Step into the vibrant world of tradition, culture, and devotion with our Durga Puja Parikrama in Kolkata — an unforgettable journey through some of the city’s most iconic and heritage-filled celebrations. Every year, we bring you closer to the roots of Bengal’s grandest festival, with curated tours that include both Bonedi Barir Durga Puja 2025 and Gram Banglar Durga Puja Parikrama across West Bengal.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is not just a festival — it’s an emotion, a celebration of art, heritage, and deep-rooted spiritual rituals. The city and the surrounding districts come alive with the beats of dhaak, fragrance of dhuno, and the magnificence of centuries-old Bonedi family pujas. These pujas, started by rich Zamindar families over 100 to 400 years ago, continue today with the same devotion and detailed rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Our exclusive Puja Parikrama in Kolkata includes visits to the legendary royal households — where the aura of tradition blends seamlessly with festivity. But we don’t stop there. We also take you to the heart of rural Bengal with our Gram Banglar Durga Puja Parikrama, where age-old customs still thrive amid lush green villages and heritage homes.
To culminate your experience, witness the emotional farewell of the Goddess with our special Ganga Bokkhey Devi Visarjan tour — the immersion of Durga idols in the Hooghly River. As the idols glide into the river under the open sky, join us for a gala dinner party by the riverside, filled with lights, music, and the spirit of celebration.
Whether you are a traveler, a culture lover, or a true Bengali at heart — our Bonedi Barir Durga Puja 2025 Parikrama promises an enriching journey through time, tradition, and the soul of Bengal.
This Durga Puja 2025, step away from the city lights and immerse yourself in the charm and grandeur of Gram Banglar Durga Puja. On 28th September (Sunday), join us for a unique and culturally rich Durga Puja Parikrama through Rural Bengal, where time stands still, and traditions thrive.
Our special day tour will take you through the hidden gems of Bengal’s countryside, showcasing the timeless beauty and rituals of traditional Durga Pujas celebrated in historic zamindar (Jamindari) households.
Dhanyakuria Durga Puja – The Royal Beginning
We begin with a visit to the regal village of Dhanyakuria, located in North 24 Parganas. This picturesque village, known for its European-style architecture, is a well-kept secret on the Bengal tourist map. Here, you’ll witness the grandeur of Dhanyakuria Rajbari’s traditional Durga Puja—a magnificent blend of colonial aesthetics and age-old Bengali customs.
Arbelia Traditional Durga Puja – Heritage That Lives On
Our journey continues to the serene village of Arbelia, where two prominent zamindar families continue to celebrate Durga Puja with grace and devotion.
First, we visit the Basu family’s traditional puja, renowned for its rich heritage and cultural elegance.
Next, we explore the Bhattacharya family’s ancient Durga Puja, where rituals have remained unchanged for generations.
Together, these pujas offer a rare glimpse into the heart of Gram Banglar Durga Puja, where community spirit, ancestral pride, and devotion create an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
🕖 Itinerary Overview
7:30 AM – Departure from Esplanade more (K C Das Sweets)
8:30 AM – Pick-up at Airport Gate No. 2 (near Gurudwara)
En Route – Enjoy packed breakfast with morning tea and welcome drink
11:30 AM – Arrive at Dhanyakuria and explore the Rajbari Pujas
1:30 PM – Proceed to Arbelia for Durga Puja darshan at Basu & Bhattacharya homes
2:30 PM – Relish a traditional Bengali lunch at a rural banquet hall (non-AC), arranged in Dhanyakuria / Arbelia / Taki, depending on logistics
Evening – Return to Kolkata with memories steeped in history, heritage, and devotion
Tour Cost: ₹3,199 + 5% GST per person (Above 3 yrs )
For Foreigner @ Rs.4,199 +5% GST per person.
