Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by admin
Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy. It is preparing to celebrate one of India’s most popular and grand festivals—Durga Puja. This event is not just a religious occasion but a cultural celebration that brings the entire city to life. The festival begins with Mahalaya, a day when the arrival of Goddess Durga is marked. On this day, the sacred ritual of Pran Pratishtha is performed, where the eyes of the Durga idol are painted, symbolically bringing the statue to life. Following this, the city plunges into ten days of celebration, with the most significant events taking place on Sasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami.
During these days, Kolkata becomes a vibrant and colorful spot, filled with artistic pandals, traditional music, and the joyful sounds of dhak drums. The streets are alive 24/7 as people visit the beautifully decorated pandals that showcase the city’s creativity and devotion. The celebrations extend beyond religious rituals, featuring cultural performances, music, dance, and food festivals that capture the essence of Bengali culture. The energy, enthusiasm, and collective spirit of the people make Durga Puja in Kolkata an unforgettable experience, reflecting the city’s rich heritage and artistic flair.
Durga Puja Celebration During Durgotsav in Kolkata
Tourists visiting Kolkata during this time can go for Pandal hopping, which means visiting one Pandal after another. Visitors can enjoy excellent artistic work and creativity unique to every small or big Pandal you visit.
For locals in Kolkata, Durga Puja is the time they have waited for throughout the year. Every corporate office, school, and college has Puja dates at the very start. This organization plans its year, keeping the date of Durga Puja as its most extended holiday. People go shopping extensively, purchasing new things for the house, etc. They take on traditional attire and put on new clothes every day. Kolkata is the land of sweets, and people there are foodies. People go out with their families, enjoy the Pandal visit, and eat various tasty dishes. Food stalls are available at every corner of the road, and variety is not a problem in Kolkata.
How is Durga Puja celebrated in Kolkata?
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsav, is the most significant and grandly celebrated festival in Kolkata. This annual Hindu festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of spirituality, culture, and artistic expression. The celebration, which typically spans over five days, showcases the rich traditions, creativity, and communal harmony that define the spirit of Kolkata.
The Preparation: Setting the Stage for Durga Puja
Months before the festival, the city begins preparations for Durga Puja. Artisans, known as Kumortuli, start crafting the beautiful idols of Goddess Durga with her ten arms, each holding a weapon given by different gods, signifying the collective powers of all divine forces. These idols are meticulously made from clay and painted with intricate details, reflecting the artistic heritage of Bengal. Simultaneously, elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are designed and constructed across the city, each competing to outdo the other, with themes ranging from traditional to contemporary, often reflecting social messages or famous landmarks.
The Puja Days: A Spectacle of Rituals and Revelry
The main festivities begin on the sixth day, known as Shasthi, when the eyes of the Durga idols are ritually painted in a ceremony called Chokkhu Daan. The following days—Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami—are marked by various rituals, including the recitation of holy texts, offering of flowers (pushpanjali), and lighting of 108 lamps during the Sandhi Puja. These rituals symbolize the triumph of good over evil, as Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
However, Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just about religious observances; it’s a grand celebration of life. The city comes alive with cultural performances, including traditional dance forms like Dhunuchi Naach, music concerts, and plays. Streets are lined with food stalls offering local delicacies such as Puchka, Kathi Rolls, and Rosogolla, making it a culinary delight for locals and visitors alike.
Pandals and Idols: A Visual Enthusiast
One of the highlights of Durga Puja in Kolkata is the sheer grandeur and creativity displayed in the pandals and idols. These pandals, often modelled after famous structures or conceptual themes, attract millions of visitors. Some pandals focus on sustainability and using eco-friendly materials, while others showcase the latest innovations in design and technology. The idols of Goddess Durga are no less spectacular, adorned with exquisite jewellery, vibrant attire, and lifelike expressions that captivate onlookers.
Read other: Pandals in Kolkata Durga Puja
Community and Togetherness: The Essence of Durgotsav
Durga Puja is a festival that transcends religious boundaries, fostering community and togetherness. People from all walks of life, regardless of religion or background, participate in the festivities. This communal spirit is especially evident in the para (neighbourhood) pujas, where local communities organize and celebrate the festival. The sense of belonging and shared joy makes Durga Puja in Kolkata special.
Vijaya Dashami: The Emotional Farewell
The final day of Durga Puja, known as Vijaya Dashami, is marked by the immersion (Visarjan) of the idols in the Hooghly River. Before the immersion, married women perform the Sindoor Khela ritual, where they apply vermilion on each other, symbolizing the goddess’s journey to her marital home. This day is both joyous and poignant as devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga, hoping she will return the following year.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is much more than a religious event; it’s a celebration of culture, art, and the city’s indomitable spirit. The festival honours the victory of good over evil and brings people together, strengthening the bonds of community and shared cultural identity. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on the city’s vibrant soul.
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