Durga puja

Durga Puja, also called Durgotsava or Sharodotsav, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian subcontinent. It honors the Hindu goddess Durga for her victory over Mahishasura. This festival is widely observed by Hindus worldwide, but it’s most famous in Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It’s also celebrated in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In Nepal, it’s known as “Dashain.” Durga Puja happens in the Indian month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September-October in our calendar. The festival spans ten days, with the last five being the most important. People perform the puja (ritual) at home and in public spaces, where temporary stages and decorative structures, called pandals, are set up.

During this festival, you’ll find scripture readings, artistic performances, joyous gatherings, gift-giving, family visits, feasts, and public processions called Melā. This festival is particularly significant in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.

Notably, Durga Puja in Kolkata was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2021.