baran are over, the idol is taken on shoulders to the Ganges for immersion in the afternoon as because there is a tradition that the goddess will never witness sunset. Kali Puja is also held here but it is much older compared to Durga Puja.
As far as the bhog of Maa Durga in Harakutir is concerned, it is no doubt a grand affair. Annabhog, kichuri, payesh and five types of bhaja are offered apart from 16 gauda i.e., 64 luchis and a full fried brinjal on each luchi. Milk and Chandoni Kheer, a special type of recipe are offered to the goddess. All types of dry and seasonal fruits are also offered. During Sandhi Puja, there is a custom of offering a 111-kg bhog made of rice apart from fruits. On the day of Dasami, Maa Durga is served food which is no longer fresh as the same was cooked a day earlier. The Ray Banerjees remain vegetarians during the days of the puja and, only before taking the idol for immersion they cook and have fish meal.
Special thanks to Dr. Archisman Ray Banerjee
Date of posting: 20th October, 2026.
