Santosh Mitra Square 2026 pandal theme: Vande Mataram 

Located in Bowbazar near Dum Dum and Shealdah, Santosh Mitra Square is a must visit on Kolkata’s Durga Puja 2026 pandals list. Also known as Lebutala Park, Santosh Mitra Square’s Durga puja theme is Vande Mataram. The colossal pandal brings to live some of the bloodiest events and a few watershed moments in India’s freedom movement history, including the hanging of Khudiram Basu, and the 1947 partition. The outside of the Santosh Mitra Square Durga puja pandal features a giant map of Bharat.

How to reach: Santosh Mitra Square is within walking distance from Central Metro Station, Mahatma Gandhi Station, and Shealdah Railway Station.

Sreebhumi Durga Puja 2026 pandal: Hawa Mahal 

Among the top 10 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata 2026, Sreebhumi Sporting Club is equal to a tourist attraction this time of the year. Located in Lake Town on VIP Road, Sreebhumi Durga puja theme 2026 is Hawa Mahal, an iconic monument in Jaipur, the Pink City. A larger-than-life replica of Hawa Mahal stands tall with honeycomb-style façade and jharoka windows, at Sreebhumi. This north Kolkata puja committee is known for award-winning pandals and themes, like Chittorgarh Fort, Burj Khalifa, Disneyland, and Bahubali’s Mahishmati kingdom.

How to reach: Sreebhumi Sporting Club is a short walk from Ultadanga and Lake Town Big Ben. Autorickshaws are available from Belgachia Metra Station, and Bidhannagar Road Railway Station.

Alipore Sarbojanin Durga Puja theme: Ramayana

In South Kolkata, the Alipore Sarbojanin puja pandal has recreated the Ramayana through artistic installations, paper craft, and folk-dance performances. Located near Alipore Jail Museum in Chetla, this Durga puja pandal is a must visit in 2026. The pandal is already open to the public. The Ramayana theme marks the 81^st celebration of Alipore Sarbojanin Durgotsav in 2026.

How to reach: It is a 15-minute walk from the Exit Gate 9 at Kalighat Metro Station. You can take an autorickshaw too.

Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja pandal: Somnath Temple

Among the oldest Durga puja celebrations in South Kolkata, Ekdalia Evergreen Club’s pandal theme 2026 is Gujarat’s Somnath Temple. Grand idols of Maa Durga, spectacular light displays, and delicate pandal décor make Ekdalia Evergreen Club one of the best Durga Puja 2026 pandals to visit in the City of Joy.

Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha Durga Puja 2026

Pandal hoppers who visit Sreebhumi Sporting Club don’t miss out on Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha in North Kolkata. Beniya Kotha or Bengal’s tale of merchants is the pandal theme of Tarun Sangha Durga Puja, Dum Dum in 2026. Their pandal structure is modelled on an ancient merchant ship docked on a simulated waterbody. It transports visitors to Bengal’s prosperous maritime era. The pandal is adorned with terracotta motifs, both outside and inside, featuring various maritime elements that quietly narrate the forgotten legends of Bengal’s merchant voyages.

How to reach: Dum Dum Park is easily accessible from VIP Road and Jessore Road. Autorickshaws and buses are available from Belgachia Metro Station and Dum Dum Metro Station.

Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Located in South Kolkata’s posh neighborhood of New Alipore, Suruchi Sangha’s 2026 Durga Puja theme draws upon the life and legacy of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee who needs no introduction. The pandal of bamboo and straw doubles up as a canvas portraying significant events in Dr Mookerjee’s life, from his early years to his political career. The simplicity of Suruchi Sangha’s Durga Puja pandal evokes the bliss of Bengal’s rural landscape.

Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja 2026: South Indian Temple

On Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandal list 2026, Mohammad Ali Park pujo is known for grand themes, giant pandals, great decoration, and glittering light work. In 2026, their theme is South Indian temple architecture. At Mohammad Ali Park, the pandal has recreated the look and feel of Chola-era south Indian temples. Their previous pandal themes include the White House of USA in 2024, and the Sheesh Mahal of Rajasthan in 2022.

How to reach: Located in Centra Kolkata, Mohammad Ali Park is within 1km from Mahatma Gandhi Metro Station.

College Square Durga Puja theme 2026: Jaipur Elbert Museum 

Jaipur’s Albert Hall Museum and its illuminated beauty in the night is the theme of College Square Durga Puja pandal in 2026. Rajasthan-inspired interior décor, huge chandeliers, intricate palace-like detailing, and dazzling night-time illumination make this puja pandal a must visit among the all-time popular Durga puja pandals in Kolkata City.

How to reach: College Square, opposite Calcutta University campus, is very close to Central Metro Station and Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro.

Tridhara Sammilani Durga Puja 2026 theme: Surasur  

Among the top 10 Durga Puja pandals 2026 in Kolkata, Tridhara Sammilani puja pandal features mythological battles – Ram vs Ravana, Krishna vs Kansa, Devi Durga vs Asuras through artwork, lighting, and sculptural installations. Their theme gives the message that ultimately, righteousness triumphs.

“In 2026, Tridhara Sammilani’s main attraction is a 5.5-ft sculpture of Maa Durga that is made of 13,000 recycled plastic pens. Acclaimed artist Chandra Nath Saha transformed everyday plastic waste into a piece of sacred art,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

How to reach: The Tridhara Sammilani puja venue in Kalighat is within a walking distance from Kalighat Metro Station and Jatin Das Park Metro. The nearest landmarks are Vivekananda Park and Priya Cinema.

The post Best Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata 2026: An Unforgettable Experience first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Best Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata 2026: An Unforgettable Experience appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Durga Puja is one of the globally celebrated Indian festivals. Be it California, Canberra, or Canada, Indians celebrate the homecoming of Goddess Durga and her children in so grand way as if there is no tomorrow. Especially Bengalis don’t mind borders or bounds when it comes to nourishing their cultural roots and celebrating their festive traditions this time of the year. With Bengali Indians growing in numbers, California hosts some of the best Durga Puja events in USA.

As the beats of dhak have started resonating in the air; the fragrance of Sheuli flowers has started filling the atmosphere, Indian Eagle – the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in USA – recommends the following best places for Durga Puja 2026 events in California.

Los Angeles Durga Puja: Dakshini Bengali Association, CA 

Dakshini Bengali Association, California hosts one of the biggest Durga Puja events in the Greater Los Angeles Area. A nonprofit, charitable, cultural organization, Dakshini Bengali Association has a great lineup of programs including live music, activities, and celebrations to enthrall the audience during the celebration. Among the performing artists on the guest list are Singer Mahalakhsmi Iyer and Sourav Das, who will perform on October 16. Another live performance by Ms. Jojo is scheduled on October 17.

• Dates: October 16, 17 and 18
• Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Manhattan Beach Boulevard, LA County
• Contact: Communications@dakshini.org, +1 310-344-1804

Also Read: Amazing Things to Know about Durga Puja

Bay Area Prabasi Durga Puja 2026

Bay Area Prabasi, a nonprofit Bengali Cultural Organization in Alameda County, is hosting the biggest Durga Puja celebration in North America this year as a mark of the community’s 52nd anniversary. Famed for one of the oldest and best Durga Puja events in California, Bay Area Prabasi is known for its simplicity and sophistication rather than extravagance.