Date: 29th September 2025 | Saptami
This Durga Puja in Rural Bengal explores the soul of Bengal’s spiritual heritage with our special one-day Gram Banglar Puja Tour. Witness centuries-old traditions and soak in the divine atmosphere of Gram Banglar Durga Puja 2025 at historic locations in Hooghly like Shrirampur, Sheoraphuli, and Guptipara.
Experience the unmatched charm of Rural Bengal Durga Puja, where devotion, legacy, and local culture create an unforgettable spiritual journey.
Date: 29th September 2025 (Saptami)
Pickup Points & Timings:
Esplanade – 8:00 AM
Shyambazar – 8:30 AM
B.T Road (Mercury Tour Operator Office) – 8:45 AM
Our Garm Banglar Puja Parikrama begins from the Esplanade, with a warm welcome from our representative before heading to the heartland of Bengal’s revered Bonedi Barir Pujas.
Stop 1 – Shrirampur Rajbari
Visit the iconic Burir Durga at this ancient Rajbari, a centerpiece of traditional Durga Puja in Rural Bengal.
Stop 2 – Goswami Bari, Shrirampur
Explore the 400-year-old Durga Puja at Goswami Bari (Old Bari), a Gram Banglar Durga Puja 2025 landmark.
Stop 3 – Sheoraphuli Rajbari
Pay homage to Maa Sharbamangala at the Rajbari, where the Sheoraphuli Zamindars have performed this historic Puja for over four centuries.
Stop 4 – Surendranath Ghosh Bari, Sheoraphuli
This house holds a special connection with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and continues to host a spiritually significant Durga Puja.
Stop 5 – Guptipara-Sen Bari
Discover Guptipara, believed to be the birthplace of the Barowari Puja tradition, started over 500 years ago by 12 friends. A vital stop in any Gram Banglar Puja Tour.
Lunch Break – Guptipara
Enjoy a wholesome traditional Bengali Durga Puja special lunch served at a local non-AC banquet hall.
Post-Lunch Sightseeing:
Explore the historic temple trail of Guptipara, featuring:
Stop 6 – Kirti Chandra Sen Zamindar Bari
Conclude your Garm Banglar Puja Parikrama with a visit to this 400-year-old Durga Puja, still celebrated in its original grandeur by the Sen family.
Tour Cost: ₹3,199 + 5% GST per person (Above 3 yrs )
For Foreigner @ Rs.4,199 +5% GST per person.
Step into the heart of Bengal’s cultural heritage with Mercury Tour Operator’s Bonedi Bari Durga Puja Parikrama in Kolkata 2025. Every year, we bring you a beautifully curated journey through the iconic traditional Durga Puja in Kolkata, offering a unique glimpse into the age-old customs and grandeur of Kolkata’s aristocratic households.
This Durga Puja Parikrama in Kolkata includes visits to some of the city’s most famous Bonedi Barir (ancestral homes) Durga Pujas, with AC vehicle travel, guided storytelling, and authentic Bengali cuisine. Celebrate Kolkata Puja Parikrama 2025 with us and relive history in the lanes of North and South Kolkata
1st October 2025 (Nabami) – A Special Day for Durga Puja Parikrama 2025
Reporting Time & Pick-up Points:
Gariahat – 8:00 AM
Esplanade – 8:30 AM
Shyambazar – 8:45 AM
Our Kolkata Puja Parikrama 2025 starts sharp at 8:30 AM from Esplanade, where our representative will welcome you to this unforgettable heritage journey.
Spot 1: Sovabazar Boro Rajbari (Bagwala Bari)
Started by Raja Radhakanta Deb, this Puja is one of the most revered traditional Durga Pujas in Kolkata.
Spot 2: Sovabazar Choto Rajbari
Founded in 1757 by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, this Puja boasts a rich guest list including Lord Clive, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, and Rabindranath Tagore. Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A must-visit on every Durga Puja Parikrama Kolkata tour.
Spot 3: Thanthania Dutta Bari
Famous for its Hara-Gauri Puja, this celebration began in 1855 by Dwarkanath Dutta.
