Durga Puja is a highly significant Hindu festival, celebrated with grandeur in places like West Bengal, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Assam. It's a joyful tribute to Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, a time for thanksgiving and revelry. Families unite, and beautifully decorated pandals serve as temporary temples. The celebration involves processions, cultural events, and the installation of ornate pandals to house Goddess Durga's idol. Each year, numerous devotees gather to catch a glimpse of Maa Durga and enjoy delicious treats. People don traditional attire, with men in dhoti and kurta and women often in white and red sarees, contributing to the festival's lively and joyous ambience.
If you're planning to visit the famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata this year, you'll want to make your trip truly memorable. Here are some must-visit pandals to add to your list.
1. Disney-themed pandal
A Disney-themed pandal has sprung up in Kolkata, and it's expected to be a major attraction during this year's Durga Puja. The pandal was officially inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 12 and opened its doors to the public on October 14. This exciting pandal is adorned with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, along with ornate Disney castles, which are creating quite a buzz in the city. It's set to be a hit among kids, adding a fun and magical touch to the Durga Puja festivities. Even though the pandal celebrates Disney, the idol inside remains traditional, adorned with exquisite gold ornaments. This fusion of Disney magic and traditional elegance is expected to attract a diverse crowd, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the Durga Puja festival.
2. Hindustan Club
South Kolkata's Hindustan Club has chosen the theme "Dariyapar" (Crossing the River) for its 61st year of Durga Puja celebrations. This pandal is a testament to the fusion of traditional and modern craftsmanship, symbolizing a boat. The river represents life's challenges, and crossing it signifies our determination to overcome obstacles. The artist Anirban Das has brilliantly shaped this concept, and a visit is a must to see how this pandal has come to life. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the journey of life with its ups and downs portrayed artistically.
3. Kashi Bose Lane
Kashi Bose Lane, a long-standing Barowari Puja steeped in history, continues the tradition of warmly welcoming Goddess Durga. This year's Durga Puja celebration has sparked considerable excitement due to its thought-provoking theme: "Child Trafficking." The unveiling of this theme by the Kashi Bose Lane Puja committee has left people astonished and deep in thought. It sends a strong message about addressing child trafficking, a serious issue. Talented artists have crafted idols and scenes depicting the triumph of good over evil while shedding light on the troubling reality of child trafficking. As you stroll through the pandal, you embark on an emotional journey, witnessing the harshness of child trafficking and the strength of survivors through vivid images. This event not only captivates your eyes with its intricate artwork and vibrant colours but also raises awareness about critical problems. The artists' dedication and creativity shine, making your visit a memorable and enlightening experience.
4. Ritumati (Menstrual Hygiene)
Ritumati Durga Puja pandal in Central Kolkata is getting a lot of attention because it is tackling a big issue that not many people talk about menstrual hygiene. This pandal, at 'Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli' in Kolkata, is breaking the silence around periods and teaching people about how to stay healthy during that time. They have chosen the theme 'Ritumati' (which means menstrual hygiene) to challenge the old beliefs and rules about menstruation. Many times, there are restrictions like not allowing women to enter the kitchen or limiting what they can do during their periods. These rules come from a lack of knowledge about how to take care of health during menstruation. The idols in the pandal, carefully made by artist Sanatan Paul of Kumartuli, send a strong message about ending these beliefs and taboos.
5. Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojonin Durgotsav committee
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to be completed by January next year, but something unique happened in Kolkata. On October 16th, Amit Shah unveiled a Ram Mandir there, not as a permanent structure, but as a Durga Puja pandal. This pandal was designed to resemble the upcoming Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It's not just the pandal; the organizers, the Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojonin Durgotsav committee, have promised to create an "Ayodhya-like atmosphere." They've included life-size idols and 3D illuminations of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman and even recreated the aarti (a religious ritual) of Ram Lalla and sandhya aarti on the banks of the Saryu River. It's a unique and special way to celebrate Durga Puja with elements of the Ram Mandir's beauty and significance.
