Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Delhi as well. While the primary hub of Durga Puja celebrations is in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, Delhi also witnesses vibrant festivities during this time. Here’s how Durga Puja is generally celebrated in Delh
1. Pandal Decorations: Various Durga Puja committees set up beautifully decorated temporary structures known as pandals. These pandals are not just places of worship but also artistic installations, often reflecting different themes or cultural motifs. Some pandals in Delhi are known for their creativity and grandeur.
2. Goddess Durga Idols: The heart of Durga Puja is the worship of Goddess Durga. Idols of the goddess, along with her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya), are installed in the pandals. Devotees visit these pandals to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.
3. Cultural Programs: Durga Puja in Delhi is not just a religious event; it is also a cultural extravaganza. Many committees organize cultural programs such as traditional dances, music performances, and drama during the festival. Renowned artists and performers are often invited to participate.
4. Food Stalls: Like any other festival in India, Durga Puja is also a time for indulging in delicious food. Many pandals have food stalls offering a variety of traditional Bengali dishes and sweets. This adds to the festive atmosphere and provides an opportunity for people to savor different culinary delights.
6. Sindoor Khela: On the last day of Durga Puja, married women participate in Sindoor Khela. In this ritual, women smear each other with sindoor (vermilion), symbolizing the marital bond and wishing for the well-being of their spouses.
6. Processions: The immersion of Durga idols, known as Visarjan, is marked by grand processions through the streets of Delhi. Devotees accompany the idols, dancing and singing in a farewell procession that leads to the immersion site.
Community Bonding: Durga Puja is a time when people come together to celebrate. It is not limited to a particular community, and people from different backgrounds join in the festivities, fostering a sense of community and unity.
While the scale of Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi may not match that of West Bengal, the city still experiences a lively and culturally rich atmosphere during this festival, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of its residents.
If you want to go pandal-hopping during Durga Puja, CR park has a lot of those. Also, after you’re all tired and hungry, have a rich Bengali thali in one of the eateries there. It’s called ‘mini-Bengal’ for a reason, you know. And if your roommate cribs too much about the spice, just shove a Raso Golla into their mouth, cool.?