Spot 4: Chatu Babu – Latu Babu’s Thakur Bari (Ramdulal Niwas)
Another gem of Kolkata Bonedi Barir Puja Parikrama 2025, this mansion showcases traditional worship in a grand setting.
Spot 5: Pathuriaghata Ghosh Bari
With a Puja heritage of over 400 years, this home celebrates with a marble-built Thakur Dalan and Ekchala-style idol worship. Started by Babu Khelat Chandra Ghosh, Perfect for anyone interested in the Traditional Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Spot 6: Rani Rashmoni’s Janbazar House
Established in 1790, this Puja was later patronized by Rani Rashmoni and visited by Raja Rammohan Roy, Vidysagar, and Sri Ramakrishna.
After our Kolkata Puja Parikrama, enjoy a Traditional Bengali Buffet Lunch in an AC Banquet Hall.
Complete the Kolkata Puja special day tour with sweet memories with Mercury Tour Operator.
Tour Cost: ₹3,199 + 5% GST per person (Above 3 yrs )
For Foreigner @ Rs.4,199 +5% GST per person.
Durga Puja Visarjan 2025 – Ganga Bokkhey Devi Visarjan
Durga Puja Visarjan 2025, also known as Ganga Bokkhey Devi Visarjan, marks the emotional farewell to Goddess Durga in Kolkata. The immersion of Durga idols in the Hooghly River is a grand tradition, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Vibrant processions, drum beats, and chants fill the air as thousands gather along the ghats to witness the sacred moment. The Durga Visarjan festival in Kolkata 2025 blends devotion, culture, and celebration, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s spiritual heart.
Embark on a 4-hour river trip starting at Babughat Jetty, cruising between the Howrah and Second Hooghly Bridges.
Ghat Stops: Experience the immersion rituals at various ghats along the Ganga River, including Shibpur Ghat, Nimtala Ghat, Bagbazar Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Belur math, Kashipur, Ramkrishnapur Ghat.
Exploration: Explore the area near the riverbank where the Visarjan ceremony is being prepared and witness the adornment of the idols with flowers, garlands, and trinkets.
Devi Visarjan Ceremony: Participate in the Devi Visarjan ceremony, a sacred ritual where the idols are submerged in the holy waters of the Ganga River.
Colorful Procession: Observe the vibrant procession as worshippers carry the idols while reciting prayers and singing hymns.
Evening Snacks: Enjoy delicious evening snacks during the cruise.
Sindur Khela: Take part in the traditional Sindur Khela, a joyous celebration where married women apply vermillion to each other.
Bengali Traditional Dinner: Indulge in a scrumptious Bengali traditional dinner to conclude the excursion.
Tour Cost: ₹3,199 + 5% GST per person (Above 3 yrs )
For Foreigner @ Rs.4,199 +5% GST per person.
Welcome drinks -Tetra Pack
Tea & Snacks: Veg Sandwich, Fish Finger, Singara.
Dinner: Sahi Pulao, Kashmiri Kofta, Butter Nun, Mutton Do Piyaza, Rabri & Sandesh, with Mitha Pan
For Seat Booking / Confirmation 100% advance payment to be made at the time of confirmation.
Cancellation / Refund Policy
ANY TIME AFTER CONFIRMATION, MINIMUM 30% WILL BE CANCELLATION CHARGE ON TOTAL AMOUNT.
50% CANCELLATION CHARGE BEFORE 45 DAYS OF TOUR.
NO REFUND ALLOWED 3O DAYS BEFORE THE TOUR.
Important Note:
A) Please do not bring any sick person to the Puja Parikrama Trip. The distance from each house to the parking area will be a long distance, and from the parking area you have to walk at least 5 to 10 minutes to reach the Puja houses. Those who cannot walk, or have Knee problems are requested not to bring.
B) Bus / Van will Pick up and drop only from our Fixed Pickup & drop Point. Please do not request to drop any other place than our fixed pickup point.
