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[caption id="attachment_24463" align="alignnone" width="580"] Sourav Ganguly offering his last prayers to Maa Durga on the day of immersion of the idol of Barisha Players Corner. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption]

Keeping up with the Festive Spirit, Ganguly Offers His Prayers to the Durga Idol Before Immersion

Kolkata: Keeping up with the mood of the City of Joy, Sourav Ganguly is also not happy to see the festivities of Durga Puja culminating, with the immersion of Durga idols all across the city. For the Prince of Kolkata, Durga Puja has always held a very special space in his heart since his childhood days. The Barisha Players’ Corner celebrated its 40th Durga Puja this year and has gained its popularity ever since Sourav made that princely debut at the Lord’s. He also feels a sense of pride to associate him with the Players’ Corner puja. [caption id="attachment_24464" align="alignnone" width="580"] Dada is seen offering his pranam to Lord Ganesha on Thursday. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption] “It has been a tradition of Players’ Corner to organize the Durga Puja in a customary traditional way, rather than running after the thematic puja”, says Sourav as he is about to board a matador to offer his last prayers to one of the idol. Sourav, the biggest cricketing idol in these parts, was the cynosure of all eyes at the Players’ Corner pandal on Biren Roy Road East in Behala. It has been always a tradition for the Ganguly family members to come and follow the rituals during the day of idol immersion. Sourav have also been taking part in it over the years. Today also, he did turn up at the mandap to pray in front of the Goddess Durga for the last time before it is taken to the river Ganges for immersion. Clad in a grey t-shirt and dark jeans he was seen boarding on each matador with the idols and pay his last prayers. Soon after he was seen following the procession till the main road. For a moment, he stared at the empty mandap and then got into his residence. [caption id="attachment_24465" align="alignnone" width="580"] Sourav has always cherished spending time with his family during Durga Puja. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption] On being asked how he celebrated the Puja this year, Sourav reckons, “It is still the same for me since my playing days. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my family during the days of puja. This year was no different.” Like a true Bengali, Dada also cherishes the time he spends with his family, particularly with his daughter Sana during the days of Durga Puja. As he gets ready to leave for his room, he does not forget to wish all his well wishers and the people of Bengal a “Shuvo Bijoya”. Watch: Dada wishing his fans "Shuvo Bijoya" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35uNuPKmEkg