Lucknow: After a year apart due to Covid, Kali Badi Mandir from Aminabad welcomed the public on Wednesday for the recitation of the Mahalaya and Chandi paths.
With the debut of Durga Puja, the 158-year-old institution celebrated the arrival of Goddess Durga with a Mahishasura Mardini Strotam Party, featuring key artists from Kolkata’s “Kuhor Group”. The entire temple premises were illuminated by a number of devotees seriously waiting to listen and participate in the auspicious ritual.
Ritika Roy, a government worker, was excited as she first visited the Mahalaya Day celebration in Kali Bari. “The Mahishasur Mardini program left me spellbound. I got goosebumps as the singers sang in such a melodious way, ”Roy said.
Another devotee, Dheeraj Sonkar, director of a private company, said: “To me, Goddess Durga feels like my mother and her undying love bring me here every day.”
Sonali Ghosh Chakraborty, founder of the musical group, said: “Kuhor means ‘Koel’ and the group is known for its melodious musical evenings. We are a group of 10 singers who have been singing for about 15 years.
Gautam Bhattacharya, chairman of the temple management committee, said that although the temple faced a financial crisis due to the pandemic, always with the support of worshipers and other members, we were able to celebrate the arrival. of Devi to the maximum.
“We have made the necessary arrangements. No one is allowed to enter without a mask, ”he added.