Note: NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IS ALLOWED ON THE LAUNCH
Autumn is very special to Bengalis for the bright blue sky and the beautiful smell of the Shiuli flower. It is time for the great festival of the Bengalis, Durga Puja. It is the most awaited festival which is celebrated over 5 days with joy, fan-fare, and devotion. The real charm and grandeur of a Durga Puja can only be enjoyed if you see the Durga Puja of a Rajbari like the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury Aatchala Durga Puja, the Shobhabazar Raj Bari Durga Puja and the Rani Rashmoni Family Durga Puja
The beautiful Shobhabazar Rajbari Belongs to the royal family of Raja Naba Krishna Deb, the youngest son of Ram Charan Deb, who was a businessman and a Dewan under the Nawab of Cuttack. The Rajbari had seen glory and success during the British rule in Bengal. Nabakrishna Deb’s acquaintance with Lord Clive changed his fortune he started his career as a munshi and got engaged in the personal service of Lord Clive and gradually rose to power and fame with time. After Clive appointed him to the post of his personal Confidential Secretary, he became an influential negotiator between the British and the Mughals, Nawabs, and Rajas.
Raja Nabakrishna Deb first celebrated Durga Puja in the year 1757 to rejoice in the victory of the British over Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Murshidabad. It is known from resources that renowned British generals Warren Hastings and Lord Clive were among the VIP invitees for the grand festival. Swami Vivekananda was also invited to a gala reception after his return from the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago.
The Durga Puja in Rajbari is celebrated on the Nat Mandap or the Thakurdalan, which is an open courtyard area in the middle of the palatial building. Here the idol of the Devi along with her four children Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartik, Devi Lakshmi, and Devi Sarswati are presented in an “Ek Chala” or single structure platform. Starting from the bathing of Lord Ganesha’s consort “Kala Bou” (Banana Tree), Shosti Puja, Anjali puja of Mahastami, Navami Puja, and the immersion ceremony (Bishorjon) of the Devi idol on Bijaya Dashami – these grand five days are not only celebrated with a religious mind – the impact lies more like the celebration of happiness and joy. This historic and famous festival of the Rajbari is accompanied by some celebrities and all the five days of the celebration are open to the crowd to offer their devotion and pray to “Maa”.
One of the reputed Durga Puja in north Kolkata is the Sovabazar Rajbari Durga Puja which was held in the year 1757 only after the battle of Plassey was done.
Raja Nabakrishna Deb who was a famous personality in ancient Kolkata started this Puja earlier at Choto Rajbari which he gave to his adopted child Gopimohan Deb later he built Boro Rajbari and given to his own son Rajkrishna Deb. Two different Durga Puja use to hold in two different houses till today maintaining all possible rituals even with the release of Nilkantha birds.
Important guests of this Durga Puja were Rabindranath Tagore, Ramkrishna Paramhansa dev, Swami Vivekananda, Lord Clive, Warren Hastings, and many others. It was also well-known for its glorious dance and the musical program performed by the famous dancers and the musicians of ancient Kolkata. The worship of Goddess Durga keeps in ‘Ek Chala (single wooden frame) with decorated ornaments made of silver foils which are known as ‘Daker Saaj’. It is said that in the earlier days, silver foils which were imported from Germany came through Dak (by post) thus the decoration used to be known as ‘Daker Saaj’. Enjoy Sovabazar Rajbari Durga Puja with Mercury Tour Operator.
The renowned Dwarka Nath Dutta founded the well-known Shib – Durga Puja at Dwarika Bhawan. He was a follower of Shib, and he preferred peace to power. A “Hara Gouri Murti” dream once occurred to Dwarka Nath Dutta. He quickly founded the Shib-Durga Puja in 1855.