On October 16, Bay Area Prabasi Durga Puja will present a live concert by celebrated artist Anjan Dutt. On October 17, you can enjoy a live performance by popular singer Monali Thakur. The Pujo weekend will also feature Jashn-e-Bollywood, a professionally choreographed Bollywood dance production, along with vibrant local cultural performances.

• Dates: October 16, 17, 18
• Venue: Santa Clara Fairgrounds, 131 Old Tully Road, San Jose CA 95111
• Contact: info@prabasi.org, 626-277-7932
• Website: Prabasi.org

BASC Durgotsav 2026, Southern California

BASC, the Bengali Association of Southern California, hosts one of the best Durga Puja celebrations in California. A nonprofit philanthropic organization in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, BASC is among the few best places to catch up with Indians and indulge in Bengali culture during Durga Puja away from home. 

On October 16, the Bengali Association of Southern California will present an unforgettable evening with Sourendro & Soumyojit, a celebrated musical duo known for their energetic performances, stunning live vocals, and soulful musical moments. On October 17, legendary Bollywood playback singer Kunal Ganjawala will bring a musical dhamaka to the stage, churning out popular songs like “Bheege Hont Tere,” “Dil Keh Raha Hai,” and “Channa Ve.”

• Dates: October 16, 17 and 18
• Venue: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), 18000 Park Plaza Dr, Cerritos, CA 90703
• Contact: info@bascweb.org, 714-342-5266, +1 626-390-1224
• Website: bascweb.org

Also Read: How Goddess Kali Came to California from Kolkata

Pashchimi Durga Puja 2026, Bay Area

Wondering where to celebrate Durga Puja in the San Francisco Bay Area? One of the most popular California Durga puja events 2026, Bay Area Pashchimi upholds the best of Bengali culture and traditions this time of the year. Founded in 2004 as a nonprofit organization, Pashchimi is known for its adherence to age-old traditions and its efforts to support the community. Through Pashchimi Giving, the organization does also support the education and well-being of girl children. The celebration will feature a variety of cultural activities.

• Dates: October 16 to 20
• Venue: Oasis Palace Restaurant, 35145 Newark Blvd, Newark
• Contact: contact@pashchimi.org, 408-883-5304
• Website: Pashchimi.org

Santa Clara WomenNow Durga Puja, Bay Area

Of Bay Area Durga Puja events 2026, WomenNow TV’s Durga Utsav in Santa Clara is a unique celebration that brings together dance, music, food, shopping, and fun. Inspired by the idea of celebrating the collective power of women in real life, WomenNow TV’s CEO Ena Sarkar and her team organize the festivity every year. The celebration offers a vibrant mix of cultural entertainment and community activities for people to enjoy during the festive season.

WomenNow TV’s Durga Puja 2026 will begin with a Dandiya Rave Navratri Party on October 16. On October 17, attendees can enjoy Desi Bling Night of music, dance, glamour, and unapologetic energy with DJ Mumbai Rani. The celebration will continue through October 18 with more entertainment, food, shopping, and fun.

• Dates: October 16, 17, and 18
• Venue: Monta Vista High School, Cupertino
• Contact: sas@womennow.tv, +1 510-364-4271

Los Angeles Durga Puja 2026: Valley Bengali Community

Valley Bengali Community’s Durga puja is another grand celebration in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Musical evenings are a highlight of the event, and 2026 marks another year of celebration. Durgotsav by the Valley Bengali Community will see soulful performances by Mekhla Dasgupta on October 16, Anindya Bose from Parash Pathar and Shahar (Bangla Band) on October 17, and Jisshu & Retrodiction on October 18. All three evenings will see the best of classic and contemporary music, with 3 days of Parar Pujo and Bangaliyana vibes, bringing back memories from Bengal.

• Dates: October 16, 17, and 18
• Venue: Canoga Park High School 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Canoga Park 91303
• Contact: vbc@valleybengali.org, 818-564-6592
• Website: Durga.valleybengali.org

SAIKAT Durga Puja 2026, San Diego

Among Southern California Durga Puja events, SAIKAT Durgotsav 2026 has a great lineup of cultural programs, including musical evenings and other performing arts. SAIKAT, the Bengali Association of San Diego, is an active philanthropic organization volunteering hours for and contributing to charities. On the occasion of Durga Puja, SAIKAT brings together the community for festive days filled with Puja, traditions, cultural programs, music, food, and togetherness.

On October 17, SAIKAT will present a Musical Evening, “Bangla, Bollywood & Beyond,” featuring Ankita Mukherjee and Arijeet Chakraborty. On October 18, Singer Mahalakshmi Iyer will perform live in concert.

• Dates: October 17 and 18
• Venue: Kearny High School, 1954 Komet Way, San Diego, CA 92111
• Contact: ec@saikat.org
• Website: Saikat.org

Also Check: What Makes Travel to Kolkata Cheaper and Better

Baybasi Durga Puja 2026, Foster City

2026 marks the 18th year of BayBasi organizing one of the best Durga Puja events in the Bay Area. Their handmade pandal set against the panoramic view of a lagoon in the backdrop is a must visit. A leading non-profit organization of Bengalis in Foster City, BayBasi has a crowd-pulling schedule of cultural programs including Beats by the Bay Dandiya Night on October 16 with Dr. Sharvari Dixit & troupe and a Laser Disco with DJ Sam. Popular singer Iman Chakraborty will perform live in concert on October 18.

• Dates: October 16, 17, and 18 
• Venue: The Vibe Teen Center, 670 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
• Contact: +1 650-489-8139 | baybasi@baybasi.us
• Website: Baybasi.us

Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple Durga Puja 2025

The Vedanta Society of Southern California organizes Durga Puja at the Santa Barbara Temple every year. Founded in 1956 and consecrated to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple deserves a mention for its absolute devotion to Goddess Durga in compliance with the rituals and traditions followed by Belur Math in Bengal. Unlike other Durga Puja events in California, the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple’s Durga Puja celebration is known for its simplicity. The serene location of the temple in a scenic mountain range overlooking the Pacific Ocean is another pull.

• Dates: September 27 to October 2
• Venue: 927 Ladera Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
• Contact: santabarbara@vedanta.org, 805 969 2903
• Website: Vedanta.org/santa-barbara-temple/

NorCal Bengali Association Prothoma Durga Puja, Bay Area

The Northern California Bengali Association of Silicon Valley is one of the best places to enjoy Durga Puja events in the SF Bay Area. More than 100 members of the community prepare the culinary offering (bhog) for Goddess Durga and her children. Various cultural performances including dhunuchi naach and Prangon dance are lined up as part of the schedule at NorCal Prothoma Durga Pujo 2025. The women members of NorCal Bengali Association will perform a Prangon dance to welcome Maa Durga.

