City Durga Puja with roots in present day Bangladesh celebrates its 82nd year with celebs and dignitaries

The Dalal house in south Kolkata ushered in the 82 nd year of its inception this year. Originating in Choumohani Gram of Noakhali in current day Bangladesh, the most striking aspect of the pujo in this house is the onno bhog and how it opens its gates to everyone especially for dhunuchi nach on Saptami , Ashtami and Nabami .
Sukrit Sen of Living Waters Museum who is not a member of the Dalal Family by blood but has been associated with the family for 15 years now said, “In the last few years they have become more than family to me. During pujo they refer to me as their eldest son and the children of the house are my own siblings. And that is what Durga puja is all about- Celebrations beyond relationships. I have actively been a part of this puja for over 15 years now and USP of this house is that they open up their gates to everyone to be a part of this pujo especially during dhunuchi nach where everyone gets a chance to dance their heart out to the dhak.” This year US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, US Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz; British deputy High commissioner Dr Andrew Fleming and actor Rahul Bose were also part of the celebrations at Dalal House.