Sacred pot, Ek Chala Durga idol: 117 yrs of tradition at iconic Kashmere Gate Puja

Every year, the Bengali Senior Secondary School on Shamnath Marg in North Delhi hosts a cherished Durga Puja, known as the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja. This tradition has endured for 117 years, with former political leaders like Indira Gandhi and Sheila Dixit visiting the iconic pandal. The Durga idol, a central feature of the celebrations, is crafted from clay and features three layers, with natural colors sourced from Bengal.

The idol's design has remained unchanged since 1912, when the Bengali community in Delhi was in its infancy and the first puja was organized at Roshanpura Kali Mandir near Nai Sarak. Initially, devotees worshipped a sacred pot, the kalash, which remains a vital part of the rituals. The idol-making has evolved over time, with Railway employees assisting in transporting the idol from Kashi (now Varanasi) in 1912.

After moving through various locations, the puja settled at the Bengali Senior Secondary School in 1968. Arun Roy, a 77-year-old former student, oversees the making of the idol and emphasizes that the entire family is united under one roof during the puja.