News By Asish Basak
# 25 Durga Puja Committees Honoured with ‘Mahashakti Samman’ in Kolkata*
*An initiative celebrating Bengal’s festive heritage, family traditions and social commitment**Kolkata: In a special initiative to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Durga Puja and recognise the social contributions associated with the festival, 25 Durga Puja committees from Kolkata and its adjoining areas were honoured with the **‘Mahashakti Samman’*
*. The initiative was organised jointly by **We Are The Common People** and **West Bengal Community Alliance**.The programme also recognised the legacy of the late **Chhanda Duttagupta**, a founding member of *We Are The Common People*, through the **“Chhanda Duttagupta Award for Excellence in Festive Heritage & Social Commitment.”** The recognition reflects the organisers’ commitment to preserving Bengal’s festive traditions while encouraging social responsibility and community participation.Among the North Kolkata puja committees recognised were *
*Tala Pratyay, Bagbazar Sarbojanin, Jagat Mukherjee Park, Kumartuli Sarbojanin, Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin, Ahiritola Sarbojanin, Sreebhumi Sporting Club, Chorbagan Sarbojanin, College Square Sarbojanin Durgotsab, Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Nalini Sarkar Street Sarbojanin, Kashi Bose Lane Sarbojanin Durgotsab,** and **Asha O Abhilasha Durgotsab Committee*
*.The initiative also celebrated the traditions of family-run Durga Pujas. The historic **Ghosh Bari Durga Puja of North Kolkata** received recognition, which was accepted by organiser **Tamagna Ghosh**. The **Chatterjee Bari Durga Puja of South Kolkata** was also honoured, with **Loknath Chattopadhyay** accepting the award.In a significant gesture towards inclusivity, the Durga Puja organised by **Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Samiti**, an organisation of sex workers, was also recognised.
The honour highlighted the importance of participation, dignity and inclusion in Bengal’s shared cultural life.The award presentation and related activities were supported by **Priyanshu De, Dipankar De, Rahul Das, Akash Ganguly,** and **Shubhajit Dutta Gupta**, who played important roles in the initiative.**Shubhajit Dutta Gupta**, editor of *We Are The Common People* and convener of *West Bengal Community Alliance*, has been associated with the initiative’s efforts to bring together cultural organisations, community groups and Durga Puja committees on a common platform. The programme sought to highlight the role of Durga Puja not only as a major cultural celebration but also as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and encourage social commitment.Through the **Mahashakti Samman**, the organisers aim to celebrate the diversity of Bengal’s Durga Puja traditions—from prominent community celebrations to family pujas and initiatives representing socially marginalised communities.
The initiative underlines the belief that the spirit of Durga Puja lies not only in artistic excellence and festive grandeur, but also in heritage, shared participation and a commitment to society.
