Durga Puja has turned out to be more of a social festival. The preparation required to make it successful depends entirely on the contributions from all the sections of the society.  Bangalinet has brought forward these important people who are behind the glory of the festival.

Publishing house of popular puja magazines ______________
Puja Barshikis are special editions of popular magazines published during the Puja. The Bengalis, fond of literature flock to the shops to get these special editions. These editions are all time favourites among children too. Among all the Puja Barshikis, “Sondesh” holds a distinct place in the hearts of the people of Bengal. First published in the year 1913 by Upendra Kishore RayChoudhury, suffered a setback after his demise. But in 1961, Satyajit Ray took up the work and the 1st issue of Puja Barshiki was published then.  This is the 41st issue of Sondesh Puja Barshiki’s publication. Amitananda Das, the current publisher of Sondesh is the son of the late editor Nalini Das.He says, “Books are an

integral part of Bengali psychology. Well-known writers and poets give out their best works during this time of the year. 1/6th of the total yearly sale of books are through the sale of Puja Barshikis. Financially, Puja Barshikis are profitable and of course there is the literary value too. Puja for me is the meeting of the deadline and publishing the best works.”

Singer composing songs for the Puja______________________
Haimonti Shukla is a household name in the Bengali world of music. Trained by her father, Pundit Harihar Shukla, Haimonti mastered both Indian Classical and Bangla Adhuniks. Her tireless contribution to the Bengali audience for the last three decades has placed her in the Bengali heart. Durga Puja is for her a time to welcome new things. She remains busy before the pujas with the recording of her new songs. About her Puja records she says, “I don’t see any difference in the songs sung during puja and other times. I try to sing every song perfectly. People who listen to my songs can tell better. But the puja records are something special to me. I’ll surely be disheartened if none of my records come out during the puja.” Durga puja is the biggest and the best of all Bengali festivals and she tries to spend it accordingly. This year after a long time she will be spending the Puja in Kolkata. “For the past few years I had to stay out of India but this year is certainly going to be different. I want to spend the puja by meeting friends and close ones and of course by singing.”