Durga Puja in Kolkata is the biggest celebration in the city. It is also a major festival among the Bengali community all over the world. This is the time when all government offices remain closed for four days. If tourists visit kolkata during the Durga Pujas, they will come across countless people, worshiping, pandal hopping, eating out and frequenting the fairs held in the Puja premises.
The Durga Puja in the Bengali community is distinct from the celebrations in other parts of India. Durga Puja was first introduced in 1605 during the time of Mughal rule. It was Rajah Krishna Chandra of Chandenagore, who first conducted the Puja. For years, it had remained an in-house Puja. In Kolkata, the first public Durga puja was done in Bagbazar by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Preparation of Durga Puja Celebrations in Calcutta
The preparation of the Pujas start approximately a month earlier. Pandals are constructed all over the city. Pandals are temporary housing for the idols and to make them attractive, they are built following various themes. Kumartolli is the place where most of the idols of the Gods and Goddesses are made. During this time of the year, many artists engage themselves in designing and decorating the idols and pandals. People engage in gift shopping for family and friends.
On the occasion of Durga Puja special magazine edition, music CDs and cassettes are released. Apparel shops make the most of the Durga Puja
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season. The streets are illuminated with fabulous lighting and hoardings of the Puja sponsors are seen all over the city.
Mahalaya, Shashti, Shaptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dasahami
The Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja. On the occasion of Mahalaya, the All India Radio broadcasts the Agomoni Shongit. The Agomoni Shongit is a prayer to Goddess Durga. The lyrics of the Agomoni Sangeet were taken from the Chandi Kavya.
Celebration of Durga Puja starts from Shashti or the sixth day after the Mahalaya. The following days are known as Shaptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami. Ashtami or the eighth day is the most important of all days. People worship the goddess through the priest, rather they offer the 'pushpanjali'. 'Pushpanjali' is the practice of showering flowers on the goddess while chanting words from the holy scriptures.
On the final day of Durga Puja in Kolkata, that is Dashami or Mahadashami, the idols are immersed in the holy water of Ganges. This is followed by mutual greetings. When people meet each other, they say 'shubho bijoya' and touch the feet of the elders as a sign of respect. Men and boys embrace each other. Also, sweets are exchanged as gift.
Some of the most important Durga Pujas of kolkata include the puja in Bagbazar, Shovabazar, Ahiritolla, Beniatolla, Muchi Bazar, Telengabagan, Mohammahali Park, Badam Tolla, Ekdalia, Park Street, College Square, Dumdum Park, Sribhumi to name a few. Actually there are over a 100 public pujas held in Kolkata.
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