The most awaited #Durga_Puja is here. Durga Puja, also referred to as #Dussahara, Durgotsava or Sharadotsav is an annual #Hindu_festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga.

Though how Durga Puja is celebrated all across the nation but it deeply rooted to West Bengal and its bengali culture who carried this tradition of celebrating Durga Puja all across the world where they migrated and influence the culture and tradition nearby.

Durga Puja festival is celebrated from the sixth to tenth day of bright lunar fortnight (shukla paksha) in the Bikram Sambat Calendar month of Ashwin.

According to the Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga emerged from the collective energy of all Gods as an embodiment of Shakti or divine feminine power, to destroy demon Mahishasura; who was blessed to not be defeated by any man or god. The name Durga in Sanskrit means ‘the impenetrable’; she exists in a state of self-sufficiency and in ultimate power. This powerful form of Mother Goddess is highly revered in Kolkata which is why her return is celebrated with much grandeur and ceremonies.

During Durga Puja, Kolkata become the tourist hub as many foreigners and celebrities make their presence in the city. Pandals based on themes catches the attention of people and the artwork of Kumhar gives Idol Durga the most vibrant look. Light work in the street on the way to pandal is also the catchment for passer by.

Streets of Kolkata is over crowded by visitors and native people who travel across different pandals with family and friends. It is best to prefer Metro, to avoid jam if visiting pandals of different locations or if travelling with own vehicle then prefer the late night hour.

Visitors can relish the fine dine on street and in hotels. Menus designed and customized everyday during Durga Puja. Native people hardly prefer to cook at home and enjoy becoming foodie outside.

Durga Puja has special significance and people specially women prefer nine different colours based clothes for each day during puja as it defines the Nav Durga with nine different shades.

The 10 most famous Durga Puja awarded Pandals are:

Ekdalia Evergreen: Set up in 1943, it is famous for replicating temples from all over India through its artwork. It is located in Gariaghat, to the south of the city.

Bagbazar: Located in North Kolkata, along the river. it is about 100 years old and focuses on simplicity and traditional rituals.

Kumartuli Park: Established in 1995 (near Bagbazar, so you can visit them both in one go) and famous for ingenuous themes, the idols are handcrafted.

College Square: Set up in 1948 beside a lake in Central Kolkata (off MG road), It’s illumination and reflected beauty is talk of the town.

Mohammad Ali Park: Started in 1969 on MG road, this place is famous for showcasing beautiful architecture of monuments. Club this place with College square.

Suruchi Sangha: Famous for depicting a state of India through it’s artwork and installations, even the idols are modelled accordingly. It is 50 years old and located in New Alipore, South Kolkata.

Santosh Mitra Square: Established in 1936 in the Bow Bazar area, it was earlier know as Sealdah Sarbojanin Durgotsav. It is famous for it beautifully intricate artwork display.

Bose Pukur Sitala Mandir: Winner of multiple awards, and famous for showcasing rural Bengal through motifs, idols and artwork. It is located in Bose Pukar kasba in south of the city and is a must visit.

Jodhpur Park: Another propulat pandal, this one has a wide gamut of themes and surprises with a unique element each year. It is located near Jadavpur Thana in South Kolkata.

Badamtala Ashar Sangha: A people’s favorite and quite old (75 years), this place in Kalighat, South Kolkata, won an award for creative excellence in 2010.

If you are in Kolkata during Durga Puja, don’t miss the grand celebration.