As the crisp autumn breeze sets in and the streets fill with the fragrance of shiuli flowers and the rhythmic beats of the dhak, the spirit of Durga Puja awakens hearts across India. More than a religious festival, Durga Puja is a cultural extravaganza that blends devotion, tradition, art and community spirit. It is the time when millions gather to honor Goddess Durga and celebrate the eternal triumph of good over evil. This year we celebrate Durga Puja on 2nd October.

Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, a battle that symbolizes the victory of truth, justice and righteousness over oppression. The Goddess, depicted with ten arms wielding divine weapons and riding a lion, represents strength, protection and divine energy. Her annual descent is believed to be a time when she returns to her earthly home, bringing blessings and joy to her devotees.

Though Durga Puja’s origins trace back to ancient traditions, the organized community celebrations began in Bengal during the 18th century, when zamindars and wealthy families hosted pujas with grandeur. Over time, these gave way to barowari pujas – where entire communities came together to celebrate. Today, the festival has evolved into one of the most spectacular cultural and spiritual gatherings in the world.

The Splendor in West Bengal

Nowhere is Durga Puja more grandly celebrated than in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, which is often called the cultural heart of the festival. For Bengalis, Durga Puja is not just an event – it is an emotion, a homecoming and a celebration of life itself.

Traditional Celebrations in Kolkata
• Pandal Hopping: Kolkata transforms into a city of lights and artistry, with thousands of pandals (decorated pavilions) across neighbourhoods. Each pandal is uniquely themed – some recreate ancient temples, while others portray modern art, culture and even social messages. Families and friends spend nights wandering from one pandal to another, soaking in the artistry.
• Idols of Maa Durga: The idols are crafted with devotion in Kumartuli, the traditional potters’ quarter of Kolkata. Here, artisans spend months shaping clay into magnificent forms of Goddess Durga and her children. The sight of Maa Durga slaying Mahishasura, surrounded by Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartikeya and Ganesha, is awe-inspiring.
• Dhak and Dhunuchi Naach: The sound of the dhak (traditional drum) fills the air, signaling the festive spirit. Men and women perform the dhunuchi naach, a devotional dance holding earthen pots filled with burning incense, adding rhythm and energy to the worship.
• Rituals and Prayers: Each day of the five-day festival – Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami – is marked with special rituals. On Ashtami, the Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, considered the most sacred moment of the festival. Devotees gather in large numbers to seek the Goddess’s blessings.
• Sindoor Khela: On Vijayadashami, married women participate in the tradition of Sindoor Khela, where they smear vermillion on the idol of Goddess Durga and on each other, praying for long lives for their husbands and prosperity for their families. The day ends with the Visarjan, when the idols are immersed in the Ganga, bidding farewell to the Goddess as she returns to her heavenly abode.
• Cultural Celebrations: Beyond the rituals, Kolkata thrives with cultural programs – dance, music, drama and poetry readings – keeping alive the rich artistic traditions of Bengal. It is a time when creativity knows no bounds.
• Food and Festivity: Food is central to Durga Puja in Kolkata. Streets are lined with stalls serving everything from traditional Bengali delicacies like bhog khichuri, luchi-aloor dom, shorshe ilish, to global cuisines. Families also indulge in famous sweets such as rosogolla and sandesh, making it a true gastronomical delight.

Durga Puja is more than rituals – it is about community, inclusivity and joy. The festival brings together people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, background or age. It is a celebration of togetherness, creativity and the spirit of humanity. Streets remain alive with laughter, lights and cultural unity throughout the day and night.

Durga Puja reminds us of the eternal truth – that evil, no matter how strong, will always be defeated by good. It teaches us the values of strength, unity, compassion and resilience. It is not only a festival of worship but also a reminder to embrace harmony and to carry forward the light of positivity in our lives.

As we celebrate Durga Puja in 2025, may Goddess Durga bless every home with happiness, strength and prosperity. Let this festival inspire us to overcome challenges with courage and to live with compassion and harmony.

Shubho Durga Puja! May this grand festival fill your heart with joy, your home with blessings and your life with peace.

By: Mr. Pawan Mahawar (Sr. Customer Service Executive – Kolkata)