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The origins of Durga Puja in West Bengal can be traced back to the 16th century. The Mughals in their heydays treated the festival as a symbol of power and extravagance. Ostentatious festivities and sumptuous feasts were part of the very first 'Sharadiya Durgotsab' festivals held by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606. The festival soon became popular as a day for rejoicing and jubilating with friends, family and neighbors. Rich opulence during the festivals became the distinguished feature of the ubiquitous Bengali bhadraloks. There were people who celebrated Durga puja in their own homes which involved greater devotion and religious fervor. Some of the households have been celebrating the festival in a traditional way over centuries. With time the festival became associated with cultural programmes like Jatra, puppet shows, Kobi gaan and kirtan. Animal sacrifices which were commonplace earlier, was stopped later. A custom called 'baroyari', meaning a group of twelve friends was introduced in 1790 in Guptipara in Hoogly in Bengal. Later the celebrations encompassed masses of people and came to be known as Sarbojanin puja. Today Durga Puja is characterized by creatively designed pandals with unique décor.
Features:
The days of merriment begin with shashthi. Prayers and observance of rituals are followed over the next three days-Saptami, Astami and Nabami.
Celebrations end with dashami with the riotous immersion of the idols in the holy ganges.
The pandals are designed in the most innovative way. Awards are given as a marker of creativity. Men and women take a great joy in wearing their traditional wear.
Dashami is followed by the exchange of regards between the young and old
Season:
Durga Puja takes place every year around September-October in the month of autumn.
How to Reach
By Air:
International airport in Kolkata, the state capital and another domestic airport at Bagdogra near Siliguri, in northern Bengal operate nearly all public and private airlines and to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
By Road:
An extensive network of National Highways and State Highways connects the state to Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
By Rail:
Howrah and Sealdah in Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri, close to Siliguri, are major railway stations of the state. The state has other minor railway stations also.
Durga Puja in West Bengal evokes traditional fervor. Tourtoindia.com offers online booking for Durga Puja in West Bengal. To book tours please enter your queries in the form below.
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