The Roy Family Durga Puja is being celebrated at the grand mansion of Amarendra Bhawan. The immaculate white marble building bears witness to the pomp of the aristocratic past and present. Following traditions of the yesteryear, the Roy family annually celebrates Jagaddhatri Puja with elan. The great ancestor of this family was Gajendra Narayan Chattopadhyay who was appointed by Emperor Jahangir as treasurer at Saptagram treasury in 1608.He was awarded Raja and became a Roy Choudhury thereafter.
The Historical Roots of the Behala Roy Family
A Glorious Heritage
The Behala Roy Family’s history dates back to the late 18th century, making them one of the oldest and most prestigious families in Kolkata. The family patriarch, Rai Bahadur Kashinath Roy, was a prominent figure in the city’s socio-economic landscape. As a wealthy zamindar, his contributions to the community were manifold, including philanthropy, education, and social welfare. The family’s wealth and influence grew over generations, establishing them as a cornerstone of Kolkata’s elite society.
Establishment of Durga Puja Tradition
The tradition of Durga Puja in the Roy family was initiated by Rai Bahadur Kashinath Roy‘s son, Pratap Chandra Roy, in the early 19th century. Inspired by his devotion to Goddess Durga and the desire to preserve Bengali culture, Pratap Chandra Roy began organizing the annual Durga Puja at their ancestral home in Behala. Over the years, the puja grew in scale and grandeur, becoming a highly anticipated event in Kolkata’s festive calendar.
The Magnificent Durga Puja Celebrations
The Iconic Pandal
One of the most striking aspects of the Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja is the grandeur of their pandal. Each year, the pandal is designed to reflect a unique theme, blending traditional Bengali artistry with contemporary influences. The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail make the pandal a visual spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors from across the city.
The Resplendent Idol
The idol of Goddess Durga at the Behala Roy Family’s puja is a masterpiece of traditional Bengali art. Skilled artisans are commissioned to create the idol, ensuring that every feature embodies grace, power, and divinity. The idol is adorned with exquisite jewelry, vibrant garments, and intricate embellishments, symbolizing the goddess’s grandeur and benevolence.
Rituals and Ceremonies
The Durga Puja rituals at the Behala Roy Family’s home are conducted with great reverence and adherence to tradition. The five-day festivities begin with Shashthi, where the idol is unveiled, followed by the Bodhon ritual to invoke the goddess’s presence. The subsequent days, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami, are marked by elaborate rituals, including Anjali (offering of flowers), Aarti (waving of lamps), and Sandhi Puja (performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami). Each ritual is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhak (traditional drums) and the resonant sound of conch shells, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor.
The Cultural Extravaganza
Traditional Music and Dance
The Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration but also a cultural extravaganza. The family organizes a series of cultural performances, showcasing traditional Bengali music and dance forms. Renowned artists and local talents grace the stage, performing Rabindra Sangeet, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and folk dances like Baul and Chhau. These performances add a festive charm to the celebrations, delighting visitors and preserving Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
Art and Craft Exhibitions
The puja also features art and craft exhibitions, providing a platform for local artisans to display their creations. Intricate paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts are showcased, reflecting the region’s artistic prowess. These exhibitions not only promote local craftsmanship but also offer visitors a chance to appreciate and purchase traditional Bengali art.
Community Feasts
A significant aspect of the Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja is the community feasts or bhog. Prepared by expert cooks, the bhog is offered to the goddess and then distributed among the devotees. The menu includes a variety of traditional Bengali dishes, such as khichuri (a savory porridge made of rice and lentils), labra (a mixed vegetable dish), chutney, payesh (a rice pudding), and an assortment of sweets. The communal dining experience fosters a sense of unity and togetherness, embodying the spirit of Durga Puja.
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives
The Behala Roy Family has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, which is deeply intertwined with their Durga Puja celebrations. The family believes in using the festive occasion as an opportunity to give back to society and support various social causes.
Educational Support
The Roy family has been actively involved in promoting education among the underprivileged. During the Durga Puja, they organize special workshops and educational programs for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarships and financial aid are provided to deserving students, empowering them to pursue their education and achieve their dreams.
Healthcare Camps
In line with their commitment to social welfare, the Behala Roy Family also organizes free healthcare camps 
during the Durga Puja. Renowned doctors and healthcare professionals volunteer their services, offering medical check-ups, consultations, and distributing medicines to those in need. These healthcare initiatives ensure that the underprivileged sections of society have access to essential medical care.
Environmental Awareness
The family has also taken significant steps to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. The pandal construction utilizes eco-friendly materials, and efforts are made to minimize waste and pollution. Workshops on waste management, recycling, and tree plantation drives are conducted to educate the community about the importance of environmental conservation.
The Legacy Continues
The Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja has become a timeless tradition, passed down through generations. Each year, the younger members of the family take an active role in organizing the celebrations, ensuring that the legacy continues with the same devotion and grandeur.
Passing the Torch
The responsibility of organizing the Durga Puja has been handed down from generation to generation. The younger members of the Roy family are groomed from a young age to understand the significance of the rituals and the importance of preserving the family’s cultural heritage. They work closely with elders, learning the intricacies of the puja preparations and imbibing the values of devotion, hospitality, and community service.
Embracing Modernity
While the Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja remains rooted in tradition, the family also embraces modernity 
and innovation. The use of technology in pandal decorations, online streaming of rituals for global audiences, and the incorporation of contemporary themes in cultural performances are some ways in which the family blends tradition with modernity. This approach ensures that the celebrations remain relevant and resonate with the younger generation.
Conclusion
The Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja is a shining example of Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of one of its most illustrious families. The grandeur of the celebrations, the meticulous attention to tradition, and the commitment to social welfare make their Durga Puja a truly remarkable event. As the family continues to pass down the torch to future generations, the spirit of devotion, unity, and cultural pride that defines their Durga Puja remains unwavering.
The Behala Roy Family’s Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, faith, and the timeless traditions that bind communities together. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage and the ability of a single family to create a legacy that resonates through the ages.
