As the fragrance of incense mingles with the sound of conch shells and the rhythmic beats of the dhak rise in every lane, you know the season has arrived.

Kolkata’s skies may still hold a trace of monsoon clouds, but the city’s spirit shines brighter than a thousand lamps. It is the eve of Durga Puja, and the heartbeat of Bengal is quickening with excitement, devotion, and joy.

Durga Puja is not merely a religious observance; it is a celebration that transcends rituals, weaving together mythology, artistry, and community in a tapestry of unparalleled vibrance.

The Eternal Legend of Maa Durga

At the heart of this festival lies a timeless tale — the story of Maa Durga, the invincible goddess, who was created by the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat the dreaded demon Mahishasura.

His reign of terror had cast darkness upon the heavens and earth alike, leaving even the gods helpless.

But in that moment of despair arose the radiant goddess, astride her mighty lion, with ten arms carrying weapons and blessings.

Her battle was not just a celestial war — it became a symbol of courage, justice, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.

Even today, as we stand before her idol, we feel her power ripple through us.

Her lion represents courage, her weapons symbolize resilience, and her calm, compassionate eyes remind us to balance strength with kindness.

The City Turns Into a Canvas

If mythology gives Durga Puja its soul, art and culture give it its body. On the eve of the festival, Kolkata transforms into a living, breathing art gallery under the open sky.

Months before the celebrations, artists labor in Kumartuli, sculpting clay into divine form.

Every curve of the idol’s face, every delicate ornament, is crafted with devotion. The pandals — those magnificent temporary structures — rise like architectural wonders.

Some recreate ancient temples, others mirror world landmarks, and many offer thought-provoking social messages through their designs.

Walking into each pandal feels like stepping into a new universe. One moment, you are inside a glowing palace of mirrors; the next, you are transported to a rural Bengal courtyard decorated with straw, bamboo, and earthen lamps.

A Festival of Togetherness

Durga Puja is as much about people as it is about the goddess. The streets throb with life. Families step out in their best attire — crisp cottons and bright silks during the day, flowing kurtas and glittering sarees at night.

Children beam with excitement over their new clothes, couples weave through the crowds hand in hand, and elders find joy in reuniting with old friends.

There is no hierarchy, no division. The festival dissolves barriers. Strangers share laughter in the long queues to pandals, volunteers hand out bhog (the blessed meal of khichuri, labra, and sweets) with smiling faces, and music, dance, and laughter spill into the night air.

This sense of community and belonging is what makes Durga Puja truly special. It is not confined to rituals or traditions — it is about celebrating life, together.

Food, Music, and the Pulse of Joy

What’s a festival without food? For Bengalis, Durga Puja is also a culinary carnival. The aroma of freshly fried luchis paired with aloor dum, plates of rosogolla and sandesh, and the special home-made malpuas fill homes and hearts alike.

Street food becomes a ritual in itself. From phuchkas that burst with spice to sizzling kathi rolls and the evergreen mughlai paratha, every bite feels like part of the celebration.

And then there’s the music — from soulful Rabindra Sangeet drifting through cultural programs to the booming beats of the dhak, which send goosebumps down your spine.

The Dhunuchi Naach — the traditional dance with incense-filled urns — becomes a mesmerizing spectacle, where devotion and performance merge seamlessly.

Lessons from the Goddess

Beyond the lights, music, and festivities, the festival carries a profound message. Maa Durga is not just a goddess of myth; she is a symbol of inner strength.

She reminds us that within every person lies the courage to face life’s darkest demons — be they fear, injustice, or despair.

Her ten arms holding weapons and flowers alike remind us that true power is not about aggression but about balance — the balance of power and peace, strength and compassion, discipline and grace.

Standing before her idol, many feel an unspoken dialogue — a quiet reassurance that no matter how great the challenges, the divine force within will guide us forward.

Why It Remains My Favorite Holiday

From childhood to this golden phase of life, Durga Puja has always held a sacred place in my heart. I still recall the thrill of new clothes, the sweet taste of my mother’s home-cooked delicacies, and the sparkle in her eyes during those days.

Durga Puja is not just about devotion — it is about artistry, nostalgia, creativity, and the shared joy of togetherness.

It is a festival that revives my spirit, reconnects me to my roots, and fills me with a sense of gratitude.

A Celebration That Lives On

As we stand on the threshold of Durga Puja this year, let us embrace its spirit fully. Let us celebrate not just with lights and rituals, but with kindness, unity, and courage.

Because Durga Puja is more than a festival. It is an emotion, a reminder that no matter how daunting life becomes, the lion within us — our inner strength — will roar us to victory.

Let us draw inspiration from her triumph and face life’s battles with the same unwavering courage and determination, knowing that the lion within us will always guide us to victory.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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