The Magnificent Durga Puja

                                                     
For us Bengalis Durga Puja is the most awaited Festival. The first day of her arrival to earth is known as Devi Paksha. And the day is observed as Mahalaya. I am attaching a few sights of this festival which is celebrated  all over the world. In Kolkata, West Bengal there are most number of pujas organized ( in thousands).

                                           Singhi Park Durga Puja                                

I also get nostalgic of my childhood days when during Puja season we used to get new dresses to wear for all four days namely shasthi (sixth day ) till Navami ( Ninth day). Even now during Pujas every Bengali dresses up with new clothes depending upon his capacity. However what is equally noticeable between both rich & poor is the sheer joy of celebrating the puja with their family & friends.
                                                     

Last Year during our visit to Kolkata during Durga Puja we had a gala time. Our house is located in Hindustan Road bang opposite to Singhi Park Puja pandal. That made us strategically located close to these many Pujas . Hold your breath , Ekdalia Evergreen, Triangular Park, Vivekananda Park, Maddox Sqare, Deshapriya Park, 23 Palli & Gol Park. 

       Shiv Mondir (Lake Road): Idols made up of dry  plantain leaf              


The nights become spectacular because the whole city is illuminated with colorful lights. Thousands throng the streets hopping from one pandal to another. Since driving becomes a nightmare so traveling by foot sounds more sensible thing.  Don’t try to look at the watch as it will be deceptive to notice thousands and thousands people in their best attire and not a hint of tiredness in their faces till wee hours of the morning. This continues till  Dashami period . This immersion fill the heart with a sadness equivalent to letting your Mother go on a long journey only to return after one whole year. During the last day the Godess idol is immersed in the river, with a thought that next year we will again celebrate puja with such an enthusiasm . The entire road resonates with the slogan “Bolo Bolo Durga Mai ki Jai"  “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” (Next year it will again happen) till the convoy of the trucks reach the river and the idol is immersed in water.

              Shiv Mondir : Image of Sati made with plantain leaves                                      

                       Image of the Goddess in our building society 

                                Ekdaliya Puja         

                                Ekdaliya Pandal decoration        

                     Larger than life chandelier at Deshapriya Park   

                                 Cane katori as light shade                 

             Kasba Talbagan Pujo: Ravan's 10 heads made out of earthen pots

             Kasba Talbagan: Image of the Goddess made out of earthen pots      

                                                                                                                                                                

     I wish all my fellow blogger and slient readers a very happy Durga Puja / Navaratri wherever in the world they are.


Sending this special post to my new blogger friend Pree's Beyond Five Days Of Durga Puja .
Also reposting two of my favorite Durga Puja recipes to her Beyond Five Days Of Durga Puja event. 
1. Elo Jhelo
2. Nimki (Namkeen)