Due to its ancient methodology, Dwarika Bhawan’s Durga Puja is distinctive. In this image, Durga appears smiling ( Mrinmoyee). Kartika and Saraswati are articulated on Maa Durga’s left, and Laxmi and Ganesh are present on her right. The Durgadalan puja rites’ decorations have a distinctive aesthetic. This puja was performed with pomp and majesty during the reign of the great Dwarka Nath Dutta.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Bengali merchant Ramdulal De(Sarkar) was a well-known figure in the maritime trade between India and America.
One of the earliest Bengali businessmen, Ramdulal Dey (Sarkar)amassed wealth in the 17th century through trade with the newly independent United States of America (USA). At a period when the US had just attained independence from Great Britain and was actively trying to develop its economy and trade, he was a pioneer in the Indo-American maritime trade. The second-oldest American consulate (and oldest in India) was established in Kolkata on November 19, 1792, by order of George Washington, the first President of the United States, due to the prosperous trading links between Ramdulal and Kolkata.
Due to their extravagant lifestyle, Asutosh Deb and Pramathanath Deb, his two sons, gained the renown nicknames “Chhatu Babu” and “Latu Babu.” They allegedly used to burn 100 rupee bills to light cigars. Despite their lack of commercial success, they were well-liked in their respective industries. Musician Asutosh alias Chhatu Babu was a prominent classical music lover and expert. His nach ghar (dancing room), where renowned national musicians and dancers like Gauhar Jaan and Pandit Ravi Shankar performed, became famous during his lifetime.
Ishwar Ram Dulal Deb (Sarkar) first held Durga Pujas at his home on Beadon Street in 1770. Later, this ritual came to be known as Chatu Babu Latu Babur Barir Traditional Durga Puja.
Mullick Bari traditional Durga Puja started from the time of Husen Shah the Nawab of Bengal. Nearly around fifteenth century AD at . Within the nineteenth century the puja was shifted to the musjid Bari Street of city by Ishwar chandra Mullick. Later the Mullicks shifted to Gupti Para and eventually settled in Bhowanipur. Since 1925 Durgapuja is command at the Bhowanipur residence. Mullick barir Dura Puja is almost 156 years older.This is getting more popular puja due to Bengali actor Ranjit Mullick who is belong to this family. It is now also famous for Koyel Mullick who is a famous actress in Bengali movies. Mullick family is vaisnab and thus day offer all vegetarian item at the time of Durga Puja. Another uniqueness of this Durga Puja is Ekchalar Chalchitra. Puja happen to arrange in Annapurna Dalan and Durga Dalan.
Laha Bari Durga Puja, is one among the popular Banedi Barir Durga puja Puja in collage street area. it had been started 170 years past by Sri Ishwar Pran Krishna Laha. Spiritually inclined Rajiblochan Laha, was said to possess been visited in his dreams by his family divinity who asked him to perform Durga Puja in his family. Here Durga is seen within the arms of Lord Shiva and her eyes are closed shut. The explanations behind the idol is that the Goddess Durga given plenty of wealth to the Laha family.
This Puja is one among the wonderful Banedi barir Durga Puja in north Kolkata that being started by Sri Khelat Chandra Ghosh who was the Diwan of the court of Warren Hestings (British colonial administrator in India). Khelat Chandra Ghosh was famous for his social reforming activity. He was also concerned in cultural, musical and philanthropic activities in Kolkata that time. The trusty of Khelat Chandra Ghosh happens to celebrate Durga Puja at their thakur dalan that made from marbles and also the corridor is incredibly long and encircled by embellished wall. it’s a dancing hall too. the whole design take placed by Martin & Burn co. The worship of Devi Durga is confine a single decorated wood frame thatreferred to as Ek-chala and decorated by designed materials.
The Great Bengali lady Rani Rashmoni is famous for her social reforming activities. Rani Rashmoni is very famous to found and establishing the Dakshineswar Kali temple with the worship of Goddess Kali. There are two different Durga Puja‘s celebrated by two different families. The first one was started by Rani Rashmoni in her S.N Banerjee roadhouse. After her death, her