Durga Puja: From Bengal’s Heart to the World’s Stage

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

Durga Puja is not just a festival—it is an emotion, a cultural movement, and a grand celebration of art, devotion, and community spirit. While rooted in West Bengal, it has transcended borders to become one of the most significant global celebrations of Indian culture.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

Every year, millions of people eagerly await the arrival of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil. But the story of Durga Puja is not just about worship—it is also about craftsmanship, creativity, and how a community unites to celebrate.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

The Making of the Goddess: An Art in Itself

At the heart of Durga Puja are the magnificent idols of Goddess Durga, her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha), and the demon Mahishasura. The process of making these idols is as sacred as the worship itself.

Kumartuli is not just a neighborhood; it is the beating heart of Kolkata’s artistic and cultural heritage. The dedication and skill of Kumartuli’s artisans have kept alive a tradition that is integral to Bengal’s identity. As we appreciate their craftsmanship, it is also our responsibility to support and preserve this unique cultural legacy for future generations. Plan a visit to Kumartuli, witness the magic of idol making, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Kolkata’s cultural heritage.

Kumartuli – The Idol-Making Hub

  • Location: A neighborhood in North Kolkata, famous worldwide for its idol-makers, or kumars.

  • Process:

    1. Straw & Bamboo Frame: The idol begins with a framework of bamboo and straw tied with jute ropes.

    2. Clay Layers: Clay from the Ganga river is considered essential. The first layer is rough; the second adds details; the final coat is smooth for painting.

    3. Painting & Decoration: Once dried, the idols are painted, often with natural pigments. Intricate eyes, called chokkhu daan, are painted on Mahalaya day, symbolizing the goddess coming to life.

    4. Ornaments & Drapes: Craftsmen add dazzling ornaments (sholar saj, made from pith shola wood), vibrant sarees, and weapons that depict Durga’s power.

History and Cultural Significance Kumartuli, deriving its name from the Bengali words "Kumar" (potter) and "Tuli" (locality), has been a hub for idol-making for over three centuries. The tradition dates back to the time when the city of Kolkata was expanding, and the British East India Company established settlements. The potters who migrated from various parts of Bengal settled in this area, bringing with them their exceptional skills in clay modeling.

Materials Considered Sacred:

  • Clay from the Ganga river mixed with a small amount of soil from a sex worker’s doorstep (called punya mati, symbolizing inclusivity and humility).

  • Bamboo, straw, jute ropes, natural paints, and shola (pith) for decorations.

The primary focus of the Kumartuli artisans is the creation of idols for the Durga Puja festival, one of the most significant cultural and religious events in Bengal. However, their expertise is not limited to Durga idols; they also craft idols for other Hindu festivals such as Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Vishwakarma Puja, as well as for various rituals and ceremonies throughout the year.

Who’s Involved:

  • Idol sculptors (kumars).

  • Artisans for pandal-making, often skilled carpenters, painters, and electricians.

  • Craftsmen for ornaments, attire, and lighting installations.

Detailing: Once the basic structure is ready, artisans add intricate details to the idol, such as facial features, ornaments, and clothing. This stage requires exceptional skill and precision, as it brings the idol to life.

These idols are not confined to Bengal—they are shipped across India and even overseas, reaching communities in New York, London, Sydney, Toronto, and Singapore.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

The Grand Celebration in West Bengal

Durga Puja in Bengal is an explosion of culture, art, and devotion.

  • Pandals: Themed pandals (temporary structures for hosting the goddess) are architectural marvels. From replicas of world monuments to abstract art installations, pandals transform streets into open-air museums.

  • Cultural Programs: Rabindra Sangeet recitals, theatre, and dance performances accompany the worship.

  • Food Stalls: From Bengali sweets like rosogolla and sandesh to street food like rolls, chops, and phuchkas, food is an inseparable part of the celebration.

  • Processions: The immersion (visarjan) of idols into rivers or lakes is accompanied by processions of music, dance, and chanting of “Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai.”

Kolkata’s Durga Puja is now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2021)—a testimony to its global cultural significance.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

Durga Puja Across India

While Bengal remains the heartland, Durga Puja celebrations have found vibrant expressions in other Indian cities:

  • Delhi: Neighborhoods like CR Park (Chittaranjan Park) host massive pujas, with cultural performances, elaborate pandals, and authentic Bengali cuisine.

  • Mumbai: The Lokhandwala Durga Puja, initiated by Bollywood personalities, has become a star-studded event, blending glamour with tradition.

  • Bengaluru & Pune: These cities see growing Bengali communities organizing pujas that rival those in Kolkata in scale and grandeur.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

Global Celebrations: The Goddess Travels the World

The Bengali diaspora has taken Durga Puja across continents, turning it into a truly international festival.

  • United States:

    • New Jersey and New York host massive pujas, with idols flown in from Kumartuli.

    • Cultural programs often feature top Bengali singers and theatre groups flown from India.

  • United Kingdom:

    • London’s Camden and Ealing Durga Pujas are iconic, with pandals often featuring innovative eco-friendly themes.

