For every Bengali, Durga Puja is much more than a festival, it is an emotion that brings together faith, family, tradition, and community. Before the magnificent pandals, dazzling lights, and festive celebrations take over Kolkata, the journey begins with Khuti Pujo, a sacred ritual that marks the official commencement of Durga Puja preparations.
Continuing this timeless tradition, Onyo Pujo, an initiative by Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA), officially began its journey towards Durga Puja 2026 with a soulful Khuti Pujo ceremony at Offbeat CCU. The occasion was graced by Prof. Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group; Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer of TIG; Pauline Laravoire, Founder of the rebalance institute and Sustainability Director at TIG; and Ms. Sujata Chatterjee, Founder & Managing Director of Twirl.store, the collaboration partner for this year’s Onyo Pujo.
Khuti Pujo is the ceremonial worship of the first bamboo pillar that forms the foundation of the Durga Puja pandal. More than a ritual, it sanctifies the space where Maa Durga will be welcomed, seeking blessings for a peaceful, prosperous, and obstacle-free celebration. It also marks the beginning of months of creativity, craftsmanship, and collective efforts that make Bengal’s biggest festival truly extraordinary.
Adding a heartwarming touch to this year’s celebrations, Onyo Pujo introduced its official mascot, “Putu” – a cheerful five-year-old little girl who captures the innocence, wonder, and excitement of experiencing Durga Puja through a child’s eyes. Putu symbolizes the joy of new clothes, the rhythm of the dhaak, vibrant pandals, and the timeless memories that make Pujo special for every Bengali, while representing the next generation that will carry Bengal’s rich cultural heritage forward.
As prayers and rituals marked the beginning of this year’s celebrations, the Khuti Pujo served as a reminder that Durga Puja is more than an annual festival, it is a living legacy of devotion, creativity, inclusivity, and togetherness. With the sacred bamboo pillar now in place at Offbeat CCU, Onyo Pujo has officially embarked on its journey towards Onyo Puja 2026, promising yet another meaningful celebration that honours Bengal’s timeless traditions while embracing fresh ideas and collaborative spirit.