Is this the first time you'll be celebrating Durga Puja in Kolkata? Then you've come to the right place. The festival which is all about worshipping Maa Durga is the perfect time to do some pandal hopping, relish on sweet Bengali treats as well as dance the night away in dandiya style. But there are way more activities you can do. Read on to find out the things you can do this pujo in Kolkata.
An Authentic Bengali Guide for Your First Durga Puja
Collect The Pujo Barshikis
As a lover of art, literature, and culture and as a Bengali, my family to this day collects the Pujo barshikis—the yearly special publications published by Bengal's major media houses. Ananda Bazar Patrika by the ABP Group is the most popular one. Keep an eye out for the special edition of Desh, which is a magazine filled with poetry, fiction, and some outstanding work by both established and up-and-coming artists. That’s not all—if you’re looking for stories around mystery, puzzles, and really creative cartoons by regional artists, Anandamela magazine is where you will find it. This one’s a children’s favourite!
LBB Pro tip: You can purchase them from Oxford Bookshop, Ananda Bookshop on Rashbehari Avenue, or any of the major newsstands located on Park Street, Lake Market, Starmark in South City Mall, etc.
Take A Walk Along Patuapara
Most of you must be aware of Kumortuli, but there's a lesser-known walk located near Kalighat. As the name suggests, 'Patuapara' refers to both places and is home to the artisan community in Kolkata. If you're a part of the younger generation, then you can simply explore the gullys and alleys, while taking Insta-worthy images in your puja attire. Fun fact: The idols made here are also sent across India and abroad.
Attractions: Since it is in Kalighat, don’t forget to visit the Kalighat Kali Mandir.
LBB Pro tip: You can take an auto or just walk to Oudh 1590 for some authentic Awadh cuisine.
Mahalaya
Pujo must be kicked with Mahalaya. Bengalis get up at the crack of dawn every year, six days before Shashti (the sixth day), to hear the renowned writer, actor, theatre director, and broadcaster Birendra Krishna Bhadra perform the uplifting, two-hour Mahisasuramardini programme in Sanskrit. Celebrated since 1931 on All India Radio, this classic Bengali radio show tells the story of Durga's descent to Earth. There are several TV series that you can watch during the day and during the full ten days of Puja, even if you're not an early riser.
LBB Pro tip: Pour yourself a steaming cup of milk tea or black tea, nibble on a Marie biscuit, and simply listen to the Goddess awaken.Pandal Hopping Is A Must
During Navratri, the entire city of Kolkata comes alive with Durga Puja pandals in every corner. You can go pandal hopping from one to another with your best friends and family. Enjoy the live music and vibrant cuisine that complements these puja pandals harmoniously.
Attractions: Do not miss out on Ekdalia Evergreen for its lighting, Maddox Square for the intellectual crowd, and Bengali band performances.
LBB Pro tip: You can click iconic Pinterest-worthy photos while you’re at Maddox. Also try the food stalls there.
The Shasti and Ashtami Dress Code
The sixth day of Durga Puja is called Shashtii. Also referred to as the day of Bodhon—this event commemorates the process of giving Goddess Durga's clay idol life. Astradan, the ritual of bestowing the ten weapons on the goddess, is also a part of the puja. Everyone dresses in their newest outfits on this particular day. Oh, and you have to wear it—you don't want FOMO! This is the exciting part! Subsequently, on Ashtami, the eighth day, we don not only white dhotis and laal par sada saris, but also the finest panjabis to present Pushpanjali.
LBB Pro tip: If you want to offer your prayers on Ashtami, Anjali starts at 6:00 AM and ends at 9:00 AM.
Pujo Bhog and Khabar-Dabar
Gather the pujo coupons from your individual pujo clubs first, then bide your time till you receive the pujo's bhog on Ashtami. Without a doubt, it's the ultimate blessing! Which items are included in Ashtami's bhog? Khichuri, Labra, payesh, and chutney (Khichdi, mix vegetables, Bengali kheer). I forgot to mention that since it's entirely pure vegetarian, it's produced without onions or garlic. It is made with clarified butter or ghee, which you can taste as you take a bite.
LBB Pro tip: You can also relish the famous rolls, fish fry, puchka, chaat, and biryani.
Dhunuchi Naach
The Dhunuchi dance is devoted to Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Goddess Durga channeled energy within herself while dancing with Dhunuchi. It is precisely for this reason that the Dhunuchi dance is still held on the evening of Maha Navami. It symbolises total submission to the Goddess. And you can perform a Dhunuchi naach with your loved ones!
LBB Pro tip: Don’t forget to catch Sondhi Pujo at exactly 6:00 PM on October 12. This marks the sandhikhon (the 24 minutes at the end of Ashtami and the beginning of Navami) when Maa Durga defeated Mahisasura.
Bhashan Naach And Sindur Khela
Doshomi is a high-energy celebration featuring sindoor khela, dhunuchi naach, and bhashan dance. In our community, we observe the same rituals and customs, which often lead to friendly competitions over which dhaaki is better and which group can dance with more intensity. Everyone discreetly or publicly sheds a tear when the idol is finally immersed in the sea, all with the same wish—ASHCHE BOCHOR ABAR HOBE (Bidding goodbye to Maa Durga).