The three-day celebration will feature Arati, Pushpanjali, free bhog prasad for all, Sindur Khela, Dhunuchi Naach and more. Popular Bollywood singer Ash King will perform live. The celebration will also feature a Bengali play directed by award-winning Indian filmmaker Suman Mukhopadhyay. Other highlights include a Laser Disco Dandiya Night featuring DJ Miśram, a Mahalaya performance, a grand musical tribute to Asha Bhosle Ji, a fashion show, and numerous shopping stalls.

• Dates: October 10, 11, and 12
• Venue: Campbell Heritage Center, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA
• Contact: +1 408-940-6846
• Website: Prothoma.org | Info.prothoma.org

California Agomoni Durga Puja 2026, San Ramon

Agomoni Durga Puja is one of the largest Durga Puja celebrations in the Bay Area, bringing together the Bengali community for a weekend of worship, culture, entertainment, food, shopping, and celebration. As Agomoni celebrates its 10th anniversary, the organization will host California’s Largest Open-Air Durga Puja in San Ramon, featuring a spectacular themed pandal, cultural programs, Pushpanjali, Arati, Sindoor Khela, an authentic food court, shopping and vendor marketplace, kids’ activities, and live performances by singers Anindya Bose and Rishi Panda.

• Dates: October 16, 17, and 18
• Venue: 2600 Camino Ramon, Parking Lot, San Ramon, CA 94583
• Website: Agomoni.org

The post California Durga Puja 2026 Events in Bay Area and Southern California: Check Dates and Venues first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post California Durga Puja 2026 Events in Bay Area and Southern California: Check Dates and Venues appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Durga Puja is one of the grandest and most-awaited Indian festivals. It is a most spectacular celebration in the Indian state of Bengal. However, the festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm wherever Bengalis are in the world. About two dozen of Durga Puja events in New Jersey and New York transform the northeast cost into a mini Bengal with cultural exuberance this time of the year. Bengali associations across New York and New Jersey started preparations months ago, so the festivity does not fall short of joy and happiness in their adopted home. They can live away from home, but can’t survive without the blessings of Maa Durga, the bliss of bhoger kichudi, the beats of dhak, and the ecstasy of dunuchi naach.

Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle, curates a list of the best places for Durga puja 2026 in New York and New Jersey.  “Elo re Dugga elo re…” 

Times Square Durga Puja 2026

After two amazing years of Durga Puja at Times Square in 2024 and 2025, the divine celebration is back this year. Usually, Times Square is a popular venue for Diwali, Yoga, and Indian Independence Day celebrations. Unlike other Durga Puja events in the USA, the 2-day Times Square Durga Puja is a free public event for all, regardless of their nationality and religion. It is organized by the Bengali Club of USA.

• Date: October 17 and 18, 2026
• Location: Between W45th and 46th Broadway, Times Square, NY 10036, USA
• Contact: contact@timessquaredurgapuja.org, +1 (914) 458-1285

Sanskriti Durga Puja 2026: Buffalo, NY

Sanskriti, a Bengali cultural association in Buffalo, is one of the best and oldest Durga Puja celebrations in New York. Founded in 1974-75, the Sanskriti Durga Puja is a cultural platform for the present generation of Bengali Diaspora in the northeast US to have a tryst with their heritage, literature, and traditions thousands of miles away from India. Sanskriti also celebrates other festivals with equal enthusiasm. They also organize Kojagori Lokkhi puja at the same venue.

• Dates: October 16 to 18
• Venue: Hindu Cultural Society, Big Temple Auditorium, 1595 N French Road, Getzville, NY 14068
• Contact: president@buffalosanskriti.org, +1 623-499-2329
• Website: Buffalosanskriti.org

New York Kali Mandir Durga Puja, Baldwin

New York Kali Mandir located close to JFK International Airport is the destination if you wish to celebrate Durga Puja in the most traditional manner. Inspired by the Dakshineswar Kali Temple of Kolkata, NYKM is home to Goddess Kali worshiped by Bengalis and other Indian communities. Founded in 2005, the temple doubles up as a community organization and helps preserve the age-old Bengali cultural traditions in New Yok Metropolitan Area. The temple has a well-stocked library for all age groups. Those interested in volunteering can serve the temple this Durga Puja.    

• Dates: October 15 to 20, 2026
• Venue: 614 Seaman Ave, Baldwin, NY, 11510
• Contact: nykmdevotee@gmail.com, +1 516-771-5254
• Website: Nykalimandir.org

Also read: Sanyal Brothers Offer Best Kolkata Street Food with Chai in New York

Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center of New York

Durga Puja at the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center of New York for the followers of the Ramakrishna order is among the best Durga puja celebrations in the Greater New York Area. Founded in 1933, the center organizes the puja to worship the Divine Mother and seek Her blessings for humankind. The chanting of sacred hymns and the singing of devotional songs in chorus are the mainstay of their celebration without pomp and in strict adherence to the principles laid out by Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Missions worldwide.     

In 2026, the center will hold two special services: Mother Worship on October 18 and a Meditation and Flower Offering Service on October 20.

• Dates: October 18 and 20, 2026
• Venue: 17 E 94th St, New York, NY 10128
• Contact: (212) 534-9445, E-mail: rvcenternewyork@gmail.com
• Website: Ramakrishna.org

East Coast Cultural Association Durga Puja, NY

The East Coast Cultural Association, one of the youngest communities in New York, has planned a spectacular Durga puja celebration this year to mark its third anniversary. Founded in 2022, the non-profit Bong organization strives to create the ambience of parar pujo in Kolkata through a grand display of traditional Bengali culture, ranging from mouthwatering dishes to live music programs, at their puja venue.

The ECCA Durga Puja 2026 schedule includes Dhurandhar-fame singer Subhadeep Das Chowdhury’s live performance on October 23, followed by Fakira Band on October 24. The celebrations will conclude on October 25 with live tasha, antakshari, and a DJ.

• Dates: October 23, 24, 25
• Venue: Gujarati Samaj Hall, 17315 Horace Harding Expy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
• Contact: eastcoastcultural@gmail.com
• Website: Eccany.com

Utsov Durga Puja 2026 in New Jersey

Utsov Inc. is known for one of the biggest Durga Puja events in New Jersey. Their celebration, both traditional and contemporary, has several ‘wow’ factors – delectable Bengali food, Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi dance, cultural programs, and art competition for kids. East Brunswick near Edison is their puja venue that turns into a Disneyland of festivities and revelry for two days.  

This year, Utsov Inc will host National Award-winning vocalist Iman Chakraborty, who will bring her acclaimed blend of Rabindra Sangeet, Bengali folk, and contemporary music to New Jersey on October 17. On October 18, Sourendro–Soumyojit, Bengal’s celebrated musical duo, will perform Rabindra Sangeet, folk traditions, and contemporary favorites. Prior registration is compulsory to enter the venue and attend the live events.

