There is a popular saying in Kolkata connecting the visit of Goddess Durga during Durga puja to three famous Bonedi Bari in Kolkata.
It is said that when the Goddess descends to Earth, she
adorns herself at the Dã family's house in Jorasanko, partakes in a feast at
Abhay Charan Mitra's house, and watches a dance performance at the Sovabazar
Rajbari (King's Palace).
There are multiple reasons behind this popular saying
related to Durga Puja. The worship of Goddess Durga at the Dã family's house in
Jorasanko began in 1839, initiated by Shivkrishna Dã. The puja in this
traditional (bonedi) house starts from Pratipada, the very next day after
Mahalaya. Ever since the puja began in this house, the fame of the idol has
been due to its ornaments.
Shivkrishna Dã, who loved to adorn himself with gold
jewelry, similarly decorated Goddess Durga with great care. It is known that
sarees and jewelry studded with diamonds and rubies for the Goddess were
imported from abroad at that time. And from this, the saying became popular
that the Goddess, upon arriving on Earth, first adorns herself at the Dã house.
Even today, following this tradition, the Goddess here is dressed in a velvet
saree, accompanied by dazzling ornaments.
It is said that after this, the Goddess goes to another
traditional house in North Kolkata, the house of Abhay Charan Mitra in
Kumortuli. There, she partakes in a feast. Since the inception of the puja in
this traditional house, various dishes are offered to the Goddess Uma,
including offerings of butter, rice, different kinds of fried items, luchi, radhaballabhi,
and various types of sweets. Because of this custom of lavish offerings, the
Mitra house has secured its place in the proverb.
Finally, Goddess Durga comes to the Sovabazar Rajbari. According to the proverb, it is here that the Goddess stays up all night watching a dance. It is heard that Nabakrishna Deb used to invite famous and expensive courtesans (baijis) for the puja at his house. There were also special arrangements for entertaining English and other guests. The news of this grand entertainment arranged at the house during Durga Puja gradually spread among the people. The jalsa (musical and dance gathering) in the ballroom of the Sovabazar Rajbari became a legend. And from this, the saying originated that the Goddess watches the dance all night long here.