Kolkata, the capital of British India, is reputed as the City of Joy. The festivities are common here. Throughout the year, the streets of this age-old, ever-growing and continuously developing city are adorned with revelry and merriment.
The City of Joy
The secret to this joy is the people that inhabit the city. The people are not divided by the imaginary boundaries of race, religion, or caste but instead, are united by the festivals commemorated by the different communities. Yet, Kolkata is not about tolerance, it is about inclusivity, respect for all cultures, and embracing the competition in celebration.
Celebrations of Durga Pujo
The most coveted festival celebrated in Calcutta is Durga Pujo, by a mile. It is a Hindu festival, primarily celebrated by the Bengalis. Spanning over a period of four days, Durga Pujo keeps the city and it’s people awake in the month of October.
The idea behind the celebration of Durga Pujo is two-fold. It varies from community to community. Some see it as the celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga over the Demon King Mahishashura, while some others believe it to be the homecoming of Goddess Parvati, to Kailasha with her entire family.
Either way, Durga Pujo embodies the spirit of joy, showcases the triumph of righteousness over evil and gives not only Kolkata but all those involved in this festivity, an excuse to take extended vacations and exceed their budgets while shopping.
From MahaSaptami to Vijaya Dashami
Although, traditionally the Pujo is supposed to span over four days, from the ‘MahaSaptami’ to ‘Vijaya Dashami’, the preparations for Durga Pujo start months in advance and are as lively as the four days of Pujo itself, if not more. It is customary for most of the celebrations in Kolkata, to be based on a particular theme. Ranging from the adverse effects of Global Warming, spanning over under-represented but immensely vital social issues like violence against women and children, various themes are employed.
The Themes of the Durga Pujo
The organizing committees make it a point to use the platform bestowed upon them, by virtue of this festival, to spread awareness about issues and causes that concern the world at large. There are plenty of Pujos, on the other hand, that adopt themes of universal joy and happiness, like the seven wonders of the world, popular tourist spots or even iconic movies. Amidst huge pandals designed on a plethora of themes, the statue of Goddess Durga, slaying the Demon King Mahishashura, surrounded by all her children and their ‘Vahanas’, stands tall and upright giving the theme a meaning.
In the four fantastically frantic days, streets and households alike are lit up with lights. People go out from dusk to dawn, donning new outfits purchased amidst the rush and excitement of the onset of the festival. Friends parted by work meet, families parted by distance re-unite and the city as a whole breathes together.
The heart-beat of Kolkata is the strongest in these four days and every soul breathes a similar rhythm of tumultuous joy. From the beginning of Mahashaptami to the end of MahaNavami, no street is deserted, no lane is desolate. Every nook and cranny of the city is filled with the livelihood brought on by upbeat music, cackles of laughter and the cadence of conversations.
The Visarjan
The night of Mahanavami comes with a frown, as it marks the last day of Pujo, for the Goddess will leave on Vijaya Dashami, the day of the ‘Visarjan’ or the immersion of the idol in the Ganges. Yet, with a heavy heart, Calcutta proceeds through Dashami, dancing, singing and exchanging hugs of gratitude among friends, family and even strangers. The chants of ‘Ashche bochor abar hobe!’ which roughly translates to ‘Come next year, we’ll celebrate again!’, is heard on every tongue and uttered by every soul in the city.
For the sorrow of departure, signifies the coming of change, yet the citizens of Kolkata move on in peace and with greater expectations for the coming year.