North India Statesman
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The holy smell of ‘Dhuno’ (a particular type of incense) dissolved in the air, the zealous sound of ‘Dhaka’ (a special drum) falling in the ears, and such adorned people on the streets, like everyone has come to a procession … If you ever want to feel all this together, then you will just go to Bengal in five days of Durga Puja.
This is not just a festival, but a feeling. There is a magic that converts the entire state into the world’s largest and beautiful art gallery for five days. There is such a spectacular performance of art and creativity on every street, every nook, which does not tired the eyes.
Most people think that Durga Puja only means Kolkata. It is true that Kolkata is a heartbeat of this celebration, but the soul of this festival lives in every corner of Bengal. So let’s take you ahead of Kolkata today and make a visit to those places in Bengal, where a different, charming color of Durga Puja is seen.
1. Kolkata: Ocean of Art and Passion
Will have to start from here! Durga Puja of Kolkata is not just a fair of pandals, but the ocean of art. Every pandal here tells a story. Some are in the size of an Egyptian pyramid, and some like a village hut. There is so much diversity in the idols that you will be surprised. The worship here is also a competition, everyone wants to make the most unique and beautiful pandal, and the result of this passion is magic, which people from all over the world come to see.
2. Siliguri: Enjoying worship in the lap of mountains
This city of North Bengal is decorated in a different way at the time of Durga Puja. On the one hand, the cold air coming from the mountains of Darjeeling and the zealous sound of Dhaka on the other side … This is a confluence that you will not find anywhere else. The pandals here may not be as huge as Kolkata, but in the worship here, a slight touch of hill culture is definitely felt, which makes it very special.
3. Cooch Behar: When the royal style dissolved in worship
The city is famous for its Rajbari (royal palace), and in the Durga Puja here, it still shows a glimpse of the royal Shan-o-Shaukat. The worship here is very traditional and full of centuries old rituals. If you have to experience traditional Durga Puja in a quiet and devotional atmosphere, Cooch Bihar is a great place for you.
4. Chandannagar: The city of lights which took day also at night
This small city, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River at a distance from Kolkata, used to be a French colony. But today it is known for its ‘light’. The magic of lights in the streets of Chandannagar during Durga Puja is not seen anywhere else in the world. The artists here create such stories with lights that you will forget to blink the eyelids. The Jagadhatri Puja here is also very famous.
5. Bishnupur: Worship of mother on terracotta land
The city is known for its beautiful terracotta temples made of red clay. In the Durga Puja here, you will see a wonderful mix of art and history. The pandals and idols here are often inspired by this art of temples. It is an ideal place for those who want to see the festival of Bengal along with the festival.
So this time when you plan for Durga Puja, do not be limited to Kolkata only. Go to these different cities of Bengal, and you will find that Mother Durga is waiting for you in a new and beautiful form everywhere.
