Durga Puja of Sovabazar Rajbari

Durga Puja at Sovabazar Raj Palace

Durga Puja of Sovabazar Rajbari is an annual household festival celebrated at the Sovabazar Rajbari palace in Kolkata, West Bengal. Established in 1757 by Maharaja Nabakrishna Deb, it is among the oldest continuously running zamindari Durga Pujas in the city.

History

The festival was inaugurated in the autumn of 1757 following the Battle of Plassey. Maharaja Nabakrishna Deb, a Persian secretary and associate of Robert Clive, organized the celebration to mark his family's rising socio-political prominence under early British colonial administration.

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, the celebration attracted high-ranking British officials, including Warren Hastings, earning it the contemporary moniker Companir Pujo (Company's Puja).

Traditions

The Puja retains several traditional elements characteristic of aristocratic North Kolkata household celebrations (bonedi barir pujo):

• Idol Iconography: The ceremonial mount (lion) is traditionally depicted with a horse-like face, known locally as the ghotokmuki singha.
• Immersion Procession: The idol is transported to the Hooghly River via boats for water immersion rather than standard vehicular processions.
• Venue: Rituals are conducted in the central *natmandap* (courtyard hall) of the palace.

See also

• Sovabazar Rajbari
• Sovabazar Raj
• Durga Puja in Kolkata
• Durga Puja in West Bengal