When great carnivals in different parts of the world can be a tourist attraction and several travelogues on them are written, read and appreciated, then I thought why can`t I write one on my very own Carnival of Bengal – Durga Puja.
That`s the time when city of joy transforms into city of celebration, those days can certainly be the best time for the tourists. Entire city is lit up and decorated as if it is hosting a wedding ceremony.
I really enjoyed being in Kolkata during recent years Puja after a long gap. So, I thought of capturing the moment with few words and photos.
The best part of this carnival is that it`s just not only worshipping the goddess. It’s the Puja, prayer, food, fashion, shopping, gift, tradition, cultural events, adda (chit chatting), wandering, romance and every fun this world can have. You may follow any religion, may belong to any community, may not be a religious person; still can soak yourself in the festivity.
You can be a part of the puja just to see the beautiful pandals (a temporary set up to venerate Durga Ma); to get a view of traditional, colossal Durga Idols; to enjoy the mesmerizing sound of Dhak (a musical instrument), the fragrance of Dhuno (scented powder), Dhunuchi Nach (Offering prayer in the form of dance).
Durga Puja begins with crazy shopping, which starts almost 2-3 months in advance. It`s the time of biggest gift exchange. From close family members to extended family members, no one is left. During my childhood days (late eighties-early nineties), the clothes were the main gift. This used to be the time to fill your wardrobe with new clothes. The numbers of dresses/outfits would generally be equal to the number of uncles and aunties one would have and of course more than one from parents. No repetition, morning and evening different dress, the best one to be worn on Ashtami. Of course with time things have changed; now people shop throughout the year, wardrobe is always full, nobody has to wait for the puja, but the excitement and spirit still exists. And we all wait for these 5 days of the year.
Then starts the planning for pandal hopping , route map preparation and so on. From the night of Chaturthi itself, Kolkata remains awake to welcome and worship Ma Durga. During these 5-6 days city does not sleep, big queue can be seen outside Biryani outlet till wee hours. Puja Parikrama (Tour) remains incomplete without these awesome food.
Reply to this 
