Arera Bangiya Parishad, a registered Bengali Community of Arera Colony, Bhopal invites entries to create a logo. The logo should symbolize the strength, Indianness and inner beauty of Bengali Culture.
Entries to be submitted to Ms. Shipra Bhattacharya, E-1/153 Arera Colony, Bhopal 462016, Madhya Pradesh
Result will be declared at the Durga Festival on the Old Campion School grounds on 13th October at 9 P.M. The winner of the selected logo will be awarded a cash prize.
Executive committee of the Parishad shall be the final deciding authority and the committee reserves the right to reject any submission.
Durga Puja also known as Durgotsab is an annual Hindu festival which celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess of power, Durga or Shakti. It is a nine days affair in which last six days are observed with complex rituals and intricate ceremonies as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are decided according to traditional Hindu calendar and generally fall between the months of September to November according to the Gregorian calendar. It is extensively celebrated in the Northern and Eastern states of India- West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura. Apart from these places states like Delhi,Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala also enthusiastically participate in the festival.
Durga Puja has always been an integral part of the Hindu culture. However, the origin of public celebrations of grand Durga Puja can be traced back to the 16th century. With the ascent of the Mughals, Durga Puja became more of a status symbol in those days. Grand celebrations, gala feasts and huge fan fare was part of the very first 'Sharadiya Durgotsab' festivals organized by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606. Annual festival of Durga Puja soon became the most celebrated festival and as a day for merriment with friends, relatives, neighbors and acquaintances. Opulence and extravagance became an inseparable part among the powerful and rich Bengalis. However, there were people who celebrated Durga Puja on their household level in a traditional manner, which were characterized by much more devotion and sentiments attached to the festival than the mere show off of the richer and more prosperous people.
Some of the households have been holding these celebrations for more than 250 years now and take pride in the fact of how old is their traditional worshipping set up. With time many cultural performances and shows became attached to Durga Puja for entertainment and religious purposes such as colorful procession known as 'Jatra', puppet dance, Kobi gaan (a type of songs), Kirtan or devotional songs and magic shows that are the favorites of the children and adults alike. Earlier, animal and even human sacrifices were very common on the eighth day of the festival but eventually; this tradition has now become obsolete. There was an additional custom of 'Baroyari' meaning a group of twelve friends that originated in 1790 in Guptipara in Hoogly in Bengal. It is also known as 'Sarbojanin puja'. Today, it has reached the masses of West Bengal and various parts of India and we can witness innumerable small-scale and grand-scale community pujas, flooded with funds with huge pandals and affluent decor.
MAHALAYA
People offering 'tarpan' in memory of their deceased forefathers.
Mahalaya ushers in the aura of Durga Puja. The countdown for the Durga Puja begins much earlier, from the day of 'Janmastami'. It is only from the day of Mahalaya that the preparations for the Durga Puja reaches the final stage. The midnight chants of various hymns of 'Mahishasura Mardini' reminds one of the beginning of Durga Puja.
Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. It's a kind of invocation or invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth - "Jago Tumi Jago". This is done through the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs.
The day of Mahalaya is also the day of remembrance. On this day, people offer 'tarpan' in memory of their deceased forefathers. The banks of River Ganga becomes a sea of humanity. Priests are seen busy performing 'Tarpan' for devotees in groups. The rituals start from early down and end during the midday. Devotees and worshipers buy clothes and sweets to offer to their forefathers. 'Tarpan' is to be performed in empty stomach. After offering 'tarpan', people eat at the same place.
TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING HELD ON 05-09-10
General Secretary Salil Chatterjee welcomed all the participating members for attending the meeting. With the permission of the President, Ashok Ganguly the proceedings started as per Agenda circulated through notice on 20-08-10.
Before proceeding with the Agenda the House stood up and paid Homage to the departed soul of Late Bina Bose – Life Member and wife of Late Dr Saroj Kanti Bose – our Founder President and Mother of our member Shri Rupok Bose. Secretary also informed of the ill health of our another very senior Life Member Shri Shashanko Mukherjee .(Shri Mukherjee’s body has also since left for heavenly abode on 09-09-10) The house was also appraised of the health condition of Shri Deepu Das admitted with BHRMC. Thereafter the Agenda points were taken up.
