As we all know that Durga Puja is one of the most awaited festival in West Bengal but because of it’s geographical restriction people in the other part of the world can only read about it or view photos only once the event is over – it’s like watching the highlights of the World Cup Finals. We, at FOURDY WLOG, decided to take Durga Puja to the whole world. After a lot of thinking the only way we could do it was through the most powerful medium of today, the internet. This is when we decided to create ADP – www.amardurgapuja.com. ADP would be like a platform for the users to share their thoughts, videos, photo and more about Durga Puja.

The bigger plan was to create a live online streaming video for EACH location in Kolkata. The user who comes to the website would be able to choose the location for which he wants to view the video for and the live video plays. Many may ask: Almost all media channels and radio stations cover the event, how are they different? Well, the primary difference would be that the user gets to choose the location himself and can view each moment of any location rather than watching the puja for only the location where the media is present at that point of time.

Is it happening for Durga Puja 2009?

Unfortunately, No, we will not be rolling out this year due to the lack of sponsors and lack of time.

Then, why are we talking?

Well, because we are ready to make the first move this year. First Move: We will be organizing a photo submission competition this year.

I am excited, tell me more!

What we plan to do is create a website which would be available for the public at www.amardurgapuja.com. On the website, each user can upload photos of puja happening at various places in Kolkata. All the uploaded photos can be view by the general users visitng the website and will have following features:

• Comment on the photo
• Rate the photo
• Search photos (by location)

What happens next?

Next, we plan to give away prizes to:

• Best Rated Photo
• Most Visited Photo

What about publicizing the website, is it too late to start?

No, we believe it’s the best time to start. We would be using 1 Radio Partner, 1 TV Partner, weblink exchanges and Social Network to promote the event.

Are you interested in contributing?

If yes, please feel free to contact us at http://web.thefourdy.com/contact/

Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturti (or Ganapati), is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha who is popularly known for his wisdom, power and auspiciousness in Hinduism.  On such an occasion, big idols of the elephant-faced Hindu God is decorated and worshiped. The festival is celebrated all over the country, but more enthusiastically amongst the Marathi Indians. They celebrate the festival continuously for 10 days making it the biggest, most opulent & a highly popular festival of the state Maharashtra. The festival ends on Ananta Chaturdasi Day (this year suppose to be September 2, 2009) when people in a huge procession carry the idols of Lord Ganesha and immerse it into the nearest water source invoking for his blessings.

This year’s Ganesh Chaturti date is August 23, 2009 (Yes, the Ganeshotsav celebration has already commenced and people are out of their home since early morning to pick up Ganapati idols ). And as you would join in the celebration, you will observe 2 major themes depicted through paintings, decorations, mannequins and tableaux across the pandals – 26/11 terrorist attack and swine flu.

This Ganeshotsav, the puja pandals in the city (here I’m basically talking about Mumbai) are all set to bring to the fore some of the recent occurrence that has left an indelible mark on the mind of the masses. Lately Pune has been reeling under the grip of swine flu cases and about a year back Mumbai city was scarred by the 26/11 terror attacks when all over the world people were facing difficult times in business due to the economic downturn. Apart from such highly hyped topics; the insufficient rain and the situation arising out of it have also managed to find a place amongst numbers of theme registered for this year’s celebrations.

Having discussed so much about Ganesh Chaturti and the celebration that accompanies the festival,  I had wish to draw your attention to a fact that a large section of the society is unaware or conveniently forget to think about — the pollution and environmental damage that plaster of paris idols and chemical paints cause due to immersing of the same into the water body. Before anyone opposes me on this idea, I had another mention to make. Widespread campaigns for eco-friendly Ganeshotsav is already on and some large Ganesha Pandal Committees have gone an extra mile (besides just pondering on the themes) to make this year’s celebration a memorable one with a demand of more Eco-friendly idols and statues. WE appreciate the organizers of the Ganesh Chaturti 2009. Great effort and appreciated by all humans throughout for giving a special thought for ‘OUR Environment’ which is another issue of concern for the coming generation (will be discussing about it in details in the coming posts ).

Is swine flu panic marring Ganapati celebrations?

Although government is taking stringent measures to contain the swine flu and the health authorities are optimistic about the happenings, still swine flu is successful to an extent in dampening the spirit of the festival. By the end of the last week, on Saturday, the toll number from swine flu climbed to 34 from the state Maharashtra alone (including the toll amount to 20 from Pune itself). Even when people are excited about the celebrations in this festive mood, they are apprehensive to participate in it as enthusiastically as they ever do. Somewhere down the line panic has become the story of the day yet there are few people who are optimistic and brave enough to celebrate the festival.

Considering Ganeshotsav as a youth festival, are youngsters planning to stay back home on this splendid festival? Or will they be brave enough to rejoice it flamboyantly? What’s your say?