It is that moment of the year again when the women of Kolkata excitedly whisper “Maa Ashchen” to one another. When Maa Durga arrives in all her glory, the city prepares to receive her with open arms.
While Durga Pujo is celebrated spectacularly all around the globe, none does it with the same enthusiasm as it does in Kolkata, India.
How Is Durga Puja In Kolkata Celebrated?
During the nine nights of Navaratri, the city of Kolkata hosts the biggest events in honor of the goddess Durga. In Kolkata, Durga Puja lasts five days, from the sixth day to the ninth. Pandals with large imposing idols of Goddess Durga are open to paying their respects to the public.
Visarjan (immersion in water) of the idol takes place on the tenth day, also known as Dashami, with elaborate processions and festivals. Durga Puja 2022 kicks off on October 1st. and ends on the 5th or final day. October.
Chokkhu Daan – The Day Durga’s Eyes Are Painted In Kolkata
The Kolkata Durga Puja includes unique practices. A week before Navratri, Goddess Durga’s idols are painted but without eyes. Mahalaya marks the occasion of the invitation of the Goddess upon earth through ceremonies; hence, on this day, the eyes are drawn to the idols. This auspicious rite is known as Chokkhu Daan. When painting eyes on idols, the Goddess supposedly descends to earth. Kumartuli, or potter’s area in North Kolkata, is known for the creation of most of the idols.
Durga Puja 2022 In Kolkata: The Procession To Bring In The Goddess
On the sixth day of Navaratri, the first day of Durga Puja In Kolkata, the idols are carried home or placed in public pandals. The idol is decked with flowers, garments, jewelry, vermillion, and sweets. Lord Ganesh is with the Goddess idol. Durga is Parvati’s incarnation and the mother of Ganesh and Kartikeya.
The Pran Pratishta Ritual – Kola Bou Bath
This ceremony invokes Goddess in the idol. On the seventh day, a little banana plant called Kola Bou is washed, clothed in a red-bordered sari, and transported back in a procession to be placed near the Goddess’ idol. The festivity then continues with traditional prayers and puja. The events include several cultural activities, such as the performance of traditional dances, songs, and dramas.
Dashami – Kolkata Durga Puja’s Final Day
Dashami is the tenth day of Kolkata Durga Puja; it is said that Goddess Durga defeated the Demon and restored the earth’s equilibrium on this day. Vijayadashami is another name. On this day, Goddess Durga is worshiped as she prepares to leave.
Large hundreds of worshippers join the procession to immerse the Goddess in water. Women, especially married women, start the procession by applying sindoor to the Goddess and subsequently to each other. It represents marriage and fertility. There is a similarity in the immersion of the idol to that of Ganesha Chaturthi.
Babu Ghat is a famous site for immersion near Eden Garden. Babu Ghat is a renowned site for immersion near Eden Garden. Maa Durga is bid farewell with the chanting, “Aasche bochor abar hobe!” (It’ll happen again next year!) with teary eyes and swelled emotions. The count down to the next Durga Pujo begins.
