Durga Puja 2025

“Hutom Pyanchar Noksha” is a satirical sketch book depicting the society and life of 19th-century Kolkata. In it, the renowned author Kaliprasanna Singha presented the customs, superstitions, and vulgar aspects of the babu society through sharp satire. In the 41st Sharad Bhavna (Durga Puja theme) of Barisha Tarun Tirtha Club, through our humble efforts, we have sought to revive the Bengaliana of that era through the emotion-laden, near-extinct Tarja songs and Battala woodcut imagery of vintage Kolkata. Reforming contemporary moral values is our ultimate goal. The word ‘Tarja’ originates from the Arabic word ‘Tarjiband’ (a refrain or poetic stanza repeated periodically). Tarja is a form of verbal duel or poetic sparring. The verses are composed in rhythmic rhyming meters. Accompanied by the dhol (drum) and kansi (gong), the lead singers musically perform these question-and-answer rhymes on stage, showcasing their spontaneous improvisational prowess. However, its themes and scope are simple and brief. The practice of Tarja has also been documented in Persia and Roman amphitheatres. The subject matter of Tarja is primarily mythological. Artists draw stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Vedas and Puranas based on their own knowledge and intellect. For this reason, Tarja performances were traditionally organized during community (barowari) pujas and religious festivities. The Tarja tradition flourished between 1760 and 1830. While it initially focused on mythological lore and moral lessons, over time, Kobigan and Tarja evolved into powerful satirical catalysts for social reform and awareness against British imperialism, social vices, the debauchery of zamindars and babus, and moral decay. Our presentation this year is an endeavor to revive this invaluable, nearly extinct art form to meet the needs of today.