Durga Puja is more than a festival—it is a heartbeat, an emotion, and a journey that lives within every Bengali soul. It is a time when nostalgia walks hand in hand with tradition, and when every lane, every rhythm of the dhaak, and every wisp of autumn air whispers, “Ma is coming home.”

Long before the five days of festivities arrive, the season announces itself. The skies soften, the air turns crisp, and the fields sway with kaash flowers. A familiar thrill takes hold of the heart, for Durga Puja is not just about worship—it is about art, culture, food, and, above all, the joy of togetherness.

The Anticipation Begins in Kumartuli

The Puja journey starts months earlier in Kolkata’s famed Kumartuli. Here, artisans—custodians of centuries-old tradition—shape clay into life. From raw earth emerge the graceful forms of Durga and her children: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha. These idols are not just sculptures; they are the very soul of the celebration.

The pandals themselves are no less than masterpieces, each one a fusion of the old and the new. From historical recreations to bold social commentaries, from eco-conscious designs to futuristic aesthetics, these pandals tell stories—stories of Bengal’s rich heritage, its pressing issues, and its unyielding spirit. Visiting each pandal becomes a journey of its own, as you marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship that go into their making.

The Dawn of Mahalaya

For Bengalis, the real beginning is Mahalaya. As dawn breaks, radios carry the deep, immortal voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting Mahishasura Mardini. No matter where one is—in Kolkata, Delhi, or across oceans—this ritual stirs the same emotion. Mahalaya is not just a date; it is a call from the universe, reminding us that the Goddess is on her way.

Mahalaya is not just a moment on the calendar; it’s a ritual that prepares every soul for the arrival of the divine. It is the gentle whisper of the autumn air telling us, “It’s time, Ma Durga is coming.”

The Five Days of Glory

Sashthi, the first day of Durga Puja, marks the moment when the idols are unveiled to the public. The city of Kolkata transforms into a vibrant canvas of lights and colours. The air is alive with energy as the streets are adorned with flickering lamps, and the bustling crowds make their way to the pandals.

The next four days—Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami—are a whirlwind of devotion, celebrations, and cultural extravaganza. The mornings begin with the fragrant smoke of incense, as devotees gather for the ritual of pushpanjali—offering flowers and prayers to the Goddess.

Sandhi Puja marks a moment of heightened spirituality, as the beats of dhaak and the flames of dhunuchi fill the night with an energy that feels otherworldly. The Kumari Puja, where young girls are revered as living embodiments of the Goddess, reaffirms the power of the feminine divine.

The evenings are filled with cultural programs—musical performances, dance dramas, and plays—showcasing Bengal’s rich artistic heritage. The rhythm of dhaak and the chant of mantras blend into a symphony of spirituality, filling the air with a divine energy that seems to transcend time and space.

The Food, The Flavours, The Feasts

No Puja memory is complete without food. For Bengalis, the festival would be incomplete without its culinary indulgences. The community feasts, known as ‘bhog,’ are a sacred tradition. A plate of khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), labra (a mixed vegetable dish), chutney, and payesh (rice pudding) is served to devotees as a symbol of gratitude and divine blessings.

On the streets, stalls overflow with mouthwatering delicacies like phuchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and chop-cutlets. Sweet shops proudly display stacks of sandesh, rosogolla, and chomchom—each bite a taste of heaven. For many, a Puja evening is incomplete without sitting down at an old-school eatery, savouring the warmth of a plate of mutton kosha (spicy mutton curry) with luchi (deep-fried bread).

The Bittersweet Farewell: Sindur Khela & Immersion

As Dashami—the final day of the festival—arrives, there is a bittersweet feeling in the air. The city is filled with a mix of joy and sorrow as devotees prepare to bid farewell to the Goddess. Women gather for Sindur Khela, an intimate celebration where vermilion (sindur) is smeared on each other’s faces, marking the bonds of womanhood and marriage. The joyful laughter and warm embraces are a reminder of the strong ties that bind us, even as the Goddess prepares to leave.

The immersion procession is a sight to behold. Accompanied by music, dance, and cheers, the idols are taken for bisorjan (immersion), signalling the Goddess’s return to her celestial abode. The streets echo with the chant, “Asche bochor abar hobe” (Next year, it will happen again), a promise that the celebration of Ma Durga will return, bringing with it new joy and hope.

Beyond Borders, Beyond Time

Durga Puja is not just an annual event—it is an emotion etched into the heart of every Bengali. It is a celebration of strength, devotion, artistry, and unity. Whether one is in Kolkata, Delhi, New York, or Sydney, the spirit of Durga Puja binds us together, transcending borders, generations, and time.

It is a time when we embrace our roots, share in the collective pride of our culture, and celebrate the divine feminine in all her glory. As the festivities draw to a close and the streets return to their quiet rhythm, every Bengali heart swells with pride, eyes well up with nostalgia, and every soul whispers in unison—“Dugga Dugga! Until next year, Ma Durga, we wait for you again.”

Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is a living, breathing experience that continues to shape the identity of Bengalis around the world—a celebration of life, love, and the eternal bond between the divine and the human.