Chhau dance by an all-women troupe from Purulia in Bengal and Dandia and Dhunuchi performances by local groups will be the key attractions of Banga Bharti Puja committee in Bokaro’s Sector-III on Saptami (Tuesday), Ashtami (Wednesday) and Navami (Thursday).

The Puja, which is celebrating its golden jubilee, was inaugurated by P.K. Singh, the chief executive officer of Bokaro Steel, on Monday.

The 70-feet-high and 55-feet-wide pandal has been beautifully illuminated to attract the maximum number of revellers. The Durga idol stands at a little over six feet.

“Our Puja is the oldest in Sector-III. We also celebrate Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja in the traditional way,” said Jayant Mallick, an executive member of the committee and retired assistant manager of Bokaro Steel.

“We also run a library in Sector-III which has a population of around 4,000 Bengalis. This year we have organised the Puja in the grand manner and expect a huge footfall on all the days starting tomorrow,” he added.

Tarun Sarkar, a teacher with Guru Govind Singh Public School in Bokaro who also looks after the media and website of Banga Bharti said, “Our Puja is well-known across the town for strictly adhering to tradition. We follow all the rituals - be it Navpatrika Snan, Kolabau Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Ashtami Puja and Maha Navami Puja - as per the timings prescribed in Panchanga.”

He added that chief priest Sanatan Ganguly (78), who had been associated with the committee since its inception 50 years ago, still performs the Pujas. “Our bhog attracts more than 3,000 devotees every year,” said Sarkar, adding that all the cultural programmes would be performed on a large stage inside the pandal.

“We also organise drawing competitions for students twice a year and theatres to promote our culture and tradition,” said Sarkar.