In India, when the gentle autumn breeze whispers through the air , lights and devotion sweeps across the nation. Durga Puja, Vijaya Dashami and Navaratri may have names. All share the same significance of Dussehra , triumphing over challenges. As artists lovingly create idols of goddess Durga, homes and streets adorn themselves in attire. These festivals represent the timeless victory of good, over evil the spirit of unity and the pure joy of coming. It's a time when art, culture and faith seamlessly blend in Indias heart. While some parts of the world and every corner of India celebrates it with much fervor, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is ranked at the top.
Pujo , as Kolkata celebrates it :
Durga Puja, in Kolkata is a festive celebration that draws millions of worshipers and visitors from all corners of the globe. Pujo , as the people of West Bengal call it, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is celebrated in the greatest manner in India. It has been recognized by UNESCO, and beautifully displays the city's culture and historical legacy. It's an exquisite celebration of art, culture, and spirituality.
Getting ready at community level :
In the days leading to Pujo, families engage in daily rituals.These rituals serve as a conduit for spiritual connection. The fervor begins months in advance as communities and Puja committees in Kolkata brainstorm themes for their pandals.
Artisan Sculpting an Idol of Goddess Durga
Artists and craftsmen tirelessly bring these concepts to life, constructing elaborate structures(Pandals) that serve as temporary homes for the goddess and her entourage. The skilled craftsmen, known as "kumors” are responsible for creating Durga Idols. They inherit a legacy predominantly based in Kumartuli, a historic district in Kolkata. Kumors are the backbone of Durga Puja preparations. They breathe life into the idols with their hands using clay, straw, and natural colors as primary materials.
Prepping , Observance and Celebration of Puja:
Families, particularly women, get started on a shopping spree well ahead in weeks before Durga Puja. The vibrant markets of Kolkata bustle with shoppers, and the experience is a heady mix of tradition and fashion. The days leading up to Puja witness homes getting scrubbed and adorned with rangoli and decorative lights. It's a symbolic cleansing, a welcoming gesture for the goddess. The puja rituals begin with the installation of the idols. Families come together, invoking the blessings of the goddess through sacred chants, offerings of flowers, incense, and lamps. Each step is a testament to devotion and tradition. Amidst the spiritual fervor, Dhunuchi Naach takes center stage. Devotees, with graceful finesse, balance earthen pots (dhunuchi) filled with smoldering incense while dancing to the rhythmic beats of dhak drums. It's a celebration that connects the physical and the divine.
No celebration in Bengal is complete without sweets. Rasagolla, sondesh, and misti doi are enjoyed by families and shared among friends. Nabami (Navami), the ninth day, is celebrated with non-vegetarian specialties. The day has a tantric significance with the offerings made to the goddess . Followed by the Navami Puja , Bengali families indulge in savoring array of fish preparations. Gourmets revel in myriads of fast food that adorn every street corner of Kolkata. The culinary journey is an explosion of flavors.
Throughout the festivities , dances, music concerts, and drama performances light up the city of Kolkata. The streets become open-air stages, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.
Pandal-hopping:
A spectacular Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata
Pandal-hopping is an integral part of Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebration. Families, friends, and tourists wander through to explore pandals . Thousands of pandals (temporary shrines) are meticulously crafted and are scattered across the city, each with its unique charm. At the center of each pandal stands the idol of Goddess Durga, depicting the goddess in her ten-armed form, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The lion, her vahana (vehicle), represents strength and courage, while her weapons signify the destruction of evil forces.
The idols are often adorned with traditional attire and jewelry, showcasing the cultural richness of Bengal. Each year, these pandals are designed and constructed with a specific theme in mind, reflecting Intricate artwork, stunning embellishments using the materials , primarily bamboo, cloth, wood, and clay. Themes for pandals are chosen with greatest care, often drawing inspiration from mythology, history, art, and current events. The themes not only showcase the creativity of the artists but also convey important cultural and social messages.
Based on factors such as popularity, reputation, creativity and originality, artistic merit of the idol of Goddess Durga and overall atmosphere, following pandals are ranked among the best durgapuja pandals in Kolkata;
The Immersion: Bid Farewell with Tears and Joy
Sindoor Khela: On the day married women from Bengal actively take part in Sindoor Khela, a ritual where they apply vermillion to the goddess and to each other. It’s a heartfelt tradition that is truly enchanting to witness.
Immersion Procession: The climax of the festivities is marked by the Visarjan, when the idols are immersed in rivers or bodies of water. The streets come alive with processions and the air resonates with hymns. There is both sadness and joy as people bid farewell to the idols.
A Return to Daily Life: As the immersion ceremony comes to an end Kolkata’s vibrant atmosphere gradually fades away. Families return to their routines, workplaces regain their energy and Kolkata settles back into its rhythm.
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