• Dates: October 17 and 18
• Contact: 201 787 6861 or 516 519 1434, utsov@utsov.org
• Venue: Jo Ann Magistro Performing Arts Center, 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 
• Website: Utsov.org

Also read: Indian Food is a Pure Bliss at This Temple Kitchen in New York

Garden State Puja Committee’s 45th Durga Puja, Jersey City

The Bengalis of Garden State Puja Committee organizes one of the oldest and biggest Durga Puja celebrations in New Jersey every year. Their 45th Jersey City Durga Puja 2026 is a 3-day celebration over Sharad Mela, cultural programs, and live musical performances. GSPC Durga Puja will begin with Sharad Mela on October 16, featuring stalls, cultural programs, and performances by USA-based local artists, like Bengali modern songs, natok, and kobita.

The festivities will continue on October 17 with Hooliganism, a Bengali band performing live and bringing its signature Bengali hooliganism vibe to the stage. On October 18, popular Bengali singer Anindya Bose will perform live in the USA for the first time.

• Dates: October 16, 17, 18
• Venue: William L. Dickinson High School, 2 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
• Contact: +1 201-463-4742 | info@gardenstatepuja.org
• Website: gspcnj.com

New Jersey Kallol Durga Puja 2026  

Among the Durga Puja celebrations in New Jersey, Kallol Durga Puja hits the headlines every year. One of the oldest Bengali organizations on the Northeast Coast, Kallol will transform Hillsborough Township into a vibrant stage of Bengali culture, devotion, food, creativity, and community over three days, from October 16 to 18.

The 2026 celebration will feature a star-studded lineup of artists and performers. Bengali playback singer Lagnajita Chakraborty will perform live, while Jisshu & The Retrodictions will make their US debut. Popular Indian singer Richa Sharma and Dipan Mitra & Band will also take the stage. Adding to the musical extravaganza, Ash King will perform live in the USA for the first time. It is a paid event, and prior registration is required.

• Dates: October 16 to 18
• Venue: Iron Peak, 137 Mountain View Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
• Contact: 732.290.5218, Website: Kallol.com

Also read: Why Bengal worships living goddesses during Durga puja

Agrani Durga Puja 2026, Plainfield NJ

Agrani Durga Puja in Plainfield near Edison is one of the top Indian events in New Jersey in October 2026. Like WomenNow TV’s Durga Puja in California, the women members of Agrani NJ organize the puja, from fabulous feasting to cultural extravaganza. Equally popular with the Bong and non-Bengalis in Central New Jersey, Agrani Durga Puja promises an exhilarating experience for music connoisseurs. This year, prominent Indian singer Usha Uthup will perform live, while Cactus Bangla Band will also take over the stage for a special concert. 

• Dates: October 10 and 11
• Venue: 730 Central St Plainfield, NJ 07062 United States
• Contact: info@agranicnj.org | 954-918-8589

Alor Benu Durga Puja in Edison, NJ 

The ‘Ekchala’ style Durga idol is the main attraction of this humble celebration by a few Bengali families in Edison, NJ. More a gharoa (homely) puja than a community celebration, Alor Benu Durga Puja brings families together for traditional rituals, devotional offerings, and cultural festivities. The 2026 celebration will feature Durga rituals, bhog meals, cultural performances, a live band, and an open stage. Visitors can also enjoy Bengali flavors at the Taste of Bengal food stall.

• Dates: October 9 to 11
• Venue: 2 Farmhaven Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820
• Contact: aamantran@aalorbenu.net, (908) 294-1954

New Jersey Ananda Mandir Durga Puja 2026

Durga Puja at Ananda Mandir in New Jersey is a traditional celebration. Hundreds of New Jersey Indians throng the shrine to immerse themselves in festive revelries for five days. NJ Ananda Mandir is one of the few Hindu temples in the USA that follows the Bengali calendar precisely for celebrating Durga Puja and other festivals. You may need to pre-register online. Upon successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email, which you can show to the volunteers at the temple complex.

• Dates: October 16 to 21
• Venue: 269 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873-5212
• Contact: (732) 873-9821 or info@anandamandir.org
• Website: Anandamandir.org

Garden State Cultural Association: Plainfield, NJ

Among the best places for Durga Puja 2026 in New Jersey, Garden State Cultural Association (GSCA) is gearing up for their 35th year of the celebration. GSCA, a nonprofit Indian American organization of Bengalis in Plainfield, leaves no stone unturned to make Durga Puja a grand get-together of not only Bengalis but also other Indian communities over delicious food, shopping, and cultural entertainment. The lineup of events include talent shows and drawing competitions.

Registration is compulsory to attend the celebration, especially cultural programs. You can register on their website given below. Singer Manasi Ghosh, winner of Indian Idol Season 15, and Bhoomi, pioneers of Bengali urban folk since 1999, are among the eminent guests this year.

• Dates: October 24 and 25
• Venue: Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, 5 Kent Lane East Windsor, NJ-08520
• Contact: (908) 367-3322 or contact@gsca.us
• Website: web.gsca.us

Also Read: Payal Saha’s Kati Roll from Kolkata Rocks in New York

Bengali Cultural Society Durga Puja: South Jersey

In New Jersey, Bengali Cultural Society’s Durga Puja celebration is a lot more than food, fun and frolic. Rather, it mirrors the rich cultural heritage of Bengal on the American soil. Founded in 1978, Bengali Cultural Society is not just one of the oldest Bengali diaspora associations but a philanthropic organization too. They publish their own magazine Sanskriti every year and run a Bengali language school for their young ones and those interested in learning the language. Each day of the puja will culminate in an authentic Bengali community dinner.

The 2026 celebration will feature food and cultural events. Singer Sispiya Banerjee and Sagnik Sen will perform on October 17, while rising singing stars Biswarup Banerjee and Prativa Dutta will perform on October 18.

• Dates: October 16, 17, 18
• Venue: Indian Cultural Center, 820 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ 08053
• Contact: info@bcssj.org, Website: Bcssj.org

New Jersey Bharat Sevashram Sangha Durga Puja

The New Jersey chapter of Bharat Sevashram Sangha celebrates Durga Puja to worship the Supreme Power of the universe. The chanting of slokas and hymns reverberates in the air of the ashram temple during Durga Puja. Devotees can soak in numinous vibes that the ambience is rife with this time of the year. Bharat Sevashram Sangha is one of the few places where all the rituals of Durga Puja are strictly followed in compliance with the scriptures. Devotees are requested to pre-register for the puja.

• Dates: October 10 and 11; October 16 to 20
• Location: 3490 Route-27 Kendral Park, New Jersey 08824
• Contact: 732 422 8880/ 347 735 2984 | devotees@sevashramsangha.org
• Website: sevashramsangha.org

Trinayani Durga Puja in Plainsboro, New Jersey

A non-profit organization established in 2022 with the aim to promote India’s rich art and culture, Trinayani is eyeing a theme-based Durga Puja celebration in a grander fashion this year. In its inaugural year (2022), Trinayani was the first and only one to have worshipped the protima (idol) made by Prabasi Bengalis among the community members. The Bong being great foodies complement their festivities with sumptuous food.

The musical acts by Chandrabindoo and Bombay Vikings, featuring Neeraj Shridhar, will make this year’s celebration memorable. Both artists will perform live. You may contact Trinayani for registrations. This is a ticketed event.

