Durga Puja: The Extravagant Celebration of Goddess Durga

Durga Puja, is a festival for which Bengalis all over the globe long like a sailor for land after a long voyage. And the puja season is finally here!

As we are already into October, wait for our beloved festival of unparalleled grandeur and devotion, the annual celebration, Sharadotsav, is about to be over!!! It’s a celebration of the divine feminine power and time to decorate Kolkata and the places around it to show off the artistry, culture, and spirit of West Bengal. In this blog, we'll do a deep dive into the origins of Durga puja of Bengal, the significance of Durga puja, and Durga Puja celebrations all over Eastern India. So, slip into your finest Durga Puja sarees, as we are all set to kickstart this journey.

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What is Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival to celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. When indomitable Mahishasura was wreaking havoc in Trilok, blessed by the Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu, Maa Durga came about to end his reign of terror. The festival takes place in the month of Ashwin (as per Bengali calendar)/September or October according to the Gregorian calendar. This grand celebration starts with Mahalaya and ends on Dashami or Vijayadashami, and extends over ten days. 

While the people in eastern India worship Kolkata Durga Thakur, people in Northern and Western India celebrate Navratri. 

History of Durga Puja

As fascinating as the history of Durga Puja sounds, it’s a tale of devotion and determination. It is believed that Lord Rama first worshipped Maa Durga for her blessings before his battle with Ravana. As he first revered Goddess Durga this time of the year, Ashwin became the period of welcoming Maa on earth and worshipping her with her sons and daughter. However, the first documented Durga Puja in Bengal can be traced back to 1606 when Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur initiated the festival.

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Significance of Durga Puja in Bengali Culture

The Durga Puja of Bengal is more than a religious observance; it is a cultural extravaganza that transcends religious boundaries. The festival is a pride of Bengal, a time when the streets come alive with art, music, dance, and food. Each pandal at every corner of the city, Kolkata tells a story. It's a cultural symphony that echoes through every corner of West Bengal.

Durga Puja Celebrations

The celebrations are nothing short of a spectacle. The city of Kolkata and its surrounding areas burst into life during this period. Lavish pandals, massive idols of Goddess Durga, and dazzling decorations dominate the Durga puja of Bengal. Every corner of the city competes to showcase the most innovative and breathtaking pandals.

Men, women, and kids - everyone gets ready in their best clothes. Women drape Durga Puja sarees, like the lal paar sarees during Dhunuchi Naach, pure silk handloom sarees or Maheshwari silk sarees during night outs and men get ready in kurta sets. These clothing choices are a part of Bengali culture. Bengalis keep these clothes folded in their wardrobe for an entire year just to put on during these nine days. The carefully chosen sarees reflect the aesthetic tastes of women. So many colours, fabrics, and designs around make the celebration a feast for the eyes.

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Kolkata Durga Puja

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, hosts some of the most famous Kolkata Durga Thakur in the world. Each neighbourhood takes pride in its innovative themes, sparkling lighting, and pandal designs. The energy in Kolkata during Durga Puja is infectious. The charm of the city draws people from all corners of the globe to witness this grandeur. People staying in other parts of the nation or world come back home to spend the festival with friends and family. It’s a celebration of joy, and happiness that no one can overlook. 

Image credit:- The Statesman

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West Bengal Durga Puja

The fervor for Durga Puja isn't limited to Kolkata; the entire West Bengal participates in it. North Kolkata Durga Puja blends age-old traditions seamlessly with modern-day celebrations. The dhakis welcome the goddess with rhythmic beats and set the tone of the festival.

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Famous Durga Puja in Kolkata

Kolkata hosts several iconic Durga Pujas that also receive prizes. The Kumartuli Sarbojanin Durgotsav, Dumdum Park Bharat Chakra, Santosh Mitra Square, Jodhpur Park, Mohammad Ali Park, and College Square Durga Puja are among the most famous ones. People from every religion, community, and background come together to rejoice in the spirit of togetherness during the Durga puja of Bengal.

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How is Durga Puja Celebrated?

The celebration of Durga Puja extends beyond pandal hopping and idol worship. Every club that participates in Durga Puja of Bengal arranges cultural programs, musical performances, traditional dances, and mouthwatering bhog. It’s the time of the year when roadside food stalls don't have a minute to take a break. They serve delicacies like biryani, rolls, and the sweet delights of sandesh and rasgulla to pandal hoppers with a smile on their faces. The festival is a true sensory overload, engaging not only the eyes but also the taste buds and the soul.

The extravagant celebration of Kolkata Durga Thakur is an extraordinary blend of spirituality, culture, and creative brilliance. People unite in a common love for tradition, community, and devotion. Every corner of the city gets ready in its way. From East to West, the spread of joy and happy vibes can be felt everywhere. As in the mythology, darkness loses, the same way Kolkata stamps out darkness from its heart. 

As Durga Puja 2023 approaches, the anticipation and excitement unroll all over Eastern India. It's not just a festival; it's a reflection of the indomitable spirit of Bengali culture and the enduring power of faith. So, don your Durga Puja sarees and immerse yourself in the beauty of this gala, where divinity and celebration come together in perfect harmony.