Nowadays, celebration and social media go hand in hand; people love to flaunt their style and charisma on Instagram; for this Durga puja, try posting photos of pandals.

Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, etc. It is an annual event dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga. The Kolkata Durga Puja is the most famous form of celebration.

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What is the History of Durga Puja?

According to Hindu mythology, a mighty demon named Mahishasura once received the boon of invincibility from Lord Brahma. With his boon, Mahishasura created a rule of panic on the planet, resulting in havoc. His power threatened the existence of Gods and humans alike. The Gods, unable to defeat the devil, sought the aid of the divine powers- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Fusing their energies and forces, the trinity made a female warrior, Maa Durga. She was granted immense power and weapons from various Gods.

Maa Durga represents the power of feminine energy and is worshipped as the divine mother who protects her devotees from evil forces and grants blessings and prosperity. She is considered the ultimate source of cosmic energy and the embodiment of love, compassion and wisdom.

Each God contributed a specific weapon to her -

For instance-

• Lord Shiva gave her a trident
• Lord Vishnu gave her a discus
• Lord Indra gave her a thunderbolt
• Lord Varuna gave her a conch shell
• Lord Agni gave her a spear, etc.

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A fierce and epic battle between Durga and Mahishasura lasted nine days and nights. Mahishasura, in his different forms. However, it was easily overcome with Maa Durga's divine ability and weapons. On the tenth day, Durga emerged victorious, killing Mahishasura and bringing back peace. The festival of Durga Puja commemorates this legendary battle and celebrates the win of good over evil forces and energies. Hence, the Goddess Durga's ten-armed idols are crafted and installed in beautifully decorated Durga Puja pandals for worship.

The Durga Puja images and idols are decorated with vibrant flowers. The idols are also dressed up in fine clothing and ornaments. Also, special rituals and prayers are performed throughout the time.

Maa Durga holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees who seek her blessings for courage, protection and spiritual growth. Her divine form and legends inspire individuals to face challenges with determination and embrace the qualities of righteousness, compassion and inner strength.

When is Durga Puja?

Special parades, cultural performances, music, dance and feasting form the core part of the celebrations during Durga Puja. People visit pandals to pray to the Deity and participate in cultural events and contests. On Vijayadashami, the idols are immersed in water as a symbolic departure of the Goddess to her heavenly home. Durga Puja usually occurs during the Hindu month of Ashwin (September/October) and lasts nine days before the Dussehra festival. The Durga Puja 2024 will be held from 02 October onwards.

What are Important Durga Puja 2024 Dates?

Shashti- This is the first day of Durga Puja when the preparations for the festival are in full swing. The idol of Goddess Durga is installed in beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) and ceremonially unveiled.

The Durga Puja countdown begins with Mahalaya, observed about a week before the main celebration. Mahalaya marks the invocation of Goddess Durga and is considered an auspicious time to pay homage to one's ancestors.

Saptami- On the second day, prayers and rituals are performed in honour of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer the Goddess flowers, fruits and sweets and seek her blessings.

Ashtami- The third day is considered the most significant day of Durga Puja. Elaborate rituals are conducted, and the festivities reach their peak. Devotees observe fasting and participate in various cultural programs, including traditional music, dance and dramas.

Navami and Vijayadashami- On the fourth and final day of Durga Puja, prayers are offered to Goddess Durga for her blessings. In some regions, a special worship called "Sindoor Khela" is performed, where married women apply vermilion to the Goddess and each other as a symbol of marital bliss.

Read More : NINE FORMS OF GODDESS DURGA WORSHIP, RITUALS, AND CELEBRATIONS

What are Key Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals to Visit This Year?

Durga Puja pandals attract millions of visitors with their grandeur, artistic themes, and innovative designs. Here are the top 10 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, known for their magnificence-

Kumartuli Park- Located in North Kolkata, Kumartuli Park is renowned for its traditional idol-making community. The pandal here showcases the finest craftsmanship, with idol makers creating stunning clay idols of Goddess Durga. The intricate artwork and the vibrant ambience attract a massive crowd.

College Square- Situated near the renowned College Street, the College Square pandal is known for its cultural and intellectual themes. The pandal often portrays social issues, historical events, or famous personalities, creating a visually captivating visitor experience. The lighting and sound effects add to the overall charm.

Ekdalia Evergreen- Ekdalia Evergreen in South Kolkata is celebrated for its innovative and unique themes. Each year, the pandal showcases different aspects of Bengal's rich cultural heritage, folklore, and mythology. The intricate artistry and attention to detail make it a must-visit pandal during Durga Puja.

