DURGA PUJA IN KOLKATA: A CULTURAL DIASPORA OF CELEBRATION

Abstract

Kolkata is one of the most popular cities in the world when it comes to celebrating life. And Durga Puja is not just the emotion of the Bengali community; rather it is a larger than life experience for whoever attends it. UNESCO has also accredited Kolkata Durga Puja as the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Community’. In this paper, I have tried to cover some of the aspects of Durga Puja. First a brief introduction has been given on Durga Puja in Kolkata followed by the basic and detailed identification and description of the Goddess and the process, mentioning the intrinsic repertoires for the celebration. In the further sections I have tried to mention some explanations of certain ceremonial rituals performed on different days of the festival. A brief discussion on the changing pattern of the celebration is also added with a chronology of recorded Durga Puja events. Furthermore there is also a section about the latest attraction of the festival- the Carnival. In my paper, I have also mentioned about the local artisans who are behind every aspect of this festive season. Lastly, I have concluded by mentioning how this festival is no less than a cultural confluence of every community.