When Bose shifted Durga Puja from British splendour to a Swadeshi call for freedom

The Durga Puja that we celebrate today came along with the involvement of the British, the elite Bengali class, and freedom fighters who turned the Durga celebration into a means of a freedom movement that could challenge the British.

The celebration of Durga Puja, which the entire Bengali community celebrates with fervour and richness, was once made grand by the British. History prevails from Robert Clive to Lord Curzon, whose call for a separate Bengal made the phrase 'Bande Mataram' popular. India, for centuries, has worshipped Maa Durga as the symbol of strength and courage. The homecoming of Maa Durga is considered a holy moment for millions of Indians; history says that even the British could not keep themselves away from this joyous event, which was later utilised by Subhas Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters as a tool to revolutionise the Freedom Struggle.

The vibrant Durga Puja is all set to end on October 12 with auspicious celebrations. Maa Durga holds a significant place in the hearts of millions, providing the courage to confront evil; she has been regarded as the Goddess of courage for centuries. Let's trace the journey of Durga Puja.

THE BRITISH CONNECTION TO DURGA PUJA

One of the most dubious stories of the origin of Durga Puja comes from British Bengal when, just after the victory at Plassey in 1757, Robert Clive, who tightened the British grip on Bengal with his tactics, transformed the whole history of Bengal. Clive's victory not only strengthened British power on Indian soil but also made him super rich.

Clive was considered a brilliant mind and a deeply religious person who wanted to credit God for the victory in Bengal, which he did by holding a grand ceremony in Calcutta at that time.

The former Nawab Siraj-ud-din Daulah had destroyed the only church in the burgeoning city while fighting the British, leaving a void in the spiritual landscape. At this moment of uncertainty, Nabakishan Deb, Clive’s esteemed Persian translator and confidant, stepped forward and graciously offered his mansion as a sanctuary, inviting Clive to pay homage to Goddess Durga.

Thus, in a blend of reverence and resilience, Calcutta witnessed the dawn of its very first Durga Puja celebration. That's how Clive came along with Durga Puja and offered his greetings.

It is Deb's mansion today in Sovabazar that is preserved by the Tourism of West Bengal and hosts 'Company Puja.' The story of Deb and Clive is only recorded in myths, not texts.

Sovabazar Puja in Bengal is still considered one of the oldest in the town.

THE CALL FOR 'SWADESHI' FROM DURGA PANDAL

Later, the Puja was celebrated by the elites of Bengal and merchants who became prosperous with the British's influence. This trend continued for over a century until the late 19th century when finally Durga Puja was revolutionised and served as a host for freedom fighters, where the idea of Swadeshi emerged.

One of the most significant ways Durga Puja contributed to the freedom struggle was by serving as a platform for the Swadeshi movement. Leaders of the Swadeshi movement, where Subhas Chandra Bose emerged as the biggest name, used the large gatherings during Durga Puja to advocate for the boycott of British goods and promote the use of locally made products.

The phrase 'Bande Mataram' emerged as a powerful rallying cry for Indians, particularly in the context of the British partition plan, marking the dawn of a significant mass movement. This sentiment helped elevate the Swadeshi movement, which celebrated indigenous products and self-reliance.

Historian Rachel McDermott, in her work Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddess of Bengal (2011), noted how Bengali newspapers brimmed with advertisements for Durga Pujas at that time.

They prominently featured the message of swadeshi (indigenous) over bideshi (foreign), promoting locally made goods such as oils, silks, dhutis, saris, shoes, tea, sugar, and cigarettes, with brands reflecting the cultural pride of the era, like Vidyasagar, Sri Durga, and Durbar.

This cultural movement not only fostered a sense of nationalism but also strengthened the collective identity of the people, as they came together to celebrate their heritage and resist colonial rule.

In 1910, a band of twelve courageous freedom fighters in Kolkata ignited a new chapter by initiating the first Baruari Durga Puja, transforming the festival from private affairs of the wealthy into vibrant public celebrations that beckoned all to join.

It was in the 1920s that Indians were realising the growing sentiment for freedom and independence.

Social reformer Nagendra Nath Ghoshal, along with Swadeshi movement activists Hem Mukherjee and Durga Charan Banerjee, joined the Durga Puja Committee and approached Subhas Chandra Bose, who at the time was serving as the general secretary of Congress.

Subhas Chandra Bose emerged as a prominent figure in the Durga Puja celebrations during his tenure as the CEO of the Municipal Corporation, offering the current site for the puja and infusing the festivities with a spirit of strength and resilience.

The festival took on a significant role in the freedom struggle by becoming a platform for the Swadeshi movement.

Beginning in 1929, Baghbazar Sarbojanin initiated the Swadeshi Mela during Durga Puja at Bose’s suggestion. This effort was designed to promote 'Swadeshi' goods, such as matches, textiles, ink, paper, machinery, and medicines, against the backdrop of British imports from places like Lancaster and Manchester, which dominated the Indian market.

Subhas Chandra Bose, organising sword-fighting displays and passionately performing rituals to honour the goddess, even from behind prison walls.

Through this initiative, Durga Puja evolved into a vibrant celebration of indigenous enterprise and national pride.