Bagbazar Sarbojanin- Bagbazar Sarbojanin, located in North Kolkata, is one of the city's oldest and most traditional Durga Puja pandals. The pandal exudes a classic charm with its intricate decorations, traditional motifs, and grandeur. It is known for its elaborate rituals and cultural programs.

Mohammed Ali Park- Situated in Central Kolkata, Mohammed Ali Park's pandal stands out for its elaborate decorations and grand architecture. Each year, the pandal follows a unique theme, depicting various cultural aspects of India and abroad. The innovative use of lights and colours makes it visually appealing.

Santosh Mitra Square- Also known as Hatibagan Sarbojanin, this pandal in North Kolkata is famous for its artistic excellence and creativity. It often showcases larger-than-life installations, intricate sculptures, and unique themes. The pandal also hosts cultural events and competitions during the festive days.

Suruchi Sangha- Suruchi Sangha in South Kolkata is renowned for its themed pandals, often depicting famous landmarks worldwide. The attention to detail and the realistic representation of international structures create a mesmerising experience for visitors.

Sreebhumi Sporting Club- Located in eastern Kolkata, Sreebhumi Sporting Club is known for its grandeur and scale. The pandal here often replicates iconic temples or historical structures adorned with elaborate decorations and bright lighting. It attracts a huge crowd due to its larger-than-life ambience.

Badamtala Ashar Sangha- In South Kolkata, Badamtala Ashar Sangha pandal is recognised for its artistic finesse and cultural themes. The pandal often showcases Bengal's rich heritage, highlighting its literature, art, and music. The elegant decorations and traditional motifs create a mesmerising atmosphere.

Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav- Located in North Kolkata, Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsav is known for its unique themes and artistic approach. The pandal often focuses on social issues, promoting awareness and positive change. The elaborate decorations and lighting arrangements enhance the overall experience.

These are just a few of Kolkata's many extraordinary Durga Puja pandals. Each pandal has its distinct charm, artistic vision, and cultural significance, making the annual Durga Puja draw millions of tourists worldwide.

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Why Visit the Durga Puja Pandals?

Durga Puja pandals are elaborate and vibrant structures constructed during the festive season. Neighbours, communities, and organisations compete to build the most unique and innovative pandals. The pandals are often designed around a theme, ranging from historical events to grand stories.

The construction of these pandals involves elaborate planning, skilled craftsmanship, and the collective efforts of volunteers. Bamboo structures, cloth, paper, and other materials are used to create the framework, adorned with colourful fabrics, decorative lights, flowers, and artistic embellishments. The pandals are often accompanied by artistic installations, cultural performances, and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors.

Visiting Durga Puja pandals during the festival is an experience that immerses you in a world of tradition, art, and devotion. The pandals offer a visual treat with their stunning architecture, intricate designs, and innovative use of materials. They provide a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their talent and creativity and serve as a hub for cultural exchange and community engagement.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Durga Puja pandals hold deep religious and cultural significance. They are believed to be the home of the Goddess during her visit to Earth. Devotees visit these pandals to offer prayers, seek blessings, and participate in various rituals and ceremonies.

The Overall Impact of Durga Puja Celebrations on the Local Economy

Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in India, has a considerable impact on the local economy -

The Puja is a time of celebration and joy; people indulge in shopping for new clothes, accessories, household items, and gifts for family and friends. The festival drives significant consumer spending, boosting the retail sector, both online and offline. This increased spending contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.

Durga Puja celebrations provide a tremendous opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to thrive. Local artisans, craftsmen, and businesses specialising in textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, idols, decorations, and puja accessories witness increased demand during this celebration.

The increased sales during this period helped these enterprises generate income and sustain their livelihoods.

Durga Puja pandals create a considerable number of temporary job options. From artisans and idol makers to event organisers, caterers, and security personnel, a wide range of experts and workers are employed during this festival.

Durga Puja attracts many domestic and international tourists to various cities and towns in India. People travel to observe the magnificence of the festival, visit well-known celebrations and immerse themselves in the cultural experience.

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This boost in tourism benefits the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and tour operators. Durga Puja is an ideal time for brands and companies to promote their products and services. Firms engage in extensive offline and online offline and online advertising and marketing campaigns to reach a vast consumer base during the celebration.

This increased expenditure contributes to the advertising industry's growth and stimulates financial activity.