বাংলায় পড়ুন
In Miriti, one could gauge the essence of being a true Bengali during Durga Puja through Pranab Mukherjee. On these special days, he would adorn himself in a white dhoti and fine silk shawl. On Mahalaya, the seventh day of the festival, he would commence with the Kalabou ritual, proceeding to recite the Chandi Path in a deeply personal manner.
Durga Puja in this quaint village was marked by an added layer of security, especially during these days. The routine was followed diligently year after year, but now something vital is missing in the Miriti village.
In 2020, on August 31, Pranab Mukherjee, the venerable statesman, breathed his last. It was not just a loss for the Mukherjee family but for the entire community in Miriti. Whether serving as the President, Finance Minister, or Foreign Minister, Pranab Babu always made it a point to visit his village during Durga Puja. The village would come to a standstill under strict security measures.
For four days, he would personally oversee the arrangements for Durga Puja, not only supervising the proceedings but also performing rituals alongside the priest, keeping the traditions intact.
Every year, Pranab Babu himself conducted the Chandi Path. But now, these traditions reside solely in the realm of memory.
The Chandi Path was not limited to the villagers but attracted luminaries from all walks of life. It was a congregation of the country’s elite who recited the sacred verses in unison, led by Pranab Mukherjee himself.
Pranab’s son, Abhijit Mukherjee, explains, “The Durga Puja at the Mukherjee family home has been a tradition for 128 years. Thakurnath Mukherjee, my great-grandfather, initiated this puja. The responsibility of the puja rituals has been passed down through generations. However, we could never match the level of expertise my father had. This year, Durga Puja is Pranab-less, a puja without its guiding light. We are continuing the tradition, but the absence of his wisdom is deeply felt.”
The Durga Puja at Miriti has transcended protocol. Pranab Babu immersed himself in these celebrations, engaging as a true householder, living and breathing the festivities.
Miriti’s Durga Puja was unique not just because of its religious significance but also because it represented a deeply rooted cultural tradition upheld by Pranab Mukherjee.
Pranab Mukherjee rarely missed Durga Puja, barring the year 1978, when he was engaged in national politics. Even then, the puja continued, albeit without his presence. However, since that year, Pranab Babu has never stayed away from the puja celebrations.
In the end, Durga Puja was not just a tradition; it was a reflection of Pranab Mukherjee’s enduring legacy. As the puja continues, his memories are what we hold onto as we pay our respects to Goddess Durga.
