The countdown to Durga Puja has officially begun. While the city will take a few more months to transform into a vibrant canvas of themed pandals, lights and festivities, the ceremonial first step was taken with Khuti Pujo — the ritual that marks the beginning of preparations for Bengal’s biggest festival.Onyo Pujo, an initiative by Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA), performed its Khuti Pujo at Offbeat CCU, ushering in the journey towards Durga Puja 2026. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Pauline Laravoire and Sujata Chatterjee. Khuti Pujo, one of the earliest rituals associated with Durga Puja, involves worshipping the first bamboo post that will support the pandal. The ceremony is considered an invocation of blessings for a smooth and successful Puja, symbolically laying the foundation for months of planning, artistry and community participation that culminate in the grand autumn festival.Adding a new element to this year’s celebrations, the organisers unveiled Putu, the official mascot of Onyo Pujo. Imagined as a spirited five-year-old girl, Putu embodies the childlike excitement that surrounds Durga Puja — from wearing new clothes and listening to the beats of the dhaak to exploring pandals and creating lifelong festive memories. The mascot also reflects the festival’s continuity across generations, celebrating the young custodians of Bengal’s cultural legacy.With the rituals complete and the first bamboo pillar consecrated, Onyo Pujo has formally set the stage for its 2026 edition. The organisers say this year’s celebrations will continue to blend tradition with contemporary ideas, while reinforcing the values of community, creativity and inclusivity that lie at the heart of Durga Puja.
