Raja Nabakrishna Deb: Pioneer of Bonedi Barir Durga Pujo

In the midst of the grand community celebrations of Durga Puja in Bengal, the Bonedi Barir Pujo of Kolkata has its own compelling story. It all commenced in 1757 with Nabakrishna Deb, the initiator of Sovabazar’s palatial Durga Puja, giving rise to a unique culture of inclusivity and generosity.

Sovabazar Rajbari | Source: Wikimedia Commons

In the early 18th century, a bright scion was born to the Deb family of Sovabazar, in the erstwhile Sutanuti, later included in Kolkata. This child, named Nabakrishna Deb, was the son of Ram Charan Deb, who established the Deb family as revered landowners in Bengal. Nabakrishna Deb was exceptional, even from a young age. A quick thinker, he was inclined to learn new languages and mastered them proficiently. In no time, he began gaining popularity in his circle as an expert in Parsi.

Back then, Robert Clive was the governor of the British regiment in Bengal. As the British expedited their hold over the Indian territory, they required the help of so-called natives who were learned and could provide them with a better understanding of Indian society. No wonder, then, that Nabakrishna was quickly appointed as Clive’s personal Parsi teacher. He then rose through the ranks and was conferred the title of Rajabahadur.

Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey | Source: Wikimedia Commons

The turning point of Raja Nabakrishna Deb’s life and later his legacy occurred during the infamous Battle of Plassey. The then-ruler of Bengal, Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, fought valiantly against the British army in the battle. Eventually, his troops had to retreat. The Nawab went into hiding in Nabakrishna’s magnificent Sovabazar Palace, hoping it was a safe refuge. Nabakrishna, however, had become too close to Clive by then, and wishing to progress further in the camaraderie, betrayed the Nawab and turned him in. As Clive celebrated victory, Nabakrishna was well on his way into his innermost circle, gaining not just special favours but also a huge portion of the defeated Nawab’s materialistic wealth.

Durga Puja at Sovabazar Rajbari | Source: Wikimedia Commons

Gaining access to the most elite circle in Kolkata, Nabakrishna, who knew not just to amass wealth but also to expend it generously, began the construction of a Durga dalan (verandah with a roof) at the Sovabazar Palace. The dalan was completed in three months, and an opulent Durga Puja, the first of its kind, was organised. The resplendent celebrations went on for almost twenty days. The idol of the Goddess arrived at the dalan on the Navami (ninth day) of Krishna Paksha (waning lunar cycle), and the celebrations continued until the end of the fifteen-day Sukla Paksha (waxing lunar cycle).

The palace doors were thrown open for all to participate in the puja, regardless of caste, creed, and religion. The only restrictions were placed during the three main days of the puja when only the aristocratic circle of the landowner, including Clive, attended the ceremony. Outsiders were not allowed during these three days, and Nabakrishna entertained the British with sherry and champagne. He also hosted dancers from Murshidabad and Lucknow.

On the other days, Nabakrishna donated with open hands. He gave away, food, clothes, money, and other materialistic objects to the needy of all sects of society. Thus, the culture of open-hearted, inclusive, and expensive Bonedi Barir Pujo of Bengal was born.

Bonedi Barir Pujo, Kolkata | Source: Wikimedia Commons

What Nabakrishna began at Sovabazar spread quickly through Bengal, especially Kolkata, and in no time, other landowners began to organise their own Durga Puja with equal pomp and splendour. Soon, it became a matter of prestige for the different palaces in the area as they began to compete with each other on who could organise the grandest and the costliest Durga Pujas.

Over time, as India went through several transformations, with its independence and the ushering of the modern era, many of the previously accepted celebrations, such as animal sacrifice and the employment of dancer women, were eliminated from the Durga Puja revelry. Today, the descendants of the erstwhile landowners, including those of Nabakrishna Deb, continue to maintain the fervour of the Bonedi Barir Pujo while catering to the needs of present-day society.