The biggest carnival of Kolkata, Durga Puja is around the corner. It’s basically a more grandiose form of Navaratri celebrations when the nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped consecutively all across India.
However, the feel and essence of Kolkata Durga Puja is totally different and you will definitely perceive that once you are in the city during this festive occasion. In fact, people from various parts of India and the world in general come to Kolkata, just to see the magnificent pandals that sprawl in every nook and cranny of the city at the time of Durga Puja.
And you know the best part? In 2021, UNESCO acknowledged Durga Puja as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity comprising their Representative List. So, it’s easily presumable the extent to which Durga Puja has become famous not only in the capital of West Bengal, but all over the world as well.
However, you must relish every step of the way while spending the four days of Durga Puja in Kolkata. Consider these tips and ideas to get the best Durgotsav experience in 2022.
Indulge in a gratifying pandal hopping spree
Needless to say, pandal hopping must be on the top of your wish list when it comes to enjoying Durga Puja to the fullest. Expect throngs in every length and breadth of Kolkata as tens and thousands of people inundate the entire city just to go for a pandal hopping.
Besides, the weather might also remain a bit uncomfortable during this time, but, pandal hopping has become an indispensable part of the festivity, and you can’t afford to miss out on that.
So, make sure you carry a bottle of water and wear light and comfy clothes to make pandal hopping as convenient and enjoyable for yourself as possible. Also, wear easy-going shoes like sneakers and stuff since you will have to cover long distances just to steal a glance of Maa Durga’s idols or the stunning pandals themselves.
Pro Tip: Try and visit the pandals early in the morning as the crowds are way less at that time. You can even start as early as 4 am to get the most peaceful and serene pandal hopping experience.
Satisfy your tummy and tantalize your taste buds
Bengalis are voracious foodies and at times get to the extent of being a glutton as well. In fact, Durga Puja is one such occasion that makes it an excuse for them to gorge on some of the most mouth-watering delicacies ever.
Starting from munching on the dainty street foods, dining out at the five dining restaurants to noshing their favorite mishtis (sweets), the list goes on, until they get fully fed-up.
So, partaking in the festivity of Durga Puja and not indulging in such a gastronomic extravaganza is something that is not done. Even if you are a hardcore vegetarian, there are plenty of options for you to opt for.
All in all, you will bring back home some of the finest eating memories for sure after digging into each of the lip-smacking foodstuffs that Kolkata has to offer, particularly at the time of Durga Puja.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to taste the mouth-watering rolls of Kolkata while you are on your pandal hopping bout. Besides, there is also the piquant puchka (Kolkata’s own version of Pani Puri and Gol Gappa) and to say the least Jhal Muri (puffed rice tossed with finely chopped onions, coriander and other delectable spices) that are a must-try.
Savor the full flavor of Bonedi Barir Pujo
There are many royal families scattered all around Kolkata and the way they worship Goddess Durga for these four days is enough to get you a whole new experience. This is very different from the conventional commercialized Durga Puja, where gigantic idols of the Goddess are displayed inside various kinds of thematic pandals.
On the contrary, the many aristocratic families out there have been retaining their age-old tradition of celebrating Durgotsav and the various rites and rituals pertaining to that. In fact. it may surprise you, but, there are almost two hundred families like this in the entire of Kolkata, where customary Durga Puja is performed with utmost dedication and devotion even now.
Pro Tip: Want to get the finest experience of traditional Durga Puja? Then, head towards South Kolkata, and pay a visit to the revered Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, a household where the worship of Goddess Durga is believed to date back to 1610. Apart from that, there is also the Rani Rashmoni Bari, Sovabazar Rajbari, Laha Bari as well as the Jorasnko Daw Bari where you can turn up as well.
Durga Puja is all about illumination
The entire city of Kolkata is embellished with upbeat and resplendent lights even before the gaiety of Durga Puja begins. Whether it’s the various households, the pandals or the streets in the city, everything seems to light up like anything and that it draws the attention of legions of pedestrians and by-passers out there.
In fact, there are many light installations where certain rampant creatures, nymphs and other striking figures are seen to be moving and they are indeed a visual treat in themselves.
Be a part of the Dashami celebrations
Dashami is the day when Goddess Durga is immersed in the various revered lakes and rivers in Kolkata. Bidding a goodbye is tough, especially when Bengalis already consider Uma (a sobriquet fondly given to Goddess Durga) the daughter of their house.
Don’t miss out on partaking in the ritual of Sindur Khela, where women smudge vermillion on each others’ foreheads and face just for the sake of their spouses’ well-being.
Small pieces of sweets are put on the lips of the Goddess along with her four children and many Bengalis also get a bit teary-eyed while viewing this scene.
In a word, the event of Dashami is a combination of sad and pleasant feelings, an exhilarating wait for the next one year for Goddess Durga to arrive once again.
Experience a ravishing Durga Puja this time!
Kolkatans are all set and ready to celebrate their 2022 Durgotsav as they seem to remain at the pinnacle of their ecstasy. Join in and savor every bit of this festivity from start to finish and fall for the way Mahishasura Mardini is worshipped all through Kolkata at this time. Happy Durgotsav!