Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Calcutta is busy preparing for its annual Durga Puja celebration. Artisans are hard at work bringing the idols of Goddess Durga to life, while pandal construction is in full swing across the city.
The five-day festival, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, holds special significance for Bengalis, and the build-up is already visible in every neighbourhood. From sourcing materials to setting up grand installations, here's a look at how the city is getting ready for Durga Puja 2024.
An artist prepares an 'environment friendly' puja pandal using plants, at Lalabagan Nabankur in Calcutta. Durga Puja is observed with immense enthusiasm and devotion across India, particularly in West Bengal and other eastern regions.
A community puja pandal, inspired by the works of late film director Tapan Sinha, being prepared as a tribute to Sinha ahead of his birth centenary.
A community puja pandal, inspired by the works of late film director Tapan Sinha, being prepared as a tribute to Sinha ahead of his birth centenary. On 9 October, Shashthi will be celebrated where the idol of Goddess Durga is unveiled, while Maha Saptami will be celebrated on 10 October.
An artisan gives final touches to an idol of Goddess Durga, ahead of Durga Puja festival, in Nadia. Mahalaya Amavasya, or simply Mahalaya, falls on 2 October, marking the day when people invite Goddess Durga to descend to Earth and the eyes are drawn on her idol.
A community puja pandal being prepared. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami will be observed on 11 October. The festival concludes with Vijaydashami on 12 October, after which Durga Visarjan (immersion of the idols) will take place.
Artists perform 'Mahishasur Mardini' act ahead of Durga Puja festival, in Nadia district of West Bengal. Mahalaya and Mahishasura Mardini are both related to the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil
