In the villages and towns of Bengal, before the cinemas and the television screens, there had always been a remarkable tradition called Jatra. People from the neighbouring villages would come and gather in the open air to see a two-or-three hour live event. Jatra is a
Kolkata, the City of Joy is renowned for its lively roads, ancient structures, tram lines and crowded bazars. A stroll down its by-lanes would expose one to an energetic mesh of tradition and contemporary life. One of the unique features of the city has always been
Bengal has a rich history from ancient to modern India. Among all the historic eras, the British Raj remains in the spotlight. The tales of the Lascars, however, trace their roots to the pre-British era, emerging a century or more before colonial rule truly took hold. From the 17th
“If you offer sweets at Zahra Pal’s Durga Puja, your son-in-law will come home” – such is the local belief in Nandakishoreganj, under the Majhiyali Gram Panchayat in Uttar Dinajpur district. Exactly eight days after Devi Paksha, a one-day Durga Puja (Zahra Mela) is held in
Can you believe it? Kolkata’s bus service is almost two hundred years old! Just like trams, the look and infrastructure of buses in the city have gone through many changes over time. Naturally, alongside trams, buses too have become an inseparable part of Bengali nostalgia. Keeping that
Bhai Phonta, also referred to as Bhai Dooj in other areas of India, is one of the most sentimental festivals of Bengal. It honors the genuine connection that exists between brothers and sisters, a connection based on love, laughter, concern, and, of course, a plethora
Owning a garden house by the Ganges had become a “trend” among the affluent classes of the 19th and 20th centuries. One such house was Peneti’s Gobinda Home or Gobinda Kumar Home. Initially established as a leisure retreat, this house has, over time, transcended its
Kali — the name reflects the strength of the divine power. Her dark and fierce presence embodies the utmost divinity and devotion. Every idol of Kali is either Black, Grey, or Blue (Shyama Kali). However, very few people know about Shwet Kali or White Kali. This
Bengal’s spiritual history has always been marked by a powerful feminine current—a culture where the Divine Mother is both feared and adored. Kali Puja is celebrated on the new moon night of Dipanita Amavasya in Kartik (October–November). Kali Puja symbolizes both the worship of destruction and the understanding
Her hair is messy in the wind, her tongue is ready, and her eyes sparkle with enough energy to set the world on fire. This woman is Maa Kali — fierce, unapologetic, wild, and powerful. For centuries, Maa Kali has commanded both worship and fear, a goddess who won't