- G.K. Road Purbanchal Prabhati Sangha’s Touching Tribute to the Lives of Dhakis
Kolkata, September 15, 2024 – G.K. Road Purbanchal Prabhati Sangha proudly inaugurated its 59th Durga Puja celebration with the unveiling of this year’s thought-provoking theme, “বিষাদ পুজোর গল্প” (The Story of the Melancholy Puja).
This year’s theme presents the poignant story of the Dhakis—traditional drummers whose lives revolve around the five days of Durga Puja. While playing the dhak is not their primary livelihood, these five days bring them unparalleled joy, purpose, and fulfillment. However, once the festival ends, their moment of glory fades, leaving them waiting for the next Puja season to rekindle their significance.
Through this theme, the Sangha aims to highlight the overlooked lives of these musicians, portraying their moments of happiness and sorrow, and bringing to light their dependence on this grand festival for emotional and social fulfillment.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by several dignitaries. Mr. Sandipan Saha, MMIC (IT & Education), was the Chief Guest and emphasized the cultural importance of Durga Puja in his address. Dhruba Jyoti Bose, Secretary of MassArt, praised the theme’s emotional depth, while Kajal Sarkar, President of the Forum for Durgotsab, lauded the initiative for its reflection of grassroots culture. Saswata Basu, Secretary of the Forum for Durgotsab, highlighted the importance of preserving Dhaki traditions, and eminent author Debarati Mukhopadhyay acknowledged the theme’s heartfelt portrayal. Deeptangshu Mondal of DEEP Prakashan also commended the committee for bringing such an important narrative to the forefront through art and culture.
This year’s theme encourages the community to reflect on the lives of those who contribute so much to the festival but often remain in the background. It is not just a celebration of culture but also a reminder of the lives entwined with this joyous occasion.
With this evocative theme, G.K. Road Purbanchal Prabhati Sangha invites devotees to witness a moving portrayal of the Dhakis’ lives through art, music, and tradition, as we celebrate Durga Puja 2024.