KOLKATA: Bengalis abroad have started enrolling themselves for a mask-free Durga Puja this year, as opposed to last year’s muted celebrations. Only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to attend after pre-registration. “This year the rules are relaxed, as only those fully vaccinated will participate after pre-registering.
Our venue is the open-air amphitheatre at the Mission San Jose High School, Fremont. So we are back in the mask-free era,” quipped Gourav Roy, one of the Puja organizers from Prothoma-San Francisco Bay Area.
The same goes for Swisspuja in Zurich. “Non-members, too, will be allowed once again. So, one expects around 200 to 300 people to congregate at a given point of time. Last year, around 30 (all masked) could participate. This time, masks aren’t required as vaccine records will be verified at the entry. Even cultural programmes will be held inside the venue,” said Kamalika Chakraborty, member, Swisspuja executive committee 2021.
“I think we are luckier than those back home in Kolkata. Here in the UK, we can get as close to the idol as we want and celebrate with the community,” said London-based IT professional Prasenjit Bhattacharjee, who is a member of the Adda Sough Puja.
Fellow organizer Nilotpal Mandal said, “We are recreating Kolkata’s Maddox Square at the Slough Cricket Club.” The pandal is 110 ft by 90 ft — to accommodate 750 devotees at a time. The entrance is called the “Gate of Joy” to support Bengal’s craftsmen who have suffered huge losses because of Covid. “For the first time in London, a woman priest will be performing the rituals this year,” said Kingshuk Bose of Bilete Bangali.
