Durga Puja in Kolkata and Bengal is something enthralling, captivating and fascinating. You cannot compare Durga Puja fever and the incomprehensible emotions and togetherness that Kolkattans and Bengalis show during this period with anything else. It is a different world, a different charm altogether. Everything in Bengal and Kolkata comes alive in all its grandeur during the Durga Puja. Everything else can wait for Durga Puja, such are the emotions and passion involved with the festivities. The frenzy and the extravaganza of the Rio Carnival or the Notting Hill Carnival come somewhere nearer the Durga Puja glitter.
What makes the Durga Puja festivities so exclusive, elite and exquisite? Come, let us have a look.
Durga Puja shopping — The countdown to the Durga Puja, starts rolling two months before End September, mid-October for the Durga Puja revellers. . It is customary to gift relatives with new clothes and to wear them during the festive time. People start thronging the garment stores, shopping malls and retail outlets. Of late online purchases have also become a fad. For the Durga Puja organisers, the planning and execution mechanism start months in advance.
Swanky Puja pandals – You need not be a globe trotter to view some of the architectural wonders of the world. You stay put in Kolkata and should have to have lots of energy, zeal and enthusiasm of standing for hours in a queue to watch some of the glittering Durga Puja pandals like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, the Twin towers of Malaysia or the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican not to mention the stunning replicas of The Statesman House, CESC Head Office, or our very own Belur Math. In all practical senses, Kolkata becomes a dreamland and an incomparable paradise during Durga Puja.
Durga Puja illumination —- Kolkata and all other towns turn bright and dazzling at night during this period. The lighting wizards create an illusion of a magical wonderland. Durga Puja festivities are a witness to some of the most excellent designs. The electricians of Chandan Nagar give in their best year after year creating such wonders.
Durga Puja — the finest examples of installation art — Durga Puja decorations are the perfect examples of creative artists showing their talent to the connoisseur of art and architecture. Some of the pandals erected are stunning replicas of the original structures. Three of the best examples are the Dubai Burj Khalifa pandal last year, the Twin Towers of Malaysia and the Sistine Chapel, Vatican, this year.
Durga idols — beauty at its optimum —- The idols are the most important part of the grand event. Clay modellers and artists start working at least six months in advance. The most creative brains intermingle. You will appreciate the impeccable sync when the idols, lighting, pandal decorations, the inside ambience, and the theme music are in precise perfection and matchless flawlessness. The total environment and the vibes thus created are a feast for the eyes. No wonder, UNESCO has awarded Durga Puja such a prestigious heritage title this year. The final stroke of paint on the Durga idols makes the eye of the Goddess. The main sculptor alone performs this exemplary ritual in complete darkness requiring huge concentration.
Foodies paradise — Kolkata becomes a foodies paradise during Durga Puja. You can gorge on any exquisite delicacy during this festive period. Not only the usual Kati rolls, momos, dosa, idli, cutlets, chops and the typical mouth-watering biriyani or chicken chap, but you can also have the best of Lebanese, Burmese, Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and continental dishes too. Lots of temporary street food joints come up in the vicinity of the pandals and the local area during this period.
Sindur Khela — Durga Puja is the worship of womanhood and the victory of truth over evil. Sindur Khela amongst the married women in the pandals is one of the truest essences of the Puja.
Immersion —- The streets of Bengal change on the Vijaya Dasami, the last day. Colourful pageants come out with drums and cymbals bidding farewell to the Goddess as she returns to Kailash. In recent times the Durga Puja carnival on Red Road has drawn unparalleled attention even from the global media.

GRADUATE FROM ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE AND POST GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA, SPECIALIZING IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OF 24 YEARS IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY. HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY MANAGEMENT.