Source: goibibo.com

     Kolkata is a city known for its rich culture and languid pace. A place book lovers, art enthusiasts and literary geniuses call home. Its laid back pace is often misunderstood but as deep rooted is its culture and elegance the heat of passion runs even deeper. Passion for what it likes, passion for what it believes, passion for causes…When it comes to its passion Kolkata can shine brighter and hotter than any other metro city. The best time to view it in its full glory is the time around Durga puja. This seemingly sleepy city awakens to its true potential and there isn’t a single person left who is not buzzing with excitement. 

Source: journeymart.com

 

     When people talk about Kolkata they will talk about the food or popular tourist spots like the Victoria Memorial in the must see/experience category. When someone I know asks me I always talk about the time time just before and during the pujas. Those five glorious days when the beloved goddess descends among her children is a cause of great celebration. The preparations begins months in advance. You can spot the idols being made loving by the sculptors in narrow lanes. The blobs of mud being painstakingly shaped and crafted into the mother’s form. The pandal structures start going up weeks in advance covering all the major parks in the city while others are made on the streets and some even on bodies of water.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

     The devotees come to pay their respects and receive blessings from the Goddess in these pandals. There is a fierce competition for the best looking one so the creative genius and money that is unleashed in making these is unparalleled. Some take you underwater with the blue lights creating an ambiance, the soft sand beneath your feet and cool watery air caressing your face. Others explore the magic of Hogwarts complete with the castle and the express running through the length of the park. Some have their 2 storey tall front facade made up of pencils or earthen pots. And some take you to the majestic pyramids of Egypt complete with sphinxes and pharaohs. To explore these the people of the city take to the streets for the entire night in what is popularly termed “pandal hopping”.

Source: imgion.com

     So if you want to truly understand this city and fall in love make it a point to visit it during the pujas. The bright colorful lights or the exuberant city folks flocking the streets till the wee hours are a sight to behold. Even the air feels and smells different. Come and experience the uniqueness that is the Durga Puja. Make sure you make your hotel bookings in advance as it is a prime season. See you soon!