President Desk FFD
Contact address :
Name : Kajal Sarkar (Bosepukur Sitala Mandir)
President
Forum For Durgotsab
102/2A Beniatola Street, Kolkata-700005,
Phones PBX: +91 98309 99107
Email: forumfordurgotsab@gmail.com
Forum For Durgotsab’ is a collective effort of close to 400 Pujo Committees who have come together to create harmony between the state government, its various bodies and the Pujo Committees in Kolkata. The ultimate objective of our forum is to ensure that all Pujo Committees – small and big – can organise and celebrate Durgo Pujo in a smooth and hassle-free manner.
The idea of the forum first originated during the regime of the last Left Front Government. In order to strengthen safety for the worshipers and revelers, the Government tightened fire brigade rules. Sadly, the move led to an imminent end of a number of street pujos. One of the casualties of the action was ‘Sangashree’ – one of the most famous street pujos in Kolkata.
Undeterred, ‘Sangashree’ along with 32 other renowned Kolkata Puja Committees first made a proposal for the formation of ‘Forum For Durgotsab’ at a tutorial home beside the club. The forum, which initially began with 57 Pujo Committees, is now standing strong with close to 400 members. By Maa Durga’s blessings, ever since the formation of the forum, Pujo is held every year in a smooth manner with the help and cooperation of the Kolkata administration including the police force, the municipal corporation, CESC, firefighting body and the pollution council.
Within the forum too, the various Pujo Committees maintain a healthy competition during the Durga Pujo season and work in unison. I am also proud to say that there has never been even a single instance of conflict or in-fighting in the forum. And that is the best thing about ‘Forum For Durgostab’.
Over the last 10 years, the previous members have laid a strong foundation and taken the forum to where it stands today. I believe that we will continue to work together and take it to new heights with same passion and humility.
Undoubtedly, Durgo Puja is the biggest festival in India. However, I have to admit with a dash of disappointment that Durga Pujo does not find a place in the list of top 10 festivals around the world yet. Hopes are really high this year as Durgo Pujo has been nominated for UNESCO 2020 list of cultural heritage. To spread the magnificence of Durgo Pujo to not only West Bengal, but all over India – that is our vow.