Things to do during Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga Puja is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. The festival is filled with anticipation of the goddess's arrival following her victory over evil. The air is filled with the spiritual atmosphere of puja pandals, the fragrance of Shefali and Shiuli flowers. Kolkata brims with the joy and celebration of Durga Puja.

Kolkata is well-known for its Durga Puja festival. The grand celebration lasts ten days, but it takes a turn on the sixth day. Devotees have various rituals and beliefs for the last four days, which raise the excitement level of the celebration. Here are a few things you can do to have the best Durga puja experience in Kolkata.

Preparation of the festival.

If you arrive in Kolkata early or want to see the festival preparations, you should go to Kumortuli. The place is full of artisans who work with clay to create Durga idols. This Potters' community creates idols months before the Puja, allowing visitors to have a look at them.

This place is special because it not only creates Durga idols but also a variety of other crafts associated with the Durga idol. With the oldest locality in Kolkata for making idols, this location is rooted in history and heritage. If you arrive a day or two early, you will be able to see the Idol's final colouring and shading.

Also read: 6 dishes to try during Durga Pooja in Kolkata

Ashtami Pushpanjali

Among other things, this Puja Day is said to be auspicious. On the eighth day of the puja, devotees offer flowers to Goddess Durga, and the pandal is filled with the scent of flowers. This early morning ritual should not be missed by anyone attending Durga Puja. The colourful blanket of flowers presented to Durga is a stunning sight.

Sandhi Puja

The puja begins at sunset when devotees light numerous Diyas in front of the pandal. The lighting of the Diya symbolises the defeat of Mahishasura and the victory of Goddess Durga. This ritual should not be missed because the aura of this day is distinct from others. Diya's lighting creates a mesmerising scene.

Dhunuchi Nritya

During Durga Puja in Kolkata, it is very common to see this dance form performed to the rhythm of dhak. Holding the earthenware in one's hand or mouth and dancing, which contains an incense burning with coal inside. During the Puja, it is performed to appease Goddess Durga. This dance form is one of the most highly recommended things to see during the puja.

Sindhoor Khela

Dashami is the final day of the Durga Puja festival. This final ritual involves married women applying vermillion to each other as well as the Goddess Durga idol. This ritual represents goodwill and good fortune for one another. Sweets and snacks are distributed among the people present there. This is an interesting event that should not be missed by any traveller.

Durga Visarjan

Durga Visarjan is the final day of the Durga festival. On this day, the Durga idol is immersed in the holy Ganga. Before this, the idol is transported around the neighbourhood on trucks, complete with drums, music, and dancing. With a heavy heart, the devotee bid farewell to Goddess Durga.

Durga Puja is celebrated differently in each region of the country, making this festival one-of-a-kind. This festival brings people together as they exchange good wishes and good luck. These ten days are the most exciting in Kolkata. If you are planning a trip to Kolkata or are in Kolkata during Durga Puja, then the above-mentioned things are worth your time.

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This story is written by Amey Mohite, Content Writer, MyTravaly.com