river

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Pandals and idols inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Kolkata since the 1990s.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s.[18] While earlier it used to be conducted live, later a recorded version began to be broadcast.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Mantras, the integral part of Durga puja are accompanied by the rhythmic beatings of the dhak, smell of the incense sticks, 'dhoono' and flowers. These create the atmosphere of Durga puja.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

At the end of six days, the idol is taken for immersion in a procession amid loud chants of 'Bolo Durga mai-ki jai' (glory be to Mother Durga') and 'aashchhe bochhor abar hobe' ('it will happen again next year') and drumbeats to the river o…

West Bengal·ceremony · river

During the ninth day of Durga puja a girl child is worshiped as the incarnation of goddess Durga. All these age old traditions together form the grandeur of Durga puja.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Here is a gigantic Durga puja pandal in Kolkata with metallic-look. Pandals and idols inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Kolkata since the 1990s.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Pandals and idols inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Kolkata since the 1990s.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Pandal hopping is a popular trend in Kolkata during Durga puja. Durga Puja is one of the most important events in the Bengali society's calendar. Many Bengali films, albums and books are released to coincide with the Puja.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Pandals and idols inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Kolkata since the 1990s.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s. While earlier it used to be conducted live, later a recorded version began to be broadcast.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Blessings of goddess Durga is being distributed among the devotees. During the week of Durga Puja, in the entire state of West Bengal as well as in large enclaves of Bengalis everywhere, life comes to a complete standstill.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Environmental hazards from the materials used to make and colour the idols pollute local water sources, as the idols are brought directly into the river at the end of festivities.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

On the last day of Durga puja married women bid farewell to the goddess by applying vermillion in the Goddess's forehead.

ceremony · river

Dadhi Karma - It is a form of prashad which is served after puja is over (Bengali tradition). It is made up of raw food like mashed banana, apple, puffed rice (kheel), sugar etc. Thanks to our viewer Dishi Majumdar for this input...

West Bengal·ceremony · river

The custom of special prayer from the devotees to Goddess Durga during Durga puja. Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

At the end of six days, the idol is taken for immersion in a procession amid loud chants of 'Bolo Durga mai-ki jai' (glory be to Mother Durga') and 'aashchhe bochhor abar hobe' ('it will happen again next year') and drumbeats to the river o…

West Bengal·ceremony · festival

Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s. While earlier it used to be conducted live, later a recorded version began to be broadcast.

West Bengal·ceremony · highway

Initially the Puja was organised by rich families since they had the money to organise the festival. During the late 19th and early 20th century, a burgeoning middle class, primarily in Calcutta, wished to observe the Puja.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

At the end of six days, the idol is taken for immersion in a procession amid loud chants of 'Bolo Durga mai-ki jai' (glory be to Mother Durga') and 'aashchhe bochhor abar hobe' ('it will happen again next year') and drumbeats to the river o…

West Bengal·ceremony · temple

Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s.[18] While earlier it used to be conducted live, later a recorded version began to be broadcast.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

Visiting pandals with friends and family, talking and sampling the food sold near them is known as pandal hopping. Young people embrace this activity.

ceremony · river

Women, busy with Durga Puja rituals. The festival of Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon in Aswin. Thousands offer prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks, a ritual called Tarpan.

West Bengal·ceremony · river

According to customs a girl child is worshipped on the ninth day of Durga puja. Durga puja mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini -- a two-hour radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s.