Agenda No 1
The House unanimously confirmed the Election of the Governing Body - election to which was held on 07-03-10 for the next Three years i.e 2010 – 2013. Secretary then informed the House of the Election of the Key Office Bearers in the EC meeting held on 11.04.10.
President : Shri Ashok Ganguly
Vice President : Dr. Dilip Kumar Bannerjee
General Secretary : Shri Salil Chatterjee
Joint Secretaries (2) : Shri Jai Chatterjee and Shri Shuvomoy Ganguly
Treasurer : Shri Prakash Sarkar
Sub- Treasurer : Shri Moloy Dey
Secretary thereafter informed the House about Co-option of Shri Diptak Sinha to the Executive Committee. The House approved both the proceedings of the EC.
The 2nd Agenda was to pass the Accounts of the Association for the year 2009-10. Treasurer Shri Prakash Sarkar read out the entire accounts Head Wise. The members sought certain clarifications which was attended to satisfactorily and the points raised were recorded for future compliance. The House thereafter passed the Accounts unanimously.
Agenda No. 3
Election of Office Bearers for Pooja 2010. After due proposing the following Office Bearers were elected and approved by the House.
President
Shri M.K Roy IAS – Addl.Chief Secretary, Govt. of MP
Secretary
Shri Rupam Ganguly
Treasurer
Shri Salil Chatterjee & Shri Prakash Sarkar
Cultural & Decoration
Shri Diptak Sinha
Bhog
Shri Dilip Dasgupta
Anand Mela/Exhibition
Shri Lai Chatterjee, Shubomoy Ganguly & Aveek Biswas
Marketing & Fund raising
Shri Aveek Biswas & Shri Promit Dasgupta
Security
Shri Manojit Bhattacharya
Souvenir
Shri B. K Ganguly, Shri Shantanu Chakraborty,
Shri Sanad Chatterjee & Shri Sauvik Acharyya.
Secretary further informed the House that this year Bengali Mahila Samiti Members shall be requested to take care of the Pooja formalities to which the House agreed and asked the Secretary to formally request the Samiti through Smt Ashima Mukherjee Secretary of the Samiti. Smt Indira Bhaduri- President of the Samiti who was present in the meeting gave her formal consent and also gave suggestions for improvement.
While deliberating further on the Pooja preparations it was felt that members should contribute more towards Pooja donation as we take only once a year for all the celeberations held during the whole year . It was suggested by the House to approach the honourable members and request them to donate Rs.1000/- or more per family. Members were also requested to volunteer for ‘CHANDA’ collection and for other Pooja activities and ensure that maximum number of people are approached.
Agenda No. 4
The House was informed of the resolution passed by the EC in their meeting held on 09-05-10 regarding changes proposed in the Constitution with regard to membership fees. Hereafter all members to be enrolled as LIFE MEMBERS only by paying a ONE TIME FEE of Rs. 1500/- . Old Members to pay Rs. 1000/-only as Rs.500/- already paid by them before Elections held on 07-03-10. The House approved the resolution of the EC unanimously.
President Shri Ashok Ganguly requested that this change was made so as to enroll as many members possible and broaden our Membership base which is very low as on date. This will also help to resolve the problem of lapsing of membership i.e hereafter ONCE A MEMBER ALWAYS A MEMBER. By this approach more members can be involved into the Association Activities.
Agenda No. 5 : Any Other Issues
With the permission of the Chair, Secretary gave a detail of the Activities undertaken and Achievements of the Association since election of the new EC on 07-03-10.
A Hawan conducted for Peace, Prosperity and all round Development.
Association’s Web – Site launched on 17-04-10 under the name KISHOLOY.COM. Also a BLOG has been started. Members were requested to open the same and give their suggestions and inputs so that it can be updated with latest developments.
Celeberation of New year – Poila Baishak on 17-04-10 and Rabindra Jayanti on 15-05-10.
