Durga Puja 2025: Celebrations in Kolkata
Durga Puja, also known as Vijayadashami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami amongst other names, is a Hindu religious festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Durga Puja is celebrated by Hindus all over the world, but it holds special prominence in Kolkata and the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Jharkhand, the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and the country of Bangladesh.
Durga Puja is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and grandeur in Kolkata. The preparations for this festival start months in advance, with communities and organizations working tirelessly to create magnificent and elaborate Pandals. These Pandals are temporary structures built to house beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her family. Celebrations also include scripture readings, performing arts (dance & plays), the exchange of gifts, visiting family members, the consumption of festive meals & sweets, and public processions.
As per Hindu scriptures, Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga in battle over the shape-shifting asura (or demon) Mahishasura. Thus it is also perceived as the victory of good over the forces of evil, as well as a harvest festival honoring the Goddess as the power behind all of life and creation. Worship is also extended to other deities such as the Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Pandals that are established during Durga Puja are a perfect example of experiencing the above mentioned culture in all its forms, at one place, as Pandals are set up as mini-fairs that blend Goddess worship with stalls offering authentic cuisines, cultural activities and more.
While the festival is auspicious for those that worship Goddess Durga, it is also an opportunity for other communities to experience the culture through food, performing arts, rituals and processions that are carried out in full grandeur as part of the celebrations, across the nation.
Check out BookMyShow for Durga Puja Pandals and festival-themed events near you, for the best festive experience for you, your friends, and family.