1 2 Prayagraj : As the city is gripped with festive fever of Durga Puja, the four days of worshipping the Goddess in Durga Puja pandals will commence from Oct 8. TOI tries to trace the rich historical background of the four prominent Barwari ( Durga Puja committees ) of the city, which are over 100 years old. Although not known for majestic gates and theme-based pandals, these Barwaris have a long, rich legacy and history of Durga Puja celebrations.
They follow traditional method of worshipping the deity without much pomp and show. The Colonelgunj Barwari , Indian Girl's (City) Barwari, Attarsuyia Barwari, and Lukergunj Barwari are the oldest ones in city. Talking of the rich legacy of Colonelgunj barwari, the general secretary, Alok Roy, informed that this barwari would be organising the 172nd year of Durga Puja this year.
The Barwari was formed in 1853, before which the puja was organised in the houses of devotees. After that, the devotees decided to organise the same by forming a committee. The first community puja was started at the residence of Ram Chandra Banerjee in the outer verandah of his house situated near Bhardwaj Ashram, and this continued for around two decades.
Later, towards the end of the 19th century, the venue was shifted to other place. . By the beginning of the 1920s, the venue was finally shifted to the large plot opposite Anand Bhawan.
"It is said that though Durga Puja was performed occasionally, the puja was first celebrated in an organised way in 18.