Durga Puja – A Photo Journey of the Grand Festivities

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“Ya devi sarva bhutesu, shakti rupena samsthita Namestasyai, namestasyai, namestasyai, namo namah“

Durga Puja symbolizes homecoming of Maa Durga for five days to her matrimonial home from Kailash.

Deft fingers of artists give life to the magnificent Durga idols at Kumartuli, Kolkata.

Pandals reflect the artistic mastery of Bengal. Innovation and imagination are displayed in conceptualization and materials used for construction.

Mornings begin with offering Pushpanjali, flowers to the Goddess, which deepens the spiritual bond between Maa Durga and her devotees.

Aarti with a dhunuchi dance is integral to the evening ritual. The fragrance of dhoop fills the arena bringing with it a devotional fervour.

The rhythmic recital of several dhaks in unison creates an ambience of enthusiastic celebration.

Children showcase their creative skills with great gusto. And trust me, dadu (the oldest man in the neighbourhood aka the director) would make them practice like crazy! :)

No Bengali festival is complete without food. Taste awesome Kolkata street food, especially the quintessential Mughlai paratha!

On the last day of Durga Puja, dashami, married women bid farewell to Maa Durga by applying sindur to her and each other, making it a joyous event, overcoming the sadness of farewell.

Amidst great fanfare and joyous call of reassurance; aasche bochhor aabar hobe ( Maa Durga will surely come back again next year); her idol is taken to the River Ganga for immersion. At this juncture of separation, melancholy creeps in but the colours, merrymaking and dancing reminds us to be cheerful as Mother Goddess will come back soon next year. So, we wish each other Subho Bijaya and the wait for next year's puja begins. Have you attended Durga Puja celebrations anywhere across India, or better abroad? We would love to hear your experiences. Come and experience the zestful festivity of Durga Puja in Kolkata. Book a comfortable holiday, hotels, flights, trains, buses and cabs only with MakeMyTrip.com.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Gitanjali Banerjee is passionate about blogging for it is the best way to reach out to the world, touch lives and make a difference!