• Dates: October 17 and 18
• Venue: Community Middle School, 95 Grovers Mill Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536
• Contact: contact@trinayaninj.org  
• Website: www.trinayaninj.org

PBA Durga Puja 2026, New Jersey

Princeton Bengali Association in New Jersey will celebrate Durga Puja on October 10 and 11 in Plainsboro. Dhunuchi naach, Sindoor khela, and other traditional rituals are the hallmarks of their humble celebration. Renowned singer Rishi Panda has been invited for a musical evening at PBA Durga Puja in New Jersey. The event is free for kids (5 years and below).

• Date: October 10 and 11
• Venue: Community Middle School, Plainsboro, NJ
• Contact: pbanj.org, princetonbengalees@gmail.com

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The post New York & New Jersey Durga Puja Celebrations 2026 List: East Cost Turns into a Mini Bengal first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post New York & New Jersey Durga Puja Celebrations 2026 List: East Cost Turns into a Mini Bengal appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

No matter how familiar the beats of dhaak, the fragrance of shiuli flowers (Nyctanthes arbor–tristis), the taste of festive food, the ambience of festive evenings, the feeling of sacred flower offering, the significance of Sandhi Puja and the joy of sindur khela are to those living abroad, they strongly feel drawn to home this time of the year. They brave the odds to come home and go on a celebration spree in the neighborhoods where they have grown up. Undeniably, Durga Puja is not just an annual festival but a homecoming occasion for NRI Bengalis. So strong is their umbilical cord with the roots that many Bengalis in the Indian American community book last-minute flights to India out of an overwhelming urge to get together with the family, friends, and relatives back home during the festival.

On the other hand, there are those who have never been away from home during Durga Puja. They wonder how Durga Puja is celebrated abroad, how culturally different the celebration is, how authentic the rituals are, how joyous the festivity is, if young Bengali NRIs flaunt traditional fashion, etc. A women-only group from the Indian community in the San Francisco Bay Area has the answer to all these. Ena Sarkar, the founder and CEO of WomenNow TV, a trend-setting South Asian talk show in the Bay Area, shares nitty-gritty of their all-women Durga Puja celebration in Santa Clara with Sourav Agarwal, the Editor of Travel Beats, a leading Indian American community portal. 

Initiated in 2015 by the WomenNow TV team, the Santa Clara Durga Utsav is one of the best Durga Puja events in California. The women-only group is prepared with a better and greater plan for the celebration which has become one of the most awaited Indian events in the Bay Area. Ena Sarkar and her team of women from different walks of life pull all stops to make various arrangements for four days of the festival from buying the idol to shopping for puja-special things to organizing cultural functions to making culinary offerings for the Goddess to distributing Prasad to managing the gathering of visitors in the marquee.

What made the WomenNow TV team come forward to organize Durga Puja in the San Francisco Bay Area was the idea of celebrating the collective power of ‘women now’ (today’s women) that they represent. It coincided with the tradition of invoking Goddess Durga or Shakti to bless her children with the power of good over evil. In addition, a cultural platform was needed for the Bay Area Indians to gather under one roof and interact with each other.

“The Santa Clara Durga Utsav is an interface between the divine purpose of this festival and the philosophy of WomenNow. We also wanted to provide a cultural platform for the Bay Area Indians to gather under one roof and interact with each other. Ours is not just a women-only celebration but a community get-together,” Ena Sarkar said.

WomenNow TV’s celebration of Durga Puja is an absolutely different picture of what appears a male-dominated activity in the patriarchal society of India. In aristocratic households from urban India to rural India, women prepare for the celebration and make arrangements for ceremonies on each day of the festivity behind the curtain, while menfolk gear up with their tasks and activities in the outer world. However, the scenario is changing for women among the urban aristocrats of Bengal.

In contrast to it, WomenNow’s Santa Clara Durga Utsav is a women-only celebration in terms of preparation and arrangement. Needless to say, Durga Puja is a mammoth celebration which entails a lot of doing from fund collection to venue management to cultural performance to immersion of idols. However, the WomenNow team has proven that nothing is impossible for the collective power of women by overcoming all initial difficulties and challenges including selection of the venue. Since the celebration is not limited to worshiping but comprises feasting and cultural functions, they required a venue with ample space to accommodate a considerable crowd of visitors during certain rituals like dhunuchi dance.

The Santa Clara Durga Utsav in the Bay Area is no exception to such usual contrasts as India vs USA, East vs West, the Oriental vs the Occidental, and Indians vs Indian Americans which often come up in regular discussions, debates and conversations. Ena Sarkar unhesitatingly bared her mind regarding if there is any cultural difference between Durga Puja celebration in USA and that in India.

“Definitely, there is. You can never compare the way Bengal celebrates Durga Puja to anywhere else in the world. What a grand, fabulous, joyous, incredible celebration in Bengal! But we try to get as close to home as we can by dressing traditionally, having the traditional food and observing the age-old rituals during the festival no matter how many thousands of miles we are away from Kolkata. There is no dearth of enthusiasm about the celebration in the Bay Area Indian community.”

When Ena talked about the boundless enthusiasm of Bengalis in the Bay Area, we at Travel Beats felt curious to know if young Indian Americans who were born in USA feel the same about Durga Puja and connect with it the same way as India-born Bengalis or Bengalis from India do in America.

Ena Sarkar said in no uncertain terms, “It is somewhat difficult for young Indians in USA to feel connect with the festival as they have been growing up in a country where there are multiple cultures and religions existing side by side. They have not yet understood the value of surrender to a single divine power – the essence of Hinduism. However, children certainly visit the puja venue with their parents and enjoy the festivities. They may not groove to the beats of dhaak but they enjoy the festive music.”

On a closing note, Ena Sarkar acknowledged that the Santa Clara Durga Utsav would not have been a grand celebration in the Bay Area without her WomenNow team and that it has become popular with their American friends as well.

This article is part of the series, Indian Life in America, by Travel Beats, a leading community portal for Indian Diaspora. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of IndianEagle.com that thousands of Indians in USA have chosen as their reliable travel-booking partner for international trips. Subscribe to our newsletter for community stories, US-India travel news, visa and immigration updates.

The post This All-Women Durga Puja Celebration in Bay Area Proves that Indian Culture Knows no Borders first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post This All-Women Durga Puja Celebration in Bay Area Proves that Indian Culture Knows no Borders appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Worship of the Almighty as Divine Mother is an age-old tradition in India and a refined part of Indian culture. It has been in existence since prehistoric times, but geographically it is limited to Asian countries in general and India in particular, in the current century. The history of ancient civilizations of Indus, Greece, Rome, Babylon and Egypt bears evidences to the worship of Divine Mother in different forms – nature, art, learning, culture and enlightenment. But Mother Worship has evolved from a tradition into a living religion for Indians. In Bengal, it has reached the highest level of devotion and faith in feminine manifestation of the Divine.   

In Bengal, Durga Puja or worship of Goddess Durga, an incarnation of Shakti, is the most pious and popular form of Mother Worship. In the Bengali community, the elderly people address young girls as Ma out of affection. “To look upon God as Mother is the purest and the highest form of Sadhana,” said Sri Ramakrishna, who is believed to have worshiped his wife as Divine Mother. Mother is all-in-all for a child.

