Kolkata: This year, Kolkata’s Durga Puja unfolds against a backdrop of profound sorrow and remarkable resilience. In the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor, the city has come together not only to celebrate the triumph of good over evil but also to voice its collective anguish and demand justice. The vibrant colours and elaborate pandals starkly contrast with the grief that has gripped many hearts as communities reflect on the need for safety and change.
Yet, as the rhythm of dhak drums fills the air, the spirit of Durga Puja becomes a powerful symbol of empowerment and unity. Artists and organisers have infused their creations with messages of strength and solidarity, transforming the festival into a platform for raising awareness about women’s safety and social justice. Amid the rituals and celebrations, there’s a palpable determination to honour the memory of the fallen while advocating for a future where all can live free from fear.
Notwithstanding the shadows of the terrible tragedy that gripped the state, Durga Puja in Kolkata, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of tradition, devotion, and artistry, is being celebrated with much reverence.
While the RG Kar Hospital junior doctors sit in protest and scores of their seniors who have resigned from their position express solidarity with their (junior) brethren, the city awakens with anticipation. Streets transform into a kaleidoscope of
The city awakens to the sound of dhak, families in high spirits
At the moment the city is a sight to behold. Colourful pandals have sprung up like whimsical mushrooms in the city.
In the heart of the city, the sound of dhak drums reverberates, echoing through narrow lanes and bustling markets. The rhythm draws crowds, igniting a sense of excitement. Each pandal is a work of art, a sanctuary of creativity, showcasing themes that range from the mythological to the contemporary. Here, the goddess Durga, with her ten arms and fierce visage, is immortalised in intricate clay, adorned with glittering fabrics and vibrant flowers.
Families gather, dressed in their finest traditional attire—sarees shimmering in reds and golds, kurta-pajamas radiating elegance. The air is fragrant with the aroma of fresh flowers and the enticing scent of street food: puchka, kathi rolls, and the sweet allure of mishti.
As dusk falls, the pandals come alive. Lights twinkle like stars, illuminating the faces of devotees who stand in awe before the goddess. The atmosphere is charged with devotion and celebration; the air resonates with chants and songs that have echoed through generations.
On Mahashtami, the atmosphere reaches a crescendo. Rituals unfold with reverence as the community comes together to offer prayers and share in divine blessings. The immersion on the tenth day is a poignant farewell to the goddess and marks the culmination of the festivities. As the idols are carried through the streets, the city pulses with life—laughter, tears, and the echoes of shared memories.
Durga Puja is not just a festival; it’s Kolkata’s heartbeat—a vibrant celebration of life, art, and the eternal dance of creation and destruction. The city reinvents itself each year yet remains rooted in the timeless spirit of togetherness and joy.
Pandals galore in all their glory
Like in previous years, this year, too, the pandal makers have exhibited their creativity through impressive structures.
One such pandal is the Northern Park, which is on Chakraberia Road. Durga Puja is quite popular here. The park sparkles in a Mela-like ambience, with several entertainment attractions and activities stalls selling fast food. It is equally enjoyable for children and the elderly.
A few other venues worth mentioning include the rain-dropped theme pandal at Salt Lake AK Block, which depicts rainwater conservation.
Next, a video circulating on social media shows people entering the elaborately crafted metro-themed pandal, replete with escalators. The pandal commemorates 40 years of Kolkata Metro Rail and pays respect to the Green Line underwater metro, which commenced operations earlier this year after PM Modi inaugurated it.
Additionally, the ever-popular ages old pandals of iconic Kumartuli Park and Shreebhumi Sporting in North Kolkata to the awe-inspiring Deshapriya Park and artistic Suruchi Sangha in the South of the city.
Apart from the Puja and the idol, Sovabazar Rajbari’s Shuichi naach (dance) and the sindoor khela are must-visits.
Hatibagan Sarbojanin, one of the oldest Durga pujas, has been innovative in its celebrations, beginning with using AI in idol-making and continuing with cultural activity alternatives for attendees.
In the recent decade, Kalighat’s Deshapriya Park has become Kolkata’s most popular puja venue.
The list is endless.
Festivities juxtaposed with joy and introspection
This year’s festivities are marked by a blend of joy and introspection as Kolkata celebrates its cultural heritage while grappling with urgent societal issues. The city, known for its resilience, stands united in the face of adversity, turning the vibrant celebration of the goddess into a beacon of hope and a call for lasting change.
The Durga Puja in Kolkata is from 8-12 October
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Images C0urtesy: Sanjay Agarwal
