The Sharod Patrika (Autumn Magazine) is an inseparable part of the Bengali Durga Puja celebrations. Today, hundreds of Sharod Shankhyas (Durga Puja Special Issues) are published.
History Of First Durga Puja Magazine: Chhutir Sulabh
The Puja special issue began its journey almost a century
and a half ago. However, it cannot be called a mere Puja magazine, because it
was conceived as an element of leisure entertainment for reading during the
Puja holidays. It did not contain any specific articles centered around Durga
Puja.
The first magazine published on the occasion of the Puja, or
rather the Puja holidays, was named 'Chhutir Sulabh' (Affordable for the
Holiday). Although it was not an independent magazine. It was a special edition
of 'Sulabh Samachar', a newspaper published by the Bharat Sanskar Sabha (Indian
Reform Society) of Brahmananda Keshab Chandra Sen.
This special edition of 'Sulabh Samachar' was published
under the name 'Chhutir Sulabh' during the Durga Puja of the Bengali year 1280
BS. It was named 'Chhutir Sulabh' because it was meant to be read during the
Puja holidays. Since it was a Brahmo Samaj publication, it cannot be called a
full-fledged Sharod Shankhya.
Affordable and Acclaimed
'Chhutir Sulabh' was published on Thursday, the 10th of
Ashvin, 1280 Bengali Year (1872 CE). The price was kept at one paisa. Truly
affordable! The magazine was hugely successful. In the words of Jatayu (a
famous fictional character), one could say, "Selling like hot
kochuris!" The reason for the magazine's high sales was its promotion. In
today's language, it was all about 'promotion'. There were extensive
advertisements and strong campaigns before the magazine was even released.
The Grand Promotion
The first advertisement for 'Chhutir Sulabh' was printed in
the Sulabh Samachar newspaper on Tuesday, the 1st of Ashvin, 1280 BS. The
advertisement read:
"Chhutir Sulabh! A special volume of Sulabh will be
released on the occasion of the upcoming holiday. Excellent paper, excellent
printing. The price, however, is one paisa. Go home reading it with enjoyment.
Everyone must buy one for one paisa. Don't let anyone miss out. Just as a feast
is prepared at home, a 'bhien' (preparation for a feast) is being set up for
our 'Chhutir Sulabh'. This time, good and bad stories, ethics, jokes, various
pictures, and some religious words will be published. Children, elders, and
youths should all pay one paisa as a dakshina (offering) to worship this. It
will 'descend' on Saturday, October 18. You will see Sulabh on the roads, at
the marketplaces, and even on the railways."
One week later, on the 8th of Ashvin, the second
advertisement came out. It stated:
"'Chhutir Sulabh' will be released next Thursday. What
beautiful paper, what clear printing, what funny pictures, and yet so cheap.
Children, elders, and youths, everyone read 'Chhutir Sulabh' for fun. Make sure
no one misses out... so many funny stories."
Content and Social Commentary
The magazine contained everything: stories, essays, riddles,
fashion, comics, rhymes, satirical letters, science features... The light
yellow-colored cover featured a two-page picture of a boy blowing soap bubbles.
There was a story about the antics of a drunken zamindar
(landlord) from a village while arranging his son's wedding. Everyone from both
the bride's and groom's sides—except for the groom, the bride, and one of her
maternal uncles—was drunk. The story revolved around how the couple was finally
united despite the drunken shenanigans.
The issue also included articles against obscenity,
misconduct, and immorality during the Puja season. Readers were warned that
excessive drinking was ruining the country. 'Chhutir Sulabh' also took jabs at
those greedy for the Rai Bahadur title. Even Bengalis desperate to adopt
British ways did not escape the satire.
In an essay titled 'New Law of the Railway Company', the
railway system was criticized. It highlighted the discriminatory behavior of
railway authorities towards passengers of different classes. It was not
customary at the time to mention the author's name, so the writer of the piece
is unknown.
The science feature was based on the life cycle of a bird
named 'Gorfoo' from the United States, titled 'Pakshir Shahar' (City of Birds).
The fashion article was named 'Kacher Chul' (Glass Hair). The section titled 'Mushtijog'
(literally, a handful of remedies) was full of witty and satirical rhymes. The
'Chhobi' (Picture) section was dedicated to humorous cartoons, and 'Majar
Katha' (Funny Talk) contained riddles, which today's young Bengalis call a
'googly' (a tricky question).
An example of a riddle makes the concept clear: "What
is a formless thing that, when given a form, makes money for people? Answer:
Taka (money/the crown of the head)."
Though a light-hearted magazine, 'Chhutir Sulabh' did not shirk its responsibility of acting as a mirror of society.