An Adivasi priest sits in front of Durga and her children, intoning mantras in a language that not many among us will understand. Because the mantras are in Santhali, not Sanskrit, and this Puja isn't just another ritual, it is a revolutionary expression of a
When a religious festival goes beyond the concept of idolatry, then it is the rustic touch of Mother Earth that weaves a connect through the extravagance of celebrations. Every part of Durga Puja had for ages celebrated that distinct call of the soil, the essence
We talk of Terracotta Temples of Bengal, but hardly ever speak of the Terracotta Mosques, the hidden architectural treasure of Bengal. Bengal as the land of amalgamation of art and religion, found patrons even among the Muslim rulers who used the fine Terracotta work of
Indranil Halder is an entrepreneur living in Australia who is enthusiastic about preserving the heritage of Bengal Just 30 km North of Kolkata across the Hooghly river, lies the Danish town of Serampore. This multicultural town has deep roots in Danish, British and Bengali history. Serampore
A global musical phenomenon is ringing through the corridors of a well-known Kolkata school. The Music Department of Don Bosco has engineered launch of a project where artists from across the globe come together to spread the message of love, hope and unity. Named as
Durga Puja in Bengal is not just a joyous festival but an annual religious carnival that is celebrated with grandeur everywhere. However, the fear of spread of the pandemic has thrown a major challenge to the Puja organizers this year and a cloud of uncertainty
Durga Puja, the grandest festivals of all in Bengal, is just round the corner. Every Bengali soul waits for the festival with bated breath throughout the year -- be it the joy of shopping for new clothes, gorging over delicious food or celebrating in full
‘A hundred yards of it can pass through the eye of the needle, so fine is its texture, and yet the point of the steel needle can’t pierce through it easily. It is so transparent and light that it looks as if one is in
The vast expanse of a blue sky in the horizon, kissing the sandy shores, or cotton-white clouds floating in the backdrop of kaash phool ---- any picturesque unveiling of nature is never complete without a background symphony. Blue sky to brown shores, or clouds to
Author, columnist and food critic Vir Sanghvi recently wrote, “…..Almost anything of consequence that has happened to Indian food in this century has owned its inspiration to the flavours of the street.” Kolkata boasts an eclectic array of dishes to suit every pocket and every