By: Poulomi Sikdar and Srishti Ghoshal
KOLKATA:
Durga Puja is over and so are pandal-hopping, binge eating and late nightouts. But the festive mood is still on and with Lakshmi Puja, the fun quotient is set to rise a few notches yet again on Sunday. Earlier,
Lakshmi Puja was only a household affair but now, several residential complexes are adding a new flavour to the occasion by organising community pujas.
Maitreyee Mitra, a third-year student, is looking forward to Lakshmi Puja celebrations in her north Kolkata housing complex on Sunday. “We started Lakshmi Puja in our complex recently and it has become an occasion for all of us to meet and greet each other,” said Mitra, who stays in Orbit Sky View in Paikpara.
At Balaka Abasan in New Town, residents collectively participate after they are done with the Puja of their respective houses. “All residents get actively involved in the rituals. Post offerings we enjoy the bhog together. It is an opportunity for us to come together,” said Kanika Ghosh, a resident of the complex.
Many nuclear families do not have adequate resources and time to make elaborate arrangements for the puja at home. But at the Lakshmi Puja in their complex provides them an opportunity to offer prayers. Ishani Ghosh stays in a New Town housing complex with her husband Sourabh Ghosh. Since both of them are working they can never arrange Lakhsmi Puja at home. “We can now participate in our housing society’s Lakshmi Puja,” said Ishani.
At Purbachal in Salt Lake, residents join the community puja after participating in their household rituals. “All the residents come together to participate in organising Lakshmi Puja,” said Subhalaxmi Das, a resident.