The Grand Celebration of Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga Puja is a festival celebrated all over India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It honours Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasur, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival lasts for 10 days with the last four days – Saptami, Ashami, Navmi and Vijayadashmi, the most significant days. The idols of Maa Durga are installed in beautifully decorated pandals and devotees participate in rituals, prayers and cultural events. The festival is not only a religious celebration but but a time of social gathering and feasting. It is a celebration of power, unity and cultural richness. 

Story Behind Durga Puja

The story behind Durga Puja is about the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasura showing how good wins over evil. Mahishasur was a powerful demon who wanted to control both heaven and earth. After praying for a long time, he got a blessing from Lord Brahma no man or God could kill him. Feeling unbeatable, he started attacking Gods and took over heaven. 

The Gods went worries and worshipped Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva for their help. Together they combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, a powerful warrior goddess. She was given special weapons from all the gods to defeat Mahishasur. 

Goddess Durga rode on her lion to fight with Mahishasur and his army for 9 days. On the 10th day, she finally killed Mahishasur, ending his evil reign. This victory represents the triumph of  Good over Evil. 

During that time, these days started celebrated as Durga Puja. The nine days of the festival symbolize her battle with Mahishasur and the final day called Vijayadashmi, marks the Goddess’s victory. It is a time to honour the goddess for her strength and to remember that good always wins over evil. 

Here you may read, The Importance of Durga Puja

Tithi & Date Durga Puja 2024

Names and Meanings of Navadurga

The nine forms of Durga known as Navadurga are worshiped during Navaratri:

1. Shailaputri – means “Daughter of the Mountain”.
2. Brahmacharini – means “Mother of Devotion and penance”.
3. Chandraghanta – means “Destroyers of Demons”.
4. Kushmanda – means “Goddess of the Cosmic Egg”.
5. Skandamata – means “Goddess of motherhood and children”.
6. Katyayani – means “Goddess of Power”.
7. Kalaratri – means “Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage”
8. Mahagauri – means “Goddess of Beauty and Women”.
9. Siddhidatri – means “Giver of Perfection”

Know more about, 9 Devi Name and Images and Favourite Flowers

Rituals and Practices of Durga Puja in Kolkata

The rituals and practices of Durga Puja remain different from one region to another. Kolkata follows its own customs from the start of the festival till the end.

Kalash Sthapana 

The ceremonial installation of the Kalash filled with Holy water and rice, symbolizes the presence of the goddess. It is often placed under a new earthen pot, signifying her arrival.

It is usually performed on the next day of Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga Puja.

Chokku Daan

It is a significant ritual performed during Durga Puja, particularly in bengali tradition. The eyes of the idol are ceremonially painted or drawn from Kajal or black paint by the priest or a special person, on the sixth day of Durga Puja. The ceremonial opening of the eyes of the idol of Goddess Durga, symbolises the goddess coming to life and being able to see her devotees.

Nabapatrika Puja

Nabapatrika means “Nine plants”, and is an important ritual during Durga Puja, especially on the day of Saptami. In this ritual, nine specific plants are worshipped, representing Goddess Durga and her divine powers. The nine plants include the Banana Plant, Colocasia, Turmeric, Rice plant, Jute, Bengal Gram, Coriander, Barley and sugarcane.

These plants are dressed like a bride and placed together, symbolizing the goddess’s presence and offering prayers and flowers to honour them. 

To know more about, Maha Saptami Puja 2024 Date, Significance, Puja & Rituals

Maha Ashtami Puja

Maha Ashtami marks the peak of the Durga Puja celebrations, symbolizing the day when Goddess Durga found and defeated the demon Mahishasura. The Sandhi Puja is performed, marking the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Symbolic sacrifices were offered as a part of the rituals, symbolizing the surrender of ego and the victory of Good over evil. Devotees offer flowers to the goddess in a ceremonial manner, seeking her blessings.

Kumari Pujan

Young girls, considered to embody the goddess are worshipped as Kumaris. In this ritual, young girls between 2 to 10 years old are worshipped as representations of Goddess Durga. They are offered special food, symbolizing purity and divine femininity. 

For more information about, Maha Ashtami 2024 Date, Puja & Rituals

Maha Navami

Rituals continue with prayers and offerings. Many communities perform Anjali, Homa and Aarti to honour the goddess. 

Vijayadashmi

The immersion of the idol takes place, symbolizing the goddess’s return to heaven. Devotees gather to bid farewell to the goddess with Sindoor Khela, where married women smear kumkum on each other. 

