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Hiralini Durgotsav enters its 26th year with message of peace in Sonajhuri
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News18•19-10-2026, 15:04
Hiralini Durgotsav enters its 26th year with message of peace in Sonajhuri
- •The 26th edition of Hiralini Durgotsav in the Sonajhuri forest of Santiniketan features an idol holding sacred lotus flowers instead of weapons in a message of world peace.
- •The unique concept was initiated in 2002 by the late artist Badhan Das as a protest against global terrorism following the September 11 attacks.
- •Artist Ashish Ghosh, a student of Badhan Das, has crafted the new wooden idol and continues to keep the visionary tradition alive.
- •The puja avoids commercial themes, flashy lights, and animal sacrifices, focusing instead on a natural, forest-surrounded environment.
- •Tribal communities from nearby villages actively participate, celebrating traditional festivals like Bel Baran alongside vibrant Dasai, Karam, and Jhumur dances.
Key Questions Answered
Instead of carrying traditional weapons of destruction, the idol of Goddess Durga and her four children hold sacred hundred-petalled lotus flowers to convey a message of world peace and amity.
The concept was introduced in 2002 by the late artist Badhan Das as a protest against global terrorism following the September 2001 destruction of America's World Trade Center.
The heart and organizers of the puja are residents of adjacent tribal villages like Bonepukur Danga, Sarpukur Danga, Ballavpur Danga, and Phuldanga, who actively participate in all arrangements and celebrate the parallel 'Bel Baran' festival.
