Durga Pooja – The Bong way 

The history of Durga Pooja is that the festival commemorates the victory of the goddess over the demon “Mahishasura”.  As per Hindu mythology, the demon was set out to wage a war against the Gods and it was up to ‘Durga Maa’ to slay him and protect the earth.

Folklores say, the landlords or Zamindars of Dingipur and Malda initiated the first Durga Pooja in Bengal in the late 1500’s.

Taking you virtually to the culturally rich and historical city of Kolkatta, the festival occurs primarily on days six through ten of Navratri. It’s Maa Durga’s annual visit along with her children to her parent’s ancestral home, and her reunion with Lord Shiva on Vijayadasami.

In West Bengal, we have ‘sarbojanin’(involving all) Poojas in which people from all castes, creeds and religions  can participate.

“Kumartuli”- ‘The Area of the Potters where the idols of Durga are sculptured and painted and it gives so much of insight about the rituals that surround the creations of the idols themselves.

From the sixth day to the tenth day, almost every Bengali goes through the process of “Pandal hopping” in the heritage neighbourhoods of Kolkata admiring the artistic display.  On the tenth day, a huge procession of people and thousands of Durga idols are brought to the Hoogly river for the final immersion ritual.

A teary and heart felt send off to our Maa Durga with the hope to see her again next year.

As every Bengali chants,

“Asche bochor abar hobe” (We look forward to welcome you again next year)

“Bolo Bolo Durga Mai ki Jai’!!!