Timarpur& Civil Lines Puja Samity ( TPCLPS ) was
formally established in 1914 and since then Timarpur & Civil Lines Puja
Samity has been celebrating Durga Puja year after year without any break.
Statistically, it is the second oldest Durga Puja Samity in Delhi. The TPCLPS
is a living example of glorious success achieved through the combined efforts
of its countrywide well wishers.
Before the shifting of the capital of the British India to
Delhi in 1911, many Bengalis had migrated to Delhi either due to shifting of
their offices or to work in the Government offices. In this process, the first
Durga Puja in Delhi was held in 1910, when it was performed by ritualistically
establishing the “MANGAL GHAT” symbolizing Devi Durga.
Timarpur is situated in the northern part of Delhi – very
close to the Delhi University North Campus. For the last many decades, the Puja
celebrations have been held at its Puja premises in front of the Institute of
Nuclear Medicines & Allied Sciences (INMAS) of DRDO.
During the last 99 years, on several occasions, the Puja
Samity passed through hard phases of financial and administrative crises mainly
due to lack of funds and active human resources. On several occasions
conditions became so precarious that the puja was on the verge of a premature
end. But on every such occasion, Devi Durga stood by the side of the volunteers
and right help came at the right time. In fact, the puja not only survived but
thrived! Someone or the other amongst the well wishers and volunteers of the
Samititook charge of the situation with true grit and determination coupled
with the co-operation and support from all well wishers. The consistent growth
continued. All along these times, a number of Puja Samities were formed in and
around Delhi; while some of them could not continue,many others got merged with
others.
The fact remains that Timarpur & Civil Lines Puja Samity
(TPCLPS) has been able to maintain its own identity amongst capital’s
traditional pujas. Unlike many other so called big Puja Samities, the puja
performed at TPCLPS has a heart and soul of its own. The puja at Timarpur is an
occasion where everyone participates, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis, Residents of
Timarpur & Civil Lines Area and Non-Residents, Seniors, Juniors and so on. TPCLPS has based its
entire celebration on the tradition and cultural heritage of India, especially
Bengal. Here traditions & rituals are still being followed meticulously.
Although the Samity has never tried to commercialize the Puja celebration in
Timarpur, yet it has always adapted to the changing values, needs and styles
with the passage of time. Modernization here has never trampled traditions!
Possibly, TPCLPS introduced the first Protima of Shola (a
traditional style of decoration of the idol) in the community Puja celebration
of Delhi many years ago. Immersion of Ma Durga is a sight to watch and
remember. A unique tradition being followed down the decades on the day of Maha
Dashami, from Timarpur Puja premises to 7 kms away Geeta Ghat , the Protima
[idol] of Ma Durga is taken in illuminated carts and these carts are pulled by
young volunteers and the general public and not paid workers.
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