  • Canada: Toronto and Vancouver witness vibrant celebrations, where Indian and non-Indian communities participate.

  • Singapore & Malaysia: Celebrations here often blend with local festivals, showcasing a multicultural spirit.

  • Australia: Sydney and Melbourne host grand community pujas with cultural events and authentic Bengali food stalls.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

In each of these places, the Puja serves as a cultural bridge, bringing together not just Bengalis but also people from other Indian communities and even curious locals.

Festival season has started in India. Navratris, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and all of these in the month of October. These days everyone is enjoying Durga Puja by visiting various pandals in the vicinity. The other day we were discussing about Durga Puja on lunch table. And scale of this festival amazes most of us. It's prominently celebrated in West Bengal but now it's celebrated in almost every city and not limited to Bengali families. There is a huge area called Kumartuli in Kolkata where Durga Puja idols are made and exported to various countries in the world. Lot artists from Kumartuli and other areas move to various cities of India to help creating some beautiful Durga idols. Soil used to make these idols has to come from Kumartuli. So soil from Kumartuli is mixed in all idols made across the world. Isn't that amazing. There are many such regional festivals in India which are celebrated at community level but I have seen Durga Puja as one of the most popular so far. In Kolkata, almost every street has it's own Pandal and celebration. And in cities like Delhi, non-Bengali people also love visiting these Pandal and celebrate Durga Puja. There are plenty of options to eat in these pandals and that's one of the best part of Durga Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is another community festival which is extremely popular in Maharashtra but I have not seen much influence in north. People has started celebrating it in cities like Delhi, but still it's not happening at community level like Durga Puja. The preparations of Durga Puja celebrations start very early. Kumartuli artists start working on idol from the month of March, even when it's celebrated in the month of October. Lot of these artists start getting orders for next year just after the Durga Puja. To fulfil high demand of these idols in international market, Artists have to start quite early. They also need to consider the time for shipping these idols to different countries. It seems there are agencies, which take care of these logistics. And apart from Durga, various other idols are also made. There are various kinds of demands in market w.r.t. design, color combination, size etc. In fact, in Kolkata prizes are given on the basis of size, best decorated pandal, most eco-friendly Pandals etc. I know a little about this festival and to really experience what happens during Durga Puja, you need to visit one of these pandals near you. And if you can visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, nothing like it. During evenings, lot of entertainment programs are organised at these pandals. You would be surprised to see some of the bollywood artists performing in these pandals. Certainly it generates lot of business for bollywood stars, especially for folks who belong to West Bengal. Most of the popular bengali singers can be heard live in these Pnadals. I never miss a chance to do Pandal hopping in Noida and have seen Bollywood singers performing at Sector-26 pandal, which is one of the most popular pandals in Noida. These days, pandals can be found in almost every sector or even bigger societies. I would like to hear from you about your favorite community festival celebrated in India and please do let us know if you think there is other community festival which is bigger than Durga Puja.

Why Durga Puja is More than a Festival

Durga Puja is not just about worshiping the goddess. It is:

  • An Art Festival: With pandals and idols that rival any global art installation.

  • A Community Movement: Involving hundreds of people—from artisans to volunteers—working tirelessly for months.

  • A Cultural Showcase: Literature, theatre, music, and dance converge in one grand platform.

  • A Global Connector: No matter where Bengalis go, they carry Durga Puja with them, ensuring it thrives even thousands of miles away from Bengal.


Durga Puja is a festival that unites faith, creativity, and community on an unparalleled scale. From the clay of the Ganga to the streets of New Jersey, from the pandals of Kolkata to cultural centers in London, the goddess Durga’s spirit knows no boundaries.

Whether you witness the UNESCO-honored celebration in Kolkata or join a diaspora community abroad, Durga Puja reminds us of one eternal truth: traditions travel, evolve, and grow—but they never lose their soul.


Related Blogposts -

Painting and Decoration: After the clay has dried, the idol is painted using vibrant colors. Artisans also embellish the idol with various decorative elements, including jewelry, clothing, and accessories, to enhance its visual appeal.The Artistic Heart of Kolkata: Exploring the World of Kumartuli Artists













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Main places to see & Top things to do around Dalhousie : Stunning Hill Station in Himalayan State of India

  Dalhousie is one of the most popular Hill Stations in Himachal  and there is lot to explore around Dalhousie. This is small and very well maintained town in Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh . This Photo Journey shares some of the exciting places around Chamba and how to plan a good one day tour through Khajjiar, Chamba & Chamera etc. CHAMERA HYDROLIC PROJECT Chamera Hydroelectric Project is located in Banikhet, 7 kms from Dalhousie. The water body near the lake is very scenic and is a popular boating spot. Chamera Dam is around 40 kilometers from Chamba Town. It takes approximately 1.5 hrs to reach the place is road condition is good. Overall it’s a little dry terrain as compared to Dalhousie and Khajjiar. And temperature also goes up as we go towards Chamera Dam.  As you move out from Chamba town, you follow Ravi river for some time and then take right. After 45 minutes of drive, you get a glimpse of Chemera Dam.