Function held on 08-05-10 for Medical Check Up under the guidance of Dr. Nolok Bannerjee and Doctors working with our Netaji Subhash Charitable Clinic for the Women of Old Age Home ‘AASRA’. Smt. Krishna Gaur, Mayor Bhopal was the Chief Guest. Sarees were also distributed on the occasion by the Members of the Bengali Mahila Samiti, Bhopal.
Lease Deed of the Association renewed and further extended for 30 years.
Income Tax approval of 12 A certificate received. With this all donations received by the Association is exempted from Tax. Also 80G approval likely to be received shortly. With 80G approval all Donors can seek Tax Exemption as per rules while filing their Tax Returns. This shall give a boost to our Fund Collection for all our development work. Donors can be from within the country or abroad. Members were requested to identify such persons who donate liberally for Charity work.
It was informed that our Ex-Priest Shri Bachaspati Mishra has since vacated the Priest accomodation and left for his Home Town. The House asked the Secretary to take possession of the house and after proper renovation and white washing the same may be provided to the Two Priests.
OTHER DEVELOPMENT WORKS
Secretary informed the House that due to Lease Deed having expired we were not able to undertake any development or construction work of the Temple or other civil construction. Now that the Lese Deed has been extended Executive Committee had approved and passed a resolution for total reconstruction of the Temple by relocating and rebuilding the Temple. This has been done for proper space utilization and further expanding our Charitable and Cultural Activities. To get the job done the committee has engaged the services of Shri Ashish Bhattacharya of Designing Cell- Bhopal to prepare a Map and Estimate. After proper Govt. approval the construction work shall be taken on hand. Shri Bhattacharya was called to the dias and requested to explain to the House the entire plan. The House unanimously approved the plan and also gave suggestions for improvement. President requested the members to come forward for fund raising for this Mega Project and requested for involvement of all.
The President thereafter thanked the entire House for their all round support and involvement to the Executive Committee and for their showing interest in all the development activities taken up by the Association.
The meeting ended with Vote Of Thanks from the Secretary.
Representatives of Bharat Sevashram Sangha from Kolkata will perform a Kirtan evening on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 7:00 in the evening at T T Nagar Bengali Association’s Kali Bari premises.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a philanthropic and charitable organization with a firm and enduring commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. This guiding principle of concern for the weak and deprived citizens has been the force empowering our members to dedicate their lives to serving humanity.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a vast network of volunteers across the globe dedicated to helping people in distress. The Sangha's social welfare activities include disaster relief, spreading education, providing healthcare facilities, vocational training and upliftment of the tribal.
T T Nagar Bengali Association have requested to all devotees to participate on a large basis to make this event successful.
Madhura Chattopadhyay, daughter of Mr. Indranil Chattopadhyay, a residence of BHEL, Bhopal area has bagged the prestigious CCRT Scholarship in Classical Dance category for the year 2010. She has an outstanding mark in BHARATANATYAM.
The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme aims at providing facilities to outstanding young children to develop their talents in various artistic fields. Children in the age group of 10 to 14 years studying either in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional art forms are eligible for the scholarship.
In 1982, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) took over the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in which initially 100 talented students in the field of arts and crafts were identified from all parts of the country and provided with scholarship. Considering the vastness of this country and the talent that is available, the scholarship was increased from 100 to 300 each year from 1984.
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) provides 500 new scholarships each year, out of which minimum 5 seats each are reserved for all the states and at least 3 each for all the Union Territories. Minimum 10 scholarships are reserved for the state of Jammu and Kashmir also. While awarding scholarships preferences are given to children of families practicing traditional art forms. Special emphasis is given to rare arts and crafts which are becoming extinct..
BASIS OF SELECTION
Children in the age group of 10-14 years studying either in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional, performing and other arts are chosen for the scholarship. The outstanding children in various cultural fields such as traditional forms of music, dance, drama as well as painting, sculpture and crafts are selected for the award of scholarships. Special emphasis is given to rare art forms, which are in the process of becoming extinct.
Noted Bengali folk singer Swapan Basu would perform a musical note on October 12, 2010 in BHEL Durga Puja Celebration.