Kumari Puja, a special attraction of Durga Puja festival in Bengal, is held to celebrate this faith through ceremonious worship of young girls in sense of Divine Mother. Kumari Puja is called Kanya Pujan in North India. Bengal celebrates it on Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, while it is held on the ninth day or the last day of Navaratri in other states of India. The place to be for Kumari Puja in Bengal is Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission ashrams across the globe.

Kumari Puja is held wherever Ramakrishna Math & Mission is in the world. But, it is a cultural refinement, grand ceremony and spectacular ritual at Belur Math on the Hooghly River flowing between Howrah and Kolkata. Swami Vivekananda, the founder of Belur Math, had initiated Kumari Puja in appreciation of Sri Ramakrishna’s devotion to Divine Mother and faith in Mother Worship.

The saffron-clad monks of the Ramakrishna Order at Belur Math look upon a young girl as mother and worship her as a goddess, on Maha Ashtami. According to Sri Ramakrishna, little girls at the tender age when they are away from negative forces of the materialistic world are manifestations of the Divine Mother. A little girl at the pre-puberty phase of her growth is bathed in the holy Ganga water, dressed in a crimson red or fiery yellow sari with golden border, and adorned with jewelry.

Also Check: What Makes Durga Puja Grand Celebration for Global Bengalis

The same rituals are performed to worship the Kumari (young unmarried girl) and the same offerings are made to her as those during the worship of Goddess Durga. She is purified and sanctified through chanting of holy mantras. A spectacular arati is performed. Monks and devotees offer flowers at her obedience. The devoted hearts invoke her blessings through prayers. Kumari Puja at Belur Math fetches in a huge gathering of devotees, every year. Even, the whole ceremony is live telecast all over West Bengal.

To say in other words, Kumari Puja at Belur Math is a sacred celebration of the celestial bonding between the Divine and the human. Needless to say, the Kumari Puja ceremony is worth booking last-minute flights to Kolkata during the Durga Puja festival.

About Travel Beats

Travel Beats is an Indian Diaspora news portal by Indian Eagle, a leading travel organization for overseas Indians having a proven record of booking last minute flights to India. We at Travel Beats connect Indians abroad, including Indian Americans with their cultural heritage roots through our stories and features. 

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The post Significance of Kumari Puja: Why Bengal Worships Living Goddesses during Durga Puja first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Significance of Kumari Puja: Why Bengal Worships Living Goddesses during Durga Puja appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

What are the best things to do in Kolkata this Durga Puja? Hopping across puja pandals, zipping through jostling crowds at puja spots, watching a Bengali art film, riding the underground Metro, visiting the Victoria Memorial, shopping at New Market, and having the quintessential Kolkata street food experience. If you go by a Kolkata street food guide for tips on what to eat on the roadside, you will feel like being spoilt for choice over a huge number of street food items in Kolkata.

So, we recommend five best street food items which you must have in the City of Joy. Notably, ‘Kolkata is the best destination for street food,’ according to a survey that the Taste of Travel conducted among 56727 respondents across 30 street food markets in India this year. 

It is jhal muri that is unique to the Kolkata street food experience for anyone and at any time of the year. One of the most popular evening snacks, it is a great mouth entertainer, both in and out of home. The locals are seen entertaining themselves over this crispy and spicy item, here and there in the city. Vendors are found selling jhal muri at public places including parks, gardens, cinema halls, markets, bus stops and railway platforms. It is made of puffed rice, fried lentils, and other crunchy ingredients mixed with drops of mustard oil, spices, chopped tomatoes and onion slices. You will see young boys and girls standing in long queues outside the puja pandals and spending time over jhal muri during Durga Puja.

Another evening special tongue-teasing item is pani puri that deserves to be among the top ten on a Kolkata street food guide for its popularity with the locals. This iconic Indian street food snack is known as puchka all over  the city. It is a tamarind mixed watery item with spiced potato mash in round chip. The mouthful relish of puchkas outside the Victoria Memorial, a brand icon of Kolkata City, is a craze with tourists. In the Bollywood movie Parineeta, a sequence featuring Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt and Raima Sen eating puchkas from a roadside vendor was shot at the Victoria Memorial. It is a must have on the festive evenings of Durga Puja.

India boasts a rich and diverse chaat culture – a common culinary thread in the multi-layered social fabric of the country. Mumbai, Delhi and other metro cities have papri chat, kachori chat, and alu chat in common, while Kolkata enjoys uniqueness for its distinct roadside chaat item – ghugni chaat. It is made from boiled yellow peas mixed with onion and tomato slices, seasoned with lime juice and spices, and served in small leaf bowls. Taste a few spoons of ghugni chaat to feel one with the street food culture of Kolkata. Bengalis are in the habit of taking ghugni chaat with slices of bread.

Kolkata street food retains the distinction of being unique to the culinary essence of the city, and harmonizes with the influences of other countries at the same time. It is chowmein that best reflects this dual identity of Kolkata street food culture. Made by frying boiled chow noodles with mix veggies in oil, chowmein is a borrowing from the Chinese cuisine. The main ingredient may be Chinese, but the smokey, spicy flavor is Kolkatan to the core. Bengalis are fond of egg and chicken chowmein, while veg chowmein is popular with the people in other parts of the country.

Do ask Kolkattans what they like to eat when they go out for shopping or watching a movie? Most of them will say for sure that it is spring roll stuffed with an omelet or chopped chicken or small mutton pieces. The mouthwatering bites of egg rolls, chicken rolls and mutton rolls define the pleasure of evening outings for the locals. Even the Bengalis born and bred in a cosmopolitan society prefer this street food to burgers. Kolkata will not disappoint you if you are veg. Paneer spring roll is also available there. However, rolls are served smoking hot with sauce and wrapped in a thin piece of paper.

Kachuri, moglai, momo, fish fry, chicken cutlet, and alu chop are the other must-try tongue teasers on the list. These items not only define the uniqueness of Kolkata street food culture but also reason why the city is called a city of foodies.

Travel Beats is a community portal by Indian Eagle, a leading travel organization for Indian Diaspora and booking cheap flights to Kolkata from USA. Travel Beats publishes interesting stories from India and USA. Subscribe to our free newsletter and don’t miss the latest updates.

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The post These Popular Kolkata Street Food Items Add a Zing to Durga Puja Celebration first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post These Popular Kolkata Street Food Items Add a Zing to Durga Puja Celebration appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Durga Puja, the grandest and most spectacular festival of India, is in full swing now.  This festivity is so divine, joyous and fabulous that it never ceases to keep us waiting eagerly for the arrival of the Goddess. Every year, we cover the Durga Puja celebration on Travel Beats in different ways. We have come up with an article on the age-old rituals of Durga Puja to keep some requests from the Indian community in USA so that they can share it with their American friends.     

Dhaak

With the image of dhaak, the face of Goddess Durga surfaces to the mind. A most identifiable icon of the Durga Puja festivity, dhaaks are beaten during the worship of the Goddess, dhunuchi naach, aarti in the mornings and evenings from the beginning to the end of the festival. The beating of dhaak defines the ambience, dominates the mood and fills the air on the festive days.

