Ican still clearly recall how excited we were to finish the half-yearly exams. We were still buried in books, but the city outside was already bustling with preparations—pandals forming, hoardings rising. We would then rush home with excitement in our hearts as soon as the
It is often believed that when we dance or sing in front of God, our devotion directly connects to them. And dhunuchi nach is such an offering to Goddess Durga. It is a spiritual dance form and one of those timeless traditions that captures the spirit of
Ride the ferry or the bus, eat food, and experience the magnificence of the grand celebrations of Bengal
According to mythology, during the war between Rama and Ravana, Goddess Durga was invoked through the ritual of Akalbodhan (untimely worship). When the Goddess did not appear to be satisfied, Vibhishana advised Rama that she must be worshipped with 108 blue lotuses. Rama agreed and
Representative image (Naskari Durga Pujo) Almost every Bonedi Durga Puja in Bengal has unique stories about how it started in the first place. Hereby GB brings to you the 480-year-old Naskari Durga Puja, an unusual tantric Durga puja held on the Bangladesh border. It is said Ma Durga appeared in
The word ‘Rakhi’ today will invoke the sentiments of bondage between brother and sister. But the significance of this simple thread can go beyond just a bond of love and friendship. It was used once upon a time by none other than visionary poet Rabindranath
“Ashwiner sharodo prate beje utheche aloko manjira”, all Bangalies are very close to this verse, where they find emotion and the traditional taste of the grand Durga Puja. Mahalaya brings alive the epic story of Mahishasur Mardini, depicting the victory of the Goddess over the
It is that sacred time of year when Lord Jagannath, the beloved deity of Puri, leaves his sanctum and embarks on his annual journey to his aunt’s abode. Accompanied by his divine siblings—Subhadra and Balabhadra—he ascends his grand chariot, greeted by oceans of devotees who pull
Moichara, aka cattle race festival, is held in Herobhanga village Moichara is a festival, each year the village of Herobhanga (near Canning railway station) in West Bengal organizes. Moichara is a cattle race festival, marking the arrival of monsoon. It is usually celebrated to make everyone
If you happen to visit Bengal in the last month of the Bengali calendar you will often see Gajon Sanyasis begging from door to door, asking for alms and food-grains. Clad in a simple robe and some with body adorned in ash, while some having faces covered