Introduction
During this time, the largest and one of the most popular festivals celebrated all over India, especially in West Bengal is Durga Puja which symbolises the victory of good over evil. Famously called ‘Navratri’ it is the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura and represents the success of good over evil.
This colourful festival is much more than a strictly defined religious celebration; it is a cultural phenomenon where the spirit of people comes alive in the brilliant show of rituals, art, and dancing. For the traveller, Durga Puja is a peek into the religious, artistic, and southeastern Indian community unity and hence, a must-watch cultural portion for any traveller to India.
Overview
Durga Puja is celebrated during September or October and extends up to ten days, though the last five days are the most important. The occasion involves the celebration of elaborate temporary structures known as pandals that have beautifully carved statues of Goddess Durga.
Every pandal is a work of art and contains a variety of themes that may belong to the old school or the new age. Streets are filled with excellently decorated lights and music to mention but a few there is cheer in the streets, and people of all forms come out to celebrate.
Vijayadashami marks the end of the festival where the idol of the goddess is taken to water bodies and submerged, as the goddess returns to her home in the heavens.
History & Culture
The origin of Durga Puja can be extended back in antiquity and can be traced back to the twelfth-century Old texts of India. Originally it was only a family feast of Bengal’s zamindars or the rich landlords of Bengal. Finally, it became an event of the community, more so after the British colonial time when it was identified as the Bengali cultural defiance.
Now, Durga puja is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of Bengali people’s art and literature as well as their ethical principles. Festival is also evidence of the rich culture of India where myth and history merge with present-day festivals.
Must Visit / Top Attractions
Although the city which is famous for Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata, other metropolitan cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati also hugely celebrate Durga Puja. The pandals constructed in Kumartuli, Bagbazar are some of the best and must-see areas additionally the Ballygunge Cultural Association is also very famous.
While the Ekdalia Evergreen Club has been popular for its traditional schemes, the Santosh Mitra Square tends to remain at the centre of attention for its ideas schemes. Also, the area of Kumartuli is a workshop where one can observe the process of idol creation and notice the details of work on magnificent statues of Durga and her retinue.
Things To Do
People have a lot of things to do during Durga Puja hence making it one of the most important festivals in Bengal. Pot hopping can be done where a certain number of pandals are created with different themes and people can visit all of them, especially at night when Kolkata is all decked up in lights.
Drama, music concerts, recitations, etc., and cultural programs are performed at different places giving an idea about the Bengali culture. Food also forms a major share of the celebrations and several stalls selling local delicacies such as kathi rolls, fish fry etc, and sweets such as rasgulla and Sandesh etc.
Also, do not miss an opportunity to observe the tradition of Sindoor Khela where married ladies perform the ritual of applying vermillion on each other to formally bid adieu to Goddess Durga on the last day of puja.
Practical Tips for Travellers
For the best out of Durga Puja, it would be more appropriate to plan for the general visit at least some weeks earlier as the occasion draws millions of people. Gaining access to good and comfortable footwear is mandatory for the readers since hopping from one ‘pandal’ to another requires one to walk a lot.
It is also important to dress decently to the cultures down south and to be careful not to get lost in the sea of people during peak hours especially when visiting a crowded pandal. It is relatively easy to get around the city during the festivities, there is a metro, which is quite popular in Kolkata and there are trams as well.
Lastly, be careful with your pockets in crowded areas, always have cash in your pocket, since most drivers do not accept mobile money.
Nearby Attractions
Of the places that are easily accessible from Kolkata during Durga Puja, many can be visited to add to the fun of the festival. The Victoria Memorial stands tall majestically which is a sort of monument of the British architectural style and which adds a dimension of peace to the festivities.
The Indian Museum which is considered to be one of the premier museums in Asia gives one a glimpse of the history and culture that is prevalent in the country.
If you are interested in spirituality then you can go to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple or the Belur Math both of which are located outside the city proper.
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, based on the Royal Bengal Tiger is a 2-hour drive away making it an exciting day trip for travellers into nature.
There are many places such as; Darjeeling which is known as the Queen of Hill where there are many places to visit such as; Lama Hata, Mall, Himalayan Park etc.
Connectivity with Major Cities
The City of Joy, Kolkata, where Durga Puja is most popular, is very well connected with other cities of India and some of the international cities as well.
The medium of transportation in the city is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport which provides the city’s link to the international world as for the rail and road transport, the city has numerous trains and buses to transport the people to other parts of India.
Road and Rail Connectivity: Boston has ‘‘Major Buses’’ route that pass across roads and highways such as the ‘‘National Highway 12’’ ‘‘NH 16’’. Howrah and Sealdah are the major railway stations of the city, which lends service to national as well as regional rail transport.
Air and Local Transport: One of the main airports of Kolkata is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport where one can get both, domestic as well as international flights. The local transportation availability in the city includes the city buses, trams, auto rickshaws/taxis/ and the Kolkata Metro – the first metro system in India.
The metro is also effective when it comes to moving around the city, especially during the period of the festival due to traffic congestion. Taxis, other applications for ordering a car, and rickshaws become additional options for 546 to get around the city’s festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Durga puja is not only a festival but a culture, an art, and a symbol that reflects the Bong’s mind, spirit, and soul. For the visitors, it provides an excellent chance to experience the lively, realistic picture of the Indian traditions and the reality of the mythological representation through art, music, and involving the people.
This is especially due to the magnificent celebrations conducted in the fest and the heartwarming friendliness of the people.
From walking through the elaborate pandal decorations to enjoying sumptuous Bengali food, from feeling the spirit of Durga Puja to relishing in the triumph of the goddess over the demon, it is an enlightening and entertaining experience.