Dhunuchi Naach

Dhunuchi Naach is an attraction of the Durga Puja celebration on festive evenings. In the Bengali community, boys, girls, men and women perform this traditional dance holding earthen lamps full of burning coconut shell with both hands and facing the Goddess. The rhythmic moves of their dancing feet are accompanied by the beats of dhaaks. The excitement soars and crowd cheers with the fast beating of dhaaks during the performance. It is a most entertaining and crowd-pulling part of the Durga Puja event in Kolkata, the rest of Bengal and other states of India. Women wear dhakai, taant and jamdani saris with golden work in the typical Bengali dressing style, and men wear embroidered kurtas of different colors in combination with white dhotis for this occasion.

READ ALSO Folk Culture of Bengal

Pushpanjali

A ritualistic part of the Durga Puja celebration, Pushpanjali refers to the offering of flowers with devotion to the holy feet of the Goddess. Each day of the festival starts with this ritual in the morning when Bengalis wearing new traditional clothes utter holy mantras and offer the Pushpanjali. However, the Pushpanjali on Maha Ashtami has lots of significance. Almost everyone fasts till this ritual is performed. Once it is over, the devotees are given prasad.

Kumari Puja

Kumari Puja on Maha Ashtami, the 8th day of the festival, is one of the traditional ceremonies interwoven with the way Durga Puja is celebrated in Bengal. A five or six year old girl child is worshipped as a human incarnation of the Goddess. Worshipping of the girl child or kumari with lamps, incense sticks, flowers and other holy essentials is worth watching every year. She is offered sweets too. The people present on the puja spot offer their devotion to the tender feet of the child and receive her blessings. However, the Kumari Puja initiated by Swami Vivekananda at Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, is a grand spectacle.

READ ALSO Significance of Kumari Puja at Belur Math

Sandhi Puja

The most spectacular part of Durga Puja celebration, Sandhi Puja is performed at the moment when Maha Ashtami ends and Maha Navami begins. This ritualistic ceremony holds special significance because it is believed that the Goddess kills the buffalo demon at this time. Sandhi Puja marks triumph of the good and defeat of the evil. Worshipping of the Goddess in this part of the festivity requires a grand arrangement that entails 108 lotus flowers, 108 lamps, platefuls of sweets, a large pot full of rice grains, clothes, hibiscus garlands, wood apple leaves, vermillion, etc. The Sandhi Puja aarti is the most wonderful spectacle to behold with devotion.

Sindur Khela

The color of vermillion eclipses the glow of other colors on Dashami, the 10th day of Durga Puja, when married women of the Bengali community indulge in sindur khela. It is an age-old customary ritual for them to exchange good wishes and festive greetings by smearing each other’s face with vermillion. The married Bengali women of all age-groups including the newly wed and the old, deck themselves in white saris with deep red border, and gold ornaments for this occasion as you might have seen in the climax of Bollywood movie Kahani starring Vidya Balan. They offer flowers with vermilion to the obedience of Maa Durga before bidding adieu to the Goddess.

Immersion

Immersion of the idols of the Goddess and her family members – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartik – is the culminating ceremony of the Durga Puja festival that leaves Bengalis with tears in the eyes. Bengalis across the country tearfully bid adieu to the Divine Mother on Maha Dashami, the 10th or last day of the festival. The immersion is preceded by spectacular processions in which traditionally dressed men and women dance in rhythm with the beats of dhaak, all the way to the river bank. Hundreds of devotees join the procession and catch the last glimpse of the Goddess during immersion.

Travel Beats is an Indian Diaspora portal by Indian Eagle, a leading travel organization for overseas Indians having a proven record of booking cheapest air tickets to India. We at Travel Beats connect Indians abroad, including Indian Americans with their cultural heritage roots through our stories and features.   

The post Durga Puja: Interesting Things to Know about the Biggest Festival of Bengal first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Durga Puja: Interesting Things to Know about the Biggest Festival of Bengal appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Durga Puja, the grandest festival of Bengal in India, is a traditional ceremony dedicated to the worship of Devi Durga, the goddess of power (Shakti), in form of Divine Mother. Though Bengal has been the epicenter of this festivity since the 15th century, it has become a global celebration with the migration of Bengalis to other countries. How glittering and glorious Durga Puja is, will be convincing to you, if you ever travel to Kolkata in the month of October. To be precise, it is the ultimate cultural extravaganza and festive gala in Bengal, the history of which is associated with the Muslim rule and the British Raj in India.

Durga Puja celebration was an emblem of prosperity and power in the aristocratic class of Bengalis, to say landlords as shown in the National Award winning movies of Rituparno Ghosh, such as Utsav, Hirer Angti and Antarmahal. It is heard that some influential landlords invited the British officials to attend the celebration so that they could be in good books of the British East Indian Company. With the passing of time, Durga Puja became a mass celebration outside the embellished interiors of palatial houses in Bengal.

However, there are different legends about the origin of Durga Puja. According to the folklores of Bengal, the landlords of Malda and Dinajpur were the first to have initiated the celebration in the 15^th century. The Ramayana, one of the two great Indian epics, says that Lord Rama had first worshipped Devi Durga to be blessed with victory over Ravana. Let’s keep aside the controversies, myths, legends and folklores to focus on the men at work behind the canvas – the clay idol makers or potters at Kumortuli in Kolkata, on the bank of Hugli River.

You might have caught gripping glimpses of Durga Puja celebration in some Bollywood movies, to say Pradip Sarkar’s Parineeta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. But, Kumortuli where thousands of Durga idols are made for domestic celebrations and Bengali communities on foreign shores has remained out of the focus of directors’ camera lens. The 5-day long celebration follows preparations for 3 to 4 months. The making of Durga idols at Kumortuli is the major part of the preparation. Kumortuli, the hub of clay idol makers and potters by the riverside is one of the best tourist attractions in Kolkata City.

Also Check: How to Save Big on Flights to Kolkata

Kumortuli is older than the city itself. The foundation of the city dates back to the year 1690, whereas Kumortuli has been in existence long before that. The ancestors of today’s potters were said to have migrated from their native land Krishnanagar to Gobindapore, one of the three villages the then Calcutta was formed of, in quest of sustenance. They settled by the river of Ganga or Hooghly River and began to make clay pots, utensils and idols. Since then, they have been supplying idols to puja committees at home and abroad.

The idol making process is, at times, disturbed by adverse atmospheric conditions. The artisans at work brave all odds to get the idols ready by Mahalaya, the day of invoking Goddess Durga. However, it is a pleasure to watch the artisans make life-like idols out of clay. These days, the making of theme-based artistic idols with an aesthetic aura is a popular trend due to stiff competition among the puja committees. The concrete image of Devi Durga sitting on a lion and slaying the buffalo demon at her feet evokes awe, wonder and devotion.

