The Essence of Theme and Traditional Durga Puja

History of Durga Puja

The traditional Durga Puja can be traced back to the late 1500 and according to folklore it is said that the zamindars of Dinajpur and Malda started it in the first place. It is a very ceremonial worship of the Goddess and is also known as the Sanatani Durgapuja. The main reason why we celebrate Durga Puja is to create the sense of women empowerment and celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga. It is because the Goddess Durga won the war against the demon King Mahishasura and in the other states of India Navratri is also celebrated. The traditional Durga Puja is specifically celebrated only by the Bengalis but in case of the theme based Puja it is being celebrated by one and all.

It is the annual Hindu festival in the Indian subcontinent that happens mostly in the month of September and October. The Story Goes like there was a very terrific demon called the Mahishasura from which all the Gods used to be scared of. He was actually blessed by the god of creation Brahma and the blessing was no man would be able to kill him. Therefore they needed a Supreme Power in the form of a woman who will be able to ruin the demon. All the Gods came together with their power and created a woman with infinite beauty and strength. Thus Goddess Durga was formed, and she could bring out the difference between the evil and the good. It is also a symbol of women empowerment and it is called sarbojonin Puja because of the community worship that is done. Goddess Durga is also known as the wife of Lord shiva and she comes to to the earth along with all her children during the four days of Durga Puja. On the very last day the Visarjan happens in which the idol of the Goddess is submerged in water.

When this Puja first started it was originally done in the temples like any other Puja. In fact the entire Murti used to be very small and compact. But as days progressed people started becoming more and more commercial and Kolkata started the first theme Puja in the 90s.

Durga Puja is one of the best affairs that happens in the West Bengal and it is one of the most amazing festivals that is celebrated around the Bengalis. In Kolkata Durga Puja is not only a homely ritual but it is actually a festival which goes on for about a week. It is a mass festivity in which every locality lights and all the community clubhouses come together to worship the goddess Durga. Today we are mostly going to talk about the significance of theme and traditional Durga Puja as well as the differences.  Durga Puja is the time during which every Bengali comes together and it also incorporates every other religion as well.

Significance of Theme Durga Puja

There are numerous pandals which are available in various sizes, shapes and colours. Most of the communities are now coming together to bring out the best of themes with different back stories. It is done with very good decoration and you can witness numerous crowds flocking towards the pandals. Every year the festivities are done in order to bring different themes and it is a year long duration of preparations. Now we will talk about some of the famous theme Puja as that happen in Kolkata.

Palace and Historical Locations

In Kolkata a lot of clubs have indulged in historical location themed Puja.  This is because most of the clubs in Kolkata enjoy recreating these historical references in the most Picture Perfect manner. Especially in North Kolkata you be able to see the Kaleidoscope image of the Indian palaces and the iconic features. It will help you to understand the historical essence of palaces and other similar buildings which is decorated intricately with chandeliers and pillars. Once you have a look back to the themes you would love to get inside each and every one of them.

Motherhood

A lot of puja pandals in Kolkata at themed with the idea of  motherhood. Motherhood is one of the best ideas that is taken by consideration by the various designers. In each and every year there is one community or club that will create the idea of motherhood and talk about women empowerment. This is specifically done in order to increase the awareness of brutality on women and how they should stand up for themselves.

Various States of India

It is during Durga Puja that you can see the entire India among various pandals. This is because in specific communities and clubs numerous states are created by the best artists. Some of the states that has been created our Jammu and Kashmir,  Rajasthan Maharashtra and a lot more. Many of the south kolkata Puja associations have designed the panel on the theme of many of the Western states of India. The creativity is done in the best possible manner so that it seems almost real.

Flavours of Bengal

Talking about the various flavours of Bengal you can see it all during the Durga Puja. It has a very good cultural essence and it brings about the most unconventional spaces in Bengal. There are a lot of different cultures that are losing out its heritage and with the help of the Durga Puja we can get to see them back.

Various Temple styles

Image of the communities we have seen that bring out various kinds of temple complex is very common. Many of the clubs in Kolkata have tried to bring out ancient ways of washing the Goddess with a thematic touch to it. You can see numerous pandals like this in the south kolkata as well as in the North Kolkata region.

The best part about theme based Durga Puja is that you get to have a collaboration of numerous cultures and brilliant artistry. It is one of the best entertainments as well as festivity in Kolkata and most of the materials are recyclable and economic.

Endnote

It is true that Kolkata has a lot to offer during the Durga pujas including the festivity and food. But it is also true that you would miss out on a lot if you miss the theme pandals at least. The next time you visit Kolkata you will understand that Durga Puja is not only of activity but also an overload of emotions.  Like every year, 2019 is going to bring fantastic celebrations to the city. There are a number of theme pandals to choose from and you have 5 days in total to visit all of them. Get a touch of the incredible Durga Puja celebrations this year!

Article by Pritha Shyam