SHARODIYA 2025

“Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhutessu Shakti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa.
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah.”

On 13th September 2025, Sharodiya celebrated its second year, successfully establishing itself as one of the most awaited and celebrated occasions of The Bhawanipur Education Society College. The journey of celebrating Sharodiya at BESC began in 2024 with the intention of celebrating Debi-pokkho—welcoming the victory of good over evil and bringing the essence of Durga Puja to the college premises.

This year’s theme for Sharodiya was “Nabo Durga’r Ontor-Jatra”, which translates to “the spiritual inner journey” of invoking and experiencing the nine forms of Goddess Durga within oneself. It is a process of inner spiritual development, guided by the distinct energies and qualities of each of the nine manifestations: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

The opening ceremony began at 3:00 P.M. on the college turf, which accommodated a large audience. It featured a welcome speech by the Rector and Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Dilip Shah, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony that served as the metaphoric Aarti. The programme showcased a variety of performances ranging from Eastern solo and group dances, the show-stealing Dhunuchi Naach, recitations, solo classical and folk songs, to an Indo-Western ramp walk. The highlight of the day was the Durga Suktam—a Vedic hymn that is primarily a prayer to Agni, the fire god, interpreted as an invocation of Goddess Durga in her fiery form, seeking protection, strength, and guidance to overcome obstacles and attain spiritual liberation.

The event lasted for two hours and exuded a warm, close-knit, homely vibe. The decorations were led by the immensely talented Art-In-Me collective. Staying true to the theme, they crafted nine hand-arched paintings of the forms of Devi Durga and created the Chalchitra—the traditional half-domed painted backdrop placed behind the idol of Goddess Durga, depicting mythological narratives and forming a complete tableau of the divine, an essential element of Bengali culture. Representing the artistry and storytelling of Patachitra, they added the final touch by creating an Alpona—a floral rangoli reminiscent of a Pookalam—around the wooden idol of Maa Durga.

The closing ceremony featured the foundational tradition of Dhaker Taale, a vibrant rhythmic expression played on the large drum called the dhak. The beats, or taal, are central to the festive atmosphere, symbolising the arrival of Goddess Durga. From freshmen to final-year students, everyone danced their hearts out to the beats. Students expressed their eagerness to celebrate Sharodiya with even greater grandeur in the years to come, ensuring that it continues to be the talk of the town.

Sharodiya introduced the essence of Bangaliana—the rich artistry, culturally infused heritage, and intellectually aristocratic Bengali way of life—reviving a sense of Bengali identity and celebrating it proudly. Without a doubt, the event was a grand success. With Prof. Shah’s belief and the students’ vision, Sharodiya surpassed the previous year’s audience count by 1,000+ eager attendees, and even the online registration form was flooded within just a day—truly a visionary success!

The event concluded around 5:00 P.M. with the traditional Bengali pujo slogan: “Asche Bochhor Abar Hobe!”

 REPORTER– Samriddha Nandi
PHOTOGRAPHER– Agrag Ghosh, Spandan Samanta, Dev Sinha