When the whole world is advancing with science and technology, some sections of North Bengal still preserve their ancient cultural practices. Hudum Deo Puja and Hudum Dance are among the most notable traditional rituals and indigenous art forms practiced by the Rajbangshi community, which is rooted in North
The Jagadhatri Puja has begun — a festival whose history is deeply intertwined with the name of Chandannagar. Last year, during an adda at Maya Art Space, three residents of Chandannagar gathered — Dr. Bishwanath Bandopadhyay, former professor and writer; Debashis Mukhopadhyay (Demu), retired journalist and historian; and
When we think of Jagadhatri Puja today, the glamorous celebration of Chandannagar often comes first to mind with towering idols and spectacular light displays drawing visitors from across Bengal. But far older, quieter, and steeped in royal history is the Jagadhatri Puja of Krishnanagar Rajbari
“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
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
In Kolkata, Durga Puja is much more than a festival, it is an emotion that engulfs the city in joy, light and devotion. The bonedi bari pujas are the type of pujas hosted by rich, old families and are a testament to our history, culture, and tradition - in a
“Dhak” is not just an instrument but the heartbeat of the celebration of Bengal’s Durga Puja. From the beginning to the moment of immersion, this rhythmic sound keeps the whole state alive, regardless of every person. But have you ever thought why the sound of the
Last year's Dashami, Ananya Chatterjee, a 75 years old lady from North Kolkata, stood at the door of her house with a box of sweets, expecting her grandchildren to dart into her home, as they used to, laughing and chattering. But, this year, there were no
For Bengalis, Durga Puja is the greatest festival of all. We spend the entire year waiting eagerly for these five days. Boss’s scoldings, pending EMIs, even the upcoming board exams—everything feels tolerable only because of Puja. In the nineteenth century, Hutom in his sketches wrote: “Gradually, the days of
How about one of the largest festivals of Bengalis being used as a Swadeshi platform against the British. Though Durga Puja is held with great fanfare in Bengal over decades with competitions and various artistic nuances displayed along the streets of Kolkata and districts, before Independence, Durga Puja was