1. On which day is the auspicious task of painting Goddess Durga’s eyes, known as ‘Chokkhudaan’, traditionally performed?
  2. The potters of Kumortuli perform the Kathamo Puja before starting work on the idols for the Durga Puja. On which famous festival is it traditionally held?
  3. What tradition was introduced by Lakshmikanta Mazumdar, who started the Aatchala Barisha puja, one of the oldest Durga Pujas in Calcutta?
  4. How did the phrase ‘daaker saaj’ marking the reputation of the Daw family of North Calcutta, originate?
  5. During Durga Puja, who begins life as ‘nabapatrika’?
  6. What is the significance of Sandhi Puja, performed during Durga Puja?
  7. Which organization became one of the first to celebrate Sarbojonin Durga Puja in Calcutta, after adopting an idea by Atindra Nath Bose?
  8. The major football clubs in Calcutta, along with other small sports clubs, perform which special ritual on Poila Boisakh?
  9. Traditionally, which bird was ceremoniously released during idol immersion on Dashami to symbolize Devi Durga’s departure?
  10. Which famous actor of yesteryear recited the Mahishashur Mardini, usually associated with Birendra Krishna Bhadray, on AIR in 1976?

Reveal answers

  1. Mahalaya
  2. On the day of Rath Yatra
  3. Worship of Goddess Durga along with her children. It is Sabarna Roy Chowdhury’s family puja that started in 1610
  4. During Durga Puja in pre-independent India, the material for the decoration of the idol came from Germany by post and that is why it was called ‘daaker saaj’ (daak = post)
  5. As Kolabou. These nine trees are Rambha (banana/plantain), kachu (yam), haridra (turmeric), jayanti, bilva (wood apple/bel), darimba (pomegranate), ashok, maan (another variety of yam) and dhanya (paddy)
  6. The last 24 minutes of Asthami and the first 24 minutes of Nabami make up specific ‘dudondo’ (48 minutes) when Durga, as Chamunda, killed the demons Chanda and Munda. Shandhi Puja is performed at this point in time
  7. Simla Beyam Samity
  8. Bar Puja. The football bar posts are worshipped in Calcutta Maidan.
  9. Neelkantha bird (Indian Roller Bird)
  10. Uttam Kumar