Watch: Durga Puja In ‘Bonedi’ Bengali Families Go Back Centuries

While their splendour has diminished over the years, these pujas take pride in remaining true to traditions.

The Durga idol in the Daw family house in Jorashanko, Kolkata is famous for being bedecked in precious jewellery. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/ JorashankoDawBari)

It’s that time of the year again when all Bengalis, no matter where they are, go a little wonky in the head. After all, it’s Durga puja - the biggest festival of Bengal. But not known to many of the young generation, along with the pandal pujas, tucked away in the lanes in and around Kolkata are scores of “bonedi” families - erstwhile zamindars - who have been celebrating Durga puja in their palatial homes since centuries.

Watch the video to know more.

(Photo courtesy: Bishwash Bari, Doshghora, West Bengal, Facebook/ Darjeepara Raj Krishna Mitra Bari/ YourKoel/bhawaniporemallickbari/ Amader Kolkata/ Kolkata r Durga Puja/Jorashanko Shib Krishna Daw Bari/ BonediDurgotsav/ Twitter/ @arcsolomon4226)

(This story is from The Quint’s archives and was first published on 4 October 2016. It is now being republished to mark Durga Puja.)