Durga Puja stands as the cultural heartbeat of Kolkata, transforming the city into a living open-air art gallery every year. Celebrated in the months of September or October, this festival marks the homecoming of Goddess Durga along with her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Streets come alive with lights, music, and decorations, while millions of residents and visitors take to the pandal-hopping tradition, exploring elaborate themed structures that range from traditional designs to modern architectural marvels.
The making of the Durga idols is itself a sacred craft, centered in the historic potters’ quarter of Kumartuli. Artisans spend months sculpting the goddess using clay sourced from the banks of the Ganga, with profound attention to detail. Each idol reflects artistic heritage and religious devotion, culminating in magnificently majestic images of the goddess slaying the demon Mahishasura—a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.
Durga Puja is not only a religious celebration but also a social and cultural festival that unites people across backgrounds and communities. Cultural evenings feature traditional dance, music, drama, and poetry recitations, while food stalls serve everything from authentic Bengali cuisine to modern street snacks. For many, it is a time of new clothes, joyful gatherings, and family reunions.
The final day, Vijayadashami, is both emotional and celebratory, as idols are taken in grand processions for immersion (Visarjan) into the river. Women perform the ritual of ‘Sindoor Khela,’ applying vermillion to each other as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity. Though the festival ends with the departure of the goddess, it leaves behind a deep sense of cultural pride, memory, and anticipation for the next year.