Across the Paschim Bardhaman district, the festive atmosphere of Sharodutsav, aesthetic pavilion decorations, adherence to safety guidelines, and setting a unique precedent in disciplined idol immersion were recognized as the top 12 puja committees were officially awarded the prestigious 'Devi Durga Samman-2026'. This special initiative was undertaken by the district administration in recognition of the exceptional discipline and social responsibility displayed during and after Durga Puja. On Friday afternoon, at a grand and magnificent ceremony organized at the District Magistrate's office premises in Asansol, honored mementos, certificates, and cash reward checks were handed over to the winning clubs and puja committees.
Many prominent figures from the district administration and the state government were present at the event to encourage the winners. Present on the stage were the State Minister for Public Works and Public Health Engineering Dr. Ajay Poddar, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Agnimitra Pal, eminent personality Arijit Roy, five MLAs of the district, and District Magistrate of Paschim Bardhaman S. Ponnabalam. Additionally, senior officials from various levels of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate and the district administration were present at this felicitation ceremony.
Dividing the entire district into two subdivisions—Asansol and Durgapur—a total of 12 puja committees were rewarded across four separate categories through a rigorous evaluation process. The title of 'Best Puja' was won by Durgapur Khudiram Math Sarbojanin, Asansol Radhanagar Road Athletic Club, and Durgapur Marconi Dakshinpally Sarbojanin Durgapuja Committee. The aesthetics of their pavilions, crowd management, and overall environment caught the attention of visitors.
For pavilions created with a unique blend of tradition and modern artistic style, the 'Best Idol' category awarded the Durgapur Chaturanga Puja Committee, Durgapur Fuljhore Sarbojanin Durgapuja Committee, and Asansol Gandhinagar Durgapuja Committee. For eye-catching success in terms of theme concept and architectural style, the 'Best Pavilion' category honors were claimed by Durgapur Agrani Sangskriti Parishad, Durgapur Shankarpur Sarbojanin Durgapuja Committee, and Asansol Rabindranagar Unnayan Samity.
Not just celebrating the festival, but for spreading social messages through the puja, the special 'Best Social Awareness' category awarded the Asansol Rambandh Sarbojanin Durgotsab Puja Committee, Dhemomain Durgapuja Committee, and Khottadihi Sarbojanin Durgapuja Committee. The role of these committees in environmental protection, blood donation camps, and fulfilling social responsibilities was commendable.
While addressing the event, Ministers Dr. Ajay Poddar and Agnimitra Pal jointly stated, "Durga Puja is not just a religious ritual or festival; it is a symbol of Bengali emotion, tradition, and universal social bonding. People indulge in this festival after waiting all year, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Therefore, overall security during the puja and adherence to administrative rules and regulations were extremely crucial."
Praising the disciplined arrangements for idol immersion in Paschim Bardhaman district this year, the ministers mentioned that innovative steps were taken to prevent water body pollution and avoid accidents. Instead of over-relying on mechanical cranes, idol immersion was completed through adequate trained manpower and coordinated arrangements, which is an exemplary event. They further emphasized that during the days of the puja, police and administrative personnel and officers worked day and night away from their families for the joy of the general people. Their sacrifice and relentless discharge of duty made this grand festival successful and safe. It was hoped that this strong tradition of mutual cooperation between the district administration and citizens will be maintained in the coming days.
