Durga Puja
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Kolkata's great festival of the Goddess, with artistic pandals and community celebration. UNESCO heritage since 2021.
Where: West BengalWhen: Ashwin (September–October); main days Shashthi to Vijaya DashamiUNESCO heritage 2021
How it is performed
- On Mahalaya, the Goddess is invoked with chants of the Mahishasura Mardini at dawn.
- Clay idols, many made by the artisans of Kumartuli in Kolkata, are installed in pandals designed as works of art.
- Saptami, Ashtami (with the Sandhi Puja and Kumari Puja) and Navami bring prayers, dhunuchi dance, bhog and cultural programmes.
- On Dashami, married women play Sindoor Khela and the idols are immersed with the call 'Asche bochhor abar hobe' (it will happen again next year).
Significance
Durga Puja celebrates the Goddess's victory over Mahishasura, good over evil. It brings together artists, craftspeople and whole neighbourhoods. UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata in 2021.