Listening to Swapan Basu's song is an experience. He is not merely a folk singer but an Ethno-musicologist and folk song interpreter. He has travelled to remote villages of India to collect songs from different ethnic groups and tribals. He has inhaled their language, pronunciation and melody. The government of India has acknowledged his contribution and awarded him the National Scholarship in folk music from Ministry of Education in 1981; The Research Fellowship in Ethno-musicology from Anthropological Survey of India in 1984; and the National Fellowship as an outstanding performer in the performing arts from Human Resource Development of India, in 1987.
Far from the madding crowd into the openness of nature the name of Swapan Basu becomes almost synonymous with the idyllic folk tunes of eastern India. An icon in the fields of folk music, Swapan Basu has become a name by him and is held solely responsible for making the vivacious folk tunes of rural India touch a million hearts of the urban India and far abroad crossing the bar of international barriers and manmade restrictions. A masters from the Rabindra Bharati University in the vocal folk music in 1984, he began his career much earlier to that and since then has been charming his listeners with the vibrant, melodious and unanimous folk tunes that were always there-unnoticed and unidentified.
The name of the accompanist Shri Lalit Kishore Bhattacharya, Shri Debashis Bhakta, Shri Soumen Das and Shri Swapan Nag will accompany the singer.
Further information can be read on the singer’s website www.swapanbasu.com
Veteran Bengali person Shashanka Sekhar Mukherjee, retired IAS, passed away on 09.09.2010 at Kasturba Hospital, Habibganj, Bhopal. He was admitted there for the last few days and suffering from serious body destructions.
Mukherjee's last rites would be performed on coming Monday (13.09.2010) 11:00 Am onwards in Subhash Nagar Bisram Ghat, Bhopal after the arrival of his son from United States of America. His residence address is : HIG - 1, Baghira Apartment, E-5, Arera Colony, Bhopal.
Noted Bengali folk singer Swapan Basu would perform a musical note on October 12, 2010 in BHEL Durga Puja Celebration.
Listening to Swapan Basu's song is an experience. He is not merely a folk singer but an Ethno-musicologist and folk song interpreter. He has travelled to remote villages of India to collect songs from different ethnic groups and tribals. He has inhaled their language, pronunciation and melody. The government of India has acknowledged his contribution and awarded him the National Scholarship in folk music from Ministry of Education in 1981; The Research Fellowship in Ethno-musicology from Anthropological Survey of India in 1984; and the National Fellowship as an outstanding performer in the performing arts from Human Resource Development of India, in 1987.
Far from the madding crowd into the openness of nature the name of Swapan Basu becomes almost synonymous with the idyllic folk tunes of eastern India. An icon in the fields of folk music, Swapan Basu has become a name by him and is held solely responsible for making the vivacious folk tunes of rural India touch a million hearts of the urban India and far abroad crossing the bar of international barriers and manmade restrictions. A masters from the Rabindra Bharati University in the vocal folk music in 1984, he began his career much earlier to that and since then has been charming his listeners with the vibrant, melodious and unanimous folk tunes that were always there-unnoticed and unidentified.
The name of the accompanist Shri Lalit Kishore Bhattacharya, Shri Debashis Bhakta, Shri Soumen Das and Shri Swapan Nag will accompany the singer.
Further information can be read on the singer’s website www.swapanbasu.com
NOTICE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) ON 05.09.2010
All Members of the Association are hereby informed that the Annual General Body Meeting of the Association is being convened on 5th September, 2010.
All Members of the Association are hereby informed that the Annual General Body Meeting of the Association is being convened on 5th September, 2010.
The agenda of the meeting shall be as under:
To confierm the Election of the new executive committee election to which was held on 07.03.2010
To pass accounts of the association for the period 2009-2010
To elect office bearers for Pooja 2010
To confirm changes made in the constitution by the Election Committee and formulate new constitution for better functioning
Any other issues with the permission of the chair
Members are requested to please note and attend positively. Date : 05.09.2010 (Sunday) Venue : The Bengali Association, T. T. Nagar, Bhopal Time : 11:00 AM
Salil Chatterjee
General Secretary
P.S.:
Request to take a copy of Audited Accounts one day earlier for Study. Copy can be had from the Association office.
Request to give suggestions for change in the constitution in writing for proper deliberation.
Request to provide names and address of proposed new members.
