Maddox Square Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity

The Durga puja was started in 1935 by Late Saroj Bagchi at his Ritchie Road residence. The puja was shifted to the Maddox square park the following year. In it's silver jubilee year in 1960…the Goddess was transformed into the traditional 'ekchala' structure with silver colour attire popularly known as'Daker saaj'.In it's golden jubilee year in 1985 the "Daker saaj" was changed from silver to gold

in keeping with the jubilee celebrations as remains the same till date. The "Daker saaj" is done by artists from Krishnanagar while the Goddess earlier was curved by President's medal award winner Late Srish Chanda Pal. At present the idol is prepared by Mr.Nikhil Pal in the 'Potuapara' in Kalighat. The Goddess is ornamented by gold jewellery donated by various local residents and samity members. The Pandal is constructed in the traditional format of a 'Nat Mondir'

In a more present day context, Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity – Maddox Square remains as one of the hottest destinations for all Bengalis during Durga Puja every year. It is one of the oldest Pujas in the city and is well known the world over.One of the most common question that the members are asked about the Puja is about the 'Theme' which the Samity follows every year.Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity always had, has and will have only one 'theme' – Durga Puja.That remains the focal point and every thing else is built around it. The Samity recognizes the fact that Durga Puja is a one of the biggest festivals in the Bengali calendar and tries to organize it in such a way that only the local residents but also the visitors have a pleasant experience. The puja in itself boasts of a very homely atmosphere in the Pandal and the whole neighborhood joins to experience the puja as if they gather at their own private courtyard. Everyone, regardless of his or her identity gets prasad and bhog during the distribution hours on the Puja days. The Samity has been time and again awarded for excellent atmosphere that is created by the event and that seems to be seconded by the lakhs of visitors every year. As for the visitors, they are not required to queue up as with other places…the park has 6 entry and exit points to facilitate the movement of the visitors. The puja premises are lit up in a way that it facilitates the movement of visitors and those who are present and flickering light arrangements are not used as a rule. They can sit back and relax from pandal hopping and enjoy the great food available on the premises which varies from pizzas to puchkas.They also enjoy the various cultural programmes that are organized by the Samity. In the recent times security has been a concern for all Puja committees.Realeazing the need of the hour, the Samity has started using security cameras at the Puja grounds and deploys 50 additional private security guards to ensure that security is never compromised on the Puja grounds. Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity – Maddox Square remains a popular Puja destination for the young and the old. The residents around the park gather and offer prayers to the Goddess every year in a way that makes this religious community activity a very personal experience. For the visitors at the park every year during the Pujas, Maddox Square remains to be a place where they can chill out for hours, feel at home and still experience the magic known as Maddox Square Durga Pujo.