Durga Puja Festival of West Bengal: A Grand Celebration of Culture, Devotion, and Art

Shailesh Srivastava I Kolkata , Durga Puja is not just a festival in West Bengal; it is an emotion, an identity, and the heartbeat of the state. Every year, as autumn arrives and the fragrance of shiuli (night jasmine) fills the air, the people of Bengal begin preparing for the grandest celebration of Goddess Durga. Declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2021, Durga Puja is not only the most important religious event of West Bengal but also a spectacular showcase of art, community bonding, and cultural pride.

Spanning ten days of rituals, creativity, and devotion, the festival has evolved into a global phenomenon, with Bengalis across the world celebrating it in their own way. In West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, Durga Puja transforms the entire city into a living art gallery, with thousands of temporary temples (pandals), artistic idols, dazzling lights, and millions of devotees thronging the streets.

This article explores Durga Puja in detail—its history, mythology, rituals, cultural impact, and significance for West Bengal.

Belief of Durga Puja

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga represents Shakti, the divine feminine power who restores dharma and protects humanity from evil. The legend most closely associated with Durga Puja is the slaying of Mahishasura, a demon who had gained immense powers through penance and began tormenting gods and mortals alike. Unable to defeat him, the gods combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, a powerful warrior with ten arms, each holding a divine weapon.

Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights, finally killing him on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra). Thus, the festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and dharma over adharma.

In Bengal, Durga is also worshipped as a mother returning to her maternal home with her four children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha. This imagery gives Durga Puja a unique emotional dimension, where the divine is celebrated as both protector and beloved daughter.

Historical Evolution of Durga Puja in Bengal Early Origins

The first recorded Durga Puja in Bengal dates back to the 16th century, though it was mostly a private, aristocratic event. Wealthy zamindars (landlords) organized the puja in their palaces to display devotion as well as social prestige.

Rise of Community Pujas

By the late 18th and 19th centuries, Durga Puja spread from aristocratic families to the wider community. The first Baroari Puja (public puja) was organized in 1790 in Guptipara, Hooghly, where local people contributed collectively. From here, the tradition of Sarbojanin Pujas (community pujas) took root, making the festival accessible to all.

Durga Puja in Colonial Kolkata

During the British era, Durga Puja also became a site of social gatherings and cultural expression. It was here that Bengal’s elite showcased their wealth, invited British officials, and hosted musical performances. Gradually, the religious festival also became intertwined with Bengal’s cultural renaissance and nationalist spirit, especially in the late 19th century when icons like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Swami Vivekananda emphasized Durga as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle.

Rituals and Religious Practices

Durga Puja spans ten days, but the main festivities are observed from Shashthi (6th day) to Dashami (10th day). Each day holds special significance:

1. Mahalaya – Marks the beginning of Devipaksha (fortnight of the goddess). Early morning recitations of Mahishasura Mardini on the radio are a tradition across Bengal.
2. Shashthi – Unveiling of the idol’s face, known as Bodhon, signifying Durga’s arrival.
3. Saptami – Invocation of the goddess through rituals like Nabapatrika snan (bathing nine sacred plants representing Durga’s forms).
4. Ashtami – The most important day, marked by Anjali (offering of flowers), Kumari Puja (worship of a young girl as the goddess), and the traditional Dhak drumming. Devotees also observe the Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.
5. Navami – Grand aarti and bhog distribution.
6. Dashami (Vijaya Dashami) – The emotional farewell, when women perform Sindoor Khela (smearing vermilion on each other) before immersion (Visarjan) of the idols in rivers or ponds.

These rituals blend spirituality, artistry, and community participation, making the festival a deeply immersive experience.

Art and Aesthetics: Pandals and Idols

One of the most spectacular aspects of Durga Puja is the pandal culture. Pandals are temporary, elaborately designed structures housing the goddess’s idol.

• Traditional Pandals depict temples, mythological settings, or rural Bengal.
• Theme-based Pandals showcase creativity by drawing inspiration from global art, social issues, folk traditions, or famous landmarks. For instance, some pandals recreate the Ajanta caves, while others highlight themes like women empowerment or climate change.

The idols (murti) themselves are masterpieces. Traditionally, idols are crafted in Kumartuli, Kolkata’s potters’ quarter, where artisans follow age-old techniques using clay from the Ganga. Idols may be traditional, depicting Durga in her warrior form, or experimental, reflecting modern artistic styles.

Cultural Significance

Durga Puja is far more than a religious festival—it is the cultural heart of Bengal.

• Music and Dance: Dhak drummers, conch blowing, folk performances, and cultural programs dominate the evenings.
• Cuisine: Food stalls offering Bengali delicacies like khichuri, bhog, shorshe ilish, rosogolla, and mishti doi attract thousands.
• Fashion: New clothes, sarees, and ethnic wear are integral, making Puja a fashion season.
• Literature and Art: Poets, writers, and artists often use the festival as inspiration.

Durga Puja also represents community inclusiveness—irrespective of caste, religion, or class, everyone comes together to celebrate.

Economic Impact

Durga Puja is one of the largest economic drivers in West Bengal. According to estimates, the festival contributes thousands of crores to the state’s economy annually.

• Artisans: Idol makers, pandal decorators, and light designers earn their livelihood.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, and transport services witness massive demand.
• Retail: From clothing to electronics, businesses see record sales during Puja shopping.
• Employment: Lakhs of temporary jobs are created in event management, security, catering, and marketing.

The economic ecosystem of Durga Puja makes it both a religious and commercial festival.

Durga Puja in Kolkata: The Global Face

Kolkata is the epicenter of Durga Puja, often described as the world’s biggest street festival. With more than 3,000 community pujas across the city, it turns into a carnival of lights, art, and joy.

Some famous pujas include:

• Bagbazar Puja – One of the oldest, with traditional charm.
• Kumartuli Park Puja – Known for showcasing artistic idols.
• College Square Puja – Celebrated near the water, with breathtaking reflections.
• Sovabazar Rajbari Puja – An aristocratic family puja with history.
• Santosh Mitra Square and Suruchi Sangha – Famous for innovative pandal themes.

Kolkata also hosts Durga Puja Carnivals, where award-winning pandals and idols are paraded, attracting tourists from across the globe.

Globalization of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is no longer limited to Bengal. With the Bengali diaspora, the festival is celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and abroad in London, New York, Toronto, and Singapore. These celebrations may lack the scale of Kolkata’s pandals, but they carry the same spirit of devotion and nostalgia.

Social and Environmental Dimensions

In recent years, Durga Puja has adapted to modern concerns:

• Eco-friendly Idols: Many organizers now avoid chemical paints and use biodegradable materials.
• Social Awareness: Pandals often highlight issues like climate change, women’s rights, and child education.
• Inclusivity: Community pujas increasingly involve people from diverse religions and backgrounds, strengthening social harmony.

Durga Puja in West Bengal is not just a festival; it is a living tradition of art, devotion, and collective identity. It brings together history, mythology, culture, and economy into one grand celebration. For five days, time seems to stop in Bengal—streets overflow with people, drums echo in the night, lights dazzle every corner, and the goddess reigns supreme in the hearts of millions.

The essence of Durga Puja lies not only in worshipping the goddess but also in celebrating togetherness, creativity, and resilience. It is a festival where the divine meets the human, where tradition embraces modernity, and where Bengal finds its greatest expression of joy.