A Festival of Reading
Before the main festivities of Durga Puja even began, another celebration was already underway in Bengali households: the arrival of the Sharadiya Sankhya, or Puja annuals. This literary tradition, dating back to the 19th century, saw publishers release
thick, glossy special editions of their most popular magazines. These weren't just regular issues; they were treasure troves packed with new novels, short stories, poems, and comics from the biggest names in Bengali literature. For children and teenagers, waiting for the Puja annuals was an integral part of the festive excitement, a promise of adventure and imagination to be devoured during the holidays. These magazines became cherished companions, fostering a deep-rooted love for reading that defined the season as much as the pandals and festive food.
Sandesh: A Legacy of Art and Intellect
Sandesh holds a legendary status, deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Bengal. Founded in 1913 by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, it was a family legacy, later helmed by his son Sukumar Ray and eventually revived in 1961 by his grandson, the iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Under Satyajit Ray's editorship, Sandesh became a platform for sophisticated and imaginative content. Ray didn't just edit; he wrote, illustrated, and designed covers, infusing the magazine with his singular artistic vision. It was within the pages of Sandesh that readers were first introduced to two of the most enduring characters in Bengali literature: the brilliant detective Feluda and the eccentric scientist Professor Shonku. The magazine became a gateway to a world of intellectual curiosity, subtle humour, and masterful storytelling, shaping the literary tastes of its young readers.
Anandamela: The Colourful Pulse of a Generation
Appearing first as a Puja annual in 1971 and then as a regular magazine in 1975, Anandamela, published by the ABP Group, captured the pulse of a modern Bengali childhood. While Sandesh was classic and artistic, Anandamela was vibrant, colourful, and action-packed. Its first cover was designed by Satyajit Ray, but the magazine quickly carved its own identity. It became the definitive source for both homegrown adventures and international comics. Anandamela's Puja annuals were hefty 400-page editions that promised brand new novels from superstars like Sunil Gangopadhyay, creator of the adventurer Kakababu. It also introduced Bengali readers to global icons like Tintin, Asterix, and The Phantom (as Aranyadeb), creating a shared pop culture universe for an entire generation.
Two Worlds, One Childhood
Though distinct in their flavour, Sandesh and Anandamela were not rivals in the eyes of their young readers; they were two essential pillars of their imaginative world. A child's Puja collection was incomplete without both. Sandesh offered literary depth, introducing children to the nuances of detective fiction and science fiction with Feluda and Shonku. Anandamela provided thrilling, fast-paced adventures and a window to the world through its translated comics. Together, they cultivated a generation of readers. Authors like Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay and Samaresh Majumdar became household names through their serialized novels in Anandamela. The magazines were a launchpad for countless literary careers and the foundation upon which the reading habits of millions were built. The anticipation of discovering which new adventures awaited in their pages was a collective, unifying experience for Bengali children.