The artisans of Kumortuli remain in the dark on the flipside of grand, spectacular Durga Puja festival though their innovative creations are cruised to overseas Bengali communities in the USA, Europe, Africa, Australia and other countries. Being an overseas Indian, you celebrate Durga Puja away from home every year, but the feel, the flavor and the fervor of the festivity are to be experienced only in Kolkata, in Bengal, in India.

The post Artisans at Work on the Flipside of Grand Durga Puja Festival at Home and Abroad first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Artisans at Work on the Flipside of Grand Durga Puja Festival at Home and Abroad appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee is a versatile personality. She is known for her austere lifestyle, simplicity and her love of traditional Bengali culture. She is also famous for her paintings. She is a celebrity poet too. Recently, Bengal CM turned a lyricist. Neither for films nor for tele soaps. She penned a Durga puja theme song this year. (Find the video of the song below) 

TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee wrote the Durga puja theme song for a popular puja committee, Suruchi Sangha in New Alipore, Kolkata. Suruchi Sangha, one of the award-winning puja organizers in Kolkata, is known for their innovative, thought-provoking Durga puja themes. ‘Unity in Diversity’ is the theme of the song.

Mamata Banerjee’s Suruchi Sangha theme song 2017 – “Boichitrer muktoy gantha ekotar monihar” (the jewel of unity is stitched with a string of pearls of diversity) – is sung by none other than Shreya Ghosal. Jeet Gannguli, popular in Bollywood and the Bengali film industry, composed music for the song.

Theme music for the Durga puja festival is a new trend in the City of Joy. Bengal CM’s theme song for Suruchi Sangha Durga puja 2017 is not her first tryst with lyricism. She penned lyrics for this city puja committee in the past.

Music composer and singer Jeet Gannguli has composed music for Alipore Suruchi Sangha’s Durga puja theme songs for a couple of years. He has a heartfelt ‘musical association’ with Suruchi Sangha’s Durga puja celebration.

Also Check: London Themes of Kolkata Durga Puja 2017

Recital is another emerging trend of Durga puja celebration in Kolkata. Known for one of the best Durga puja pandals and themes in Kolkata, Kumartuli Sarbojonin chose recital as theme music over song this year. Eminent actor Soumitra Chatterjee’s recital of ‘Ami Sei Diganto Asa Periye Asa Uttaradhikar’ (I have walked through the past, I am the torch-bearer) is being played at the Kumartuli Sarbojonin puja pandal 2017.

Soumitra Chatterjee’s recital depicts a heart-touching story of Kumartuli potters on the banks of Hooghly River. Kumartuli Sarbojonin has initiated the trend of playing recitals instead of songs to entice pandal hoppers and puja revelers, according to a spokesperson of the puja committee.

Also Read: Upcoming Bullet Trains to Kolkata

Tridhara Sammilani, another award-winning puja committee in Kolkata, roped in renowned music composer and singer Joy Sarkar for its Durga puja theme song 2017.

Durga Puja is neither just a festival nor merely a celebration. It brings in joy, innovation and new attractions. The enormity and significance of Durga Puja cannot be summed up in a few words. No wonder why many Bengali NRIs search for last minute airfare deals to India and book last minute flight tickets to Kolkata.

The post Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Turns Lyricist and Pens Durga Puja Theme Song This Year first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Turns Lyricist and Pens Durga Puja Theme Song This Year appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Durga Puja is one of the few best things that Kolkata is famed for and identified with. It is the only occasion when the City of Joy looks and feels like a new bride in flamboyant fineries. What makes Kolkata a must visit during Durga Puja is not only the beating of dhaaks, the fragrance of shiuli flowers, the flavor of traditional Bengali food, the emotive power of the festive ambience and the memories of family get-togethers or friendly adda but also hopping of puja pandals featuring new themes, pleasing and thought-provoking.

No wonder why many NRI Bengalis book even last minute flights to Kolkata. After all, Durga Puja is a homecoming celebration like Onam in Kerala and Diwali in North India.

Kolkata Durga Puja Themes 2017

The beauty of London is among the major themes of Kolkata Durga Puja 2017. Some of the city-based puja committees have roped in renowned fashion designers like Sharbari Datta to add a trendy look to the attires of idols, while some others have chosen London as a predominant theme. Needless to say, Kolkata is the London of the East.

Two of the leading puja committees are all set to model pandals on London for Durga Puja 2017 in Kolkata. Bhowanipore’s 75 Palli in South Kolkata and Santosh Mitra Square in Central Kolkata are known for their crowd-pulling, award-winning, unique Durga puja themes. These two historic Durga puja committees seem the craftsmen of Bengal CM Mamata Bannerjee’s dream of turning Kolkata into London this year.

Kolkata Durga Puja 2017: Santosh Mitra Square

Incepted in 1936, Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja (Lebutala Park) is one of the oldest Kolkata Durga Puja celebrations. Initially known as Sealdah Sarbojanin Durgoutsav, the Santosh Mitra Square puja committee will make a public square of London come alive in the forecourt of their pandal for Durga Puja 2017 in Kolkata. The interior of the pandal will feature traditional decorations while a colossal chandelier will dominate the ceiling.

Also Read: Women-only Durga Puja in California

The Santosh Mitra Square puja committee has teamed up with eminent fashion designer Agnimitra Paul to design clothes for the idols, which will make Kolkata Durga Puja 2017 a memorable one for revelers. Reportedly, clothes of Goddess Durga, the demon and other idols will be designed on the lines of the fashion in the colonial era when Calcutta was the capital of British India. Gold and zari will largely be used in weaving the designer clothes.

Kolkata Durga Puja 2017: Bhowanipore 75 Palli

A sprawling area of 40,000 square feet in front of the 75 Palli puja pandal in South Kolkata will become alive as a typical London street this year. The things common between Kolkata and London will be the attractions of Bhowanipore 75 Palli’s pandal for Kolkata Durga puja 2017. Reportedly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been invited to inaugurate this pandal

The Bhowanipore 75 Palli puja committee has planned to model the pandal gate on the Big Ben in London and the altar of the idols on the London Bridge. The Palace of Westminster, which houses the British Parliament, will also be recreated to complement the ‘London’ theme of the pandal. The lights of the pandal will resemble those on the streets of London.

Also Read: How Japan Got Rash Behari Bose’s Favorite Indian Curry

Artistic idols made of mahogany wood and brass in North Bengal will add to the grandeur of 75 Palli’s Durga puja 2017 in Kolkata. Decorated with Dokra artworks, the idols are given a retro look from the bygone days. Being crafted by a group of artisans in North Bengal which rolls under mayhem over the demand for a separate state is brewing in, the idols would send out a message of peace and harmony over discrimination.

Since 2017 is the year of the Indo-UK culture, the Bhowanipore 75 Palli puja committee has associated with the London Sharad Utsav and the British Council to work on their London-inspired Durga puja theme. This South Kolkata Durga Puja 2017 pandal will also highlight Bengal CM’s award-winning ‘Kanyashree’ project.

The post Kolkata to Recreate Public Squares and Tourist Attractions of London this Durga Puja 2017 first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Kolkata to Recreate Public Squares and Tourist Attractions of London this Durga Puja 2017 appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.