How is Durga Puja Celebrated in Kolkata?

Durga Puja is celebrated with loads of emotions, enthusiasm and preparations. On the day of Mahalaya which comes 11 days before Dusshera or Dashami, the countdown begins for the celebration of Durga Puja. Durga Puja is celebrated for the next ten days after Mahalaya, the main festival is celebrated for the next five days. 

The huge ornamented idols of Goddess Durga along with the idols of her children include Goddess Laxami, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthik, the idol of the demon Ashura and the lion are a sight to behold as a whole story. Huge Pandals are built to place the idols.

Special vegetarian dishes along with sweets called Bhogs are offered to Maa Durga. Pushpanjali (offering flowers and Sanskrit chants) are offered to idols. The beats of Dhaks and bells fill the air with a magnetic aura of divinity. There is a special dance called the Dhunuchi dance where people dance with an essence burner called Dhunuchi in their hands to perform Aarti. 

Women especially dressed up in a white saree with a red border in a Bengali style. Usually, people wore traditional clothes on each day of the festivals and went for the pandals hopping to appreciate the artwork and the idol of different pandals. People flock to the stalls of a variety of food items. 

On the last day, which is called Vijayadashmi, the married women offer Sindoor to the idols to offer them farewell and play Sindoor Khela with other married women and people dance to the tunes of Dhaks. Finally, the idols are taken in a truck to the nearest river and immersed in the water. 

Which Places to Visit in Kolkata During Durga Puja

Pandal hopping is the favourite activity during Durga Puja. You can visit the famous pandals of various clubs : 

• Ekdalia in Ballygunge
• Kumartuli Park in Kumartuli
• Bosepukul Tal Bagan in Kasba
• Sri Bhumi in Lake Town
• FD Block in Salt Lake 
• 66 Pally in Kalighat
• Chetla Agrani in Chetla
• Suruchi Sangha in New Alipore
• Naktala Udayan Sangha in Garia
• Ali Park in College Square
• Dumdum Park Tarun Sanha in Dumdum

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5 Oldest Places of Celebrations of Durga Puja in Kolkata 

It is that time of the year when Kolkata is decorated no less than a bride and everyone is awaiting the homecoming of Maa Durga. Some families have held on to their cultural heritage by performing Durga Puja with dedication maintaining all the rituals. You can visit these traditional pujas which are a grand reflection of the cultural heritage of the city. 

• Sovabazar Raj Bari – The Sovabazar Raj Bari Durga Puja was started by the Nabakrishna Deb back in 1757. For more than 250 years, the Sovabazar Raj Bari Puja has been celebrated with the same dedication maintaining all the rituals. It is located near the Sovabaza metro station.
• Rani Rashmoni – The puja is held at Rani Rashmoni’s residence and the celebrations happen like one big family. Rani Rashmoni is the one who started the Durga Puja at her house and since the puja is carried with the same enthusiasm. It is located on S.N. Banerjee Road.
• Harinath’s Mookherjee Family’s Durga Puja – In 1720 Harinath Mookherjee started the Durga Puja in his family as a result of a dream of his grandfather had. Keeping all the rituals in place, Durga Puja is a time for a family reunion in the Mukherjee Bari. It is located behind the Rajabazar Science College.
• Bholanath Mullick Bari – The traditions of the puja have been retained since 1853 i.e. more than 160 years. The Durga Puja in a Mullik Bari is unique with its tradional approach. The idol of Maa Durga reaches the Mullick Bari on the next day of Mahalaya and her arrival starts the Devipaksha, another type of Durga Puja in Kolkata. The uniqueness is the sonar jeweller, which is called “Saaje Sajono” (idol decorated in real gold). It is located in Burabrazar. 
• Chatu Baba and Latu Baba Family’s Durga Puja – The puja was started in 1770 by Ram Dulal at his Beadon Street residence. After him, the puja was carried by his sons ‘Chatu Babu’ and ‘Latu Babu’. The uniqueness of the idol is that Laxmi and Saraswati are not seen with Veena or Rice Pot, they just have their hand raised in the form of blessings and are the major attraction in this puja. It is located on Beadon Street at “Ramdulal Niwas”.

The festival’s grand conclusion with the immersion of the goddess’s idol symbolizes hope, renewal and the victory of good over evil. Leaving lasting memories and a sense of spiritual fulfilment for all involved. 

Happy Durga Puja!