Durga Puja 2021 :Durga Puja is the main festival in the state of Kolkata.However it is also celebrated in other states also like Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand.
It is also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav.This festival is an annual 5 days celebration in which Indians pay respect to the goddess Maa Durga.
It is all about a mass gathering, when the BONGS from different parts of the world travel to reunite with their family and friends, flaring up the joyous mood.
Such is the excitement that weeks ahead of the goddess’s arrival, people start to plan what to wear, what to eat, and which pandal to visit.
In this article, I will tell you about the Popular Pandals to Visit during Durga Puja 2021 in Kolkata.
As I mentioned, Durga Puja is famous in Kolkata in comparison to other states.
So the celebration of Durga Puja in Kolkata is magnificent in comparison to other states
Firstly I would like to tell you The Auspicious Day, Time and History of Durga Puja.
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Durga Puja 2021 :Auspicious Day Starting and Ending
This year Durga Puja began from Monday, October 11 (Maha Shasthi) and will end on Friday, October 15.
Durga Puja 2021 Dates
Mahalaya: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Maha Shasthi: Monday, October 11, 2021
Maha Saptami: Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Durga Ashtami: Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Maha Navami: Thursday, October 14, 2021
Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra): Friday, October 15, 2021
History and Celebration of Durga Puja
According to Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura had received an insurmountable boon from Lord Brahma, which meant that no man or god could kill him. Mahishasura attacked the devtas and chased them out of heaven after receiving the blessing.
To fight off the demon king, all the gods came together to worship Adi Shakti. The divine light that came out of all the devtas during the puja created Maa Durga.
The fight between Maa Durga and Mahishasura lasted for ten days. Goddess Durga slayed the demon king on the tenth day, and hence the day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
On the last day, devotees immerse Goddess Durga’s idol in the holy water of the river Ganges. It is known as Durga Visarjan. Before the immersion, worshippers carry out processions accompanied by the beating of drums, singing and dancing.
Popular 7 Pandals to Visit during Durga Puja in Kolkata
Here are these 7 Popular Pandals about which all of you are also eagerly waiting to read about it.
- Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Pandal
This pandal must be included in your list because Deshapriya park puja every year is in the news for its grand, unique themes.
Its 88-feet Durga idol went on to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records by being the largest idol in the world in 2015.
It is one of the most hyped Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata.
- Bosepukur Sitala Mandir
Winner of multiple awards every year, this pandal surpasses its grand scale of decor, lighting, theme and sets a new bar of creativity with each passing year.
- Ballygunge Cultural Association
One of the most popular pandals to spot Tollywood celebrities, this location is a South Kolkata favourite. It follows a traditional format of Durga puja and will celebrate its 71st year of puja celebration.
- Kumartuli Durga Puja
This is one of the most popular pandals in North Kolkata. It is a huge crowd puller. Kumartuli is the place which is known to be the hub of idol-makers.
- Santosh Mitra Square
Popular for its unique pandal themes for the past 86 years, this place is a terrific attraction for the pandal hoppers.
Last year it was a Badrinath temple themed pandal and had a 12-foot tall Durga idol.
- Tridhara Sammilani Puja Pandal
Started in 1947, this is yet another popular Durga puja pandal that witnesses massive euphoria surrounding its pandal theme and idol every year.
- Badamtala Ashar Sangha Puja Pandal
A pandal that you must not miss is this 75-year old Puja. It won a creative excellence award by Asian Paints in 2010; and continues to mesmerize visitors with its magnificent decor.