Once a month-long affair, the mela has now been reduced to a 10-day festival. This year’s puja and mela ends December 29. Even today, the mela attracts a footfall of over one lakh visitors daily. The annual extravaganza boasts of more than 500 stalls, offering an eclectic mix of goods ranging from traditional sweets like 'jilipi' to modern appliances like refrigerators and televisions.
The heart of the celebration lies in the sacred Chandi Bar of the family, where the revered 'ghot' and the sacred coconut reside for 365 days. The 'ghot', worshipped throughout the year, undergoes a symbolic transformation on Panchami of Durga Puja—the so-called "birthday" of Maa Chandi—when the coconut is replaced. The next four days witness fervent puja rituals, symbolising the divine presence of Ma Chandi in the family pandal
The mela extends beyond religious festivities to embrace philanthropy and social causes. Six days of the mela are dedicated to various themes, each emphasising societal well-being. From honouring women to celebrating the youth, the mela serves as a platform for diverse expressions and community bonding
As the 231st year of Chandi Puja unfolds, the Roychowdhurys work hard to make it a grand affair, weaving together tradition, spirituality, and community in a spectacle that not only honours the divine but also reflects the dynamism of contemporary Kolkata. Chandi Mela stands as a beacon, radiating the spirit of unity and cultural pride for all to witness and cherish. Traders troupe in with carpets from Uttar Pradesh, Bhagalpuri sarees from Bihar and handicrafts/hand-made dolls from Krishnagar
