As Durga Puja draws near, the grand mansions of the aristocratic families of Kolkata get decked up to welcome Maa Durga. The pomp and grandeur with which the Pujo was celebrated may have faded over the centuries, but the enthusiasm and vigour remains the same. These magnificent bonedi baris of Kolkata come alive with glory during Durga Puja.
Here are 6 bonedi baris you should visit to get a taste of the splendour of Kolkata&rsquos aristocracy
Sovabazar Rajbari
Probably the most famous Bonedi Durga Puja of Kolkata, the Sovabajar royal family celebrates not one, but two pujos, one in each of their palaces, at 33, Raja Nabakrishna Deb Street (Choto Rajbari) and at 36, Raja Nabakrishna Deb Street (Boro Rajbari).
Chatu Babu Latu Babu&rsquor Bari
Started by Ram Dulal Dey (Deb Sarkar) in 1770 at his Beadon Street residence, the name &ldquoChatu Babu Latu Babu&rsquor Pujo&rdquo comes from the nickname of his two sons--Ashutosh Dey (Deb Sarkar) and Pramatha Nath Dey.
Narasingha Dawn Bari
Leading gun makers and merchants now, the Narasimha Dawn family has been celebrating Durga Puja from 1859, when it was started by the Late Nandalal Dawn.
Thanthania Dutta Bari
Started in 1855 by Dwarkanath Dutta The 200 year old Pujo of Thanthania Dutta Bari is also sometimes referred to as the &lsquoShib Durga Idol&rsquo. One of the more unique Bonedi Durga Pujas of Kolkata, this Pujo attracts a lot of visitors and worshippers every year owing to its rare idol with Shiva and no Ashura.
Rani Rashmoni&rsquos Bari
This famous Durga Puja was started by the father-in-law founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Rani Rashmoni. The Pujo at 13, Rani Rashmoni road also boasts of once being conducted by Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Chandra Family Pujo
Started by Ganesh Chandra ( after whom Ganesh Chandra Avenue is named) in 1877. The Pujo is now held in the Thakudalan built by him at 23, Nirmal Chandra Street.
