BY ARADHANA BHATTACHARYA

Atlanta, Georgia: Durga Puja symbolizes our eternal journey to self-realization and not just the victory of good over evil. Behind the apparent splendor of the rituals there lies a deep spiritual significance worth contemplation. Keeping with this essence, Pujari a non profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrated the traditional Bengali festival of Durga Puja with great enthusiasm and fervor on October 20th & 21st at Berkmar High School, Lilburn, GA 30047.
The preparations for this mega event commenced a day in advance when the decoration team along with the volunteers worked hard to put up the magnificent background in place. The ‘protima’ (idol) was placed in stunning beige and maroon temple setting that adorned the goddess with its simplistic charm.
Adding another feather to Pujari’s plume, this year's celebration was marked by poliferic numbers of devotees attending the festivities, excellent time management by the committee members paving way to a an organized and systematic flow of events and of course fun and frolic galore.
The Puja day commenced on a somber note with a ceremonial 'Puja' and 'Anjali' that was performed with great reverence and strict adherence to Bengali customs and traditions capturing the essence of the autumn festival in its glory.
Prasad' and 'Bhog' was served by Pujari members to the colossal gathering of devotees in a traditional fashion bringing back memories of this celebration from across the miles.

Spread over the two days, the line-up for the cultural evenings included a variety of events showcasing the local talents that was well appreciated by young and old alike.
Some of the highlights included ‘Agomoni gaan’ by Indrani Ganguli, kids/youth variety programs like “Hitopdesh’, ‘Chandalika’, ‘Ek Mutho Rodhur’ ,instrumentals ,Puja songs by Krishna Majumder – a visiting parent from India and much much more connecting us back to our Indian roots.
‘Kanchan Ranga’ – a hilarious Bengali play directed by Shyamoli Das added its spell of laughter to the evening.

Achieving great heights in the cultural arena, Pujari was proud to associate big names like the popular Bangla band ‘Kaya’ and Tanushree Shankar and her contemporary Indian dance troup, with the two day festivities.

When on one hand, ‘Kaya’ with their electrifying performance compelled the audience never to leave the dance floor; similarly on the other hand, it will not be wrong to say- the spectacular dance performance by Tanushree Shankar and her troupe was magnificent, sublime, truly rare and a unique experience of ones lifetime.

A special issue of Pujari's signature magazine 'Anjali', edited by Sutapa Dutta, was also brought out to commemorate this special occasion. The magazine contained articles and write-ups from local enthusiasts and also writers of international fame.

The two day celebrations ended on a happy note with the ‘Pujari’ patrons looking forward to their next event.
Overall a very successful event organized yet again by the executive committee of ‘Pujari’ namely Prabir Nandi, Pabitra Bhattacharya, Surojit Chatterjee, Sanjib Datta, Satyaki Lodh, Shyamoli Das, Sushanta Saha, Sutapa Datta, Sudipto Samanta and Supriya Saha supported by all the ‘Pujari’ members and patrons - keeping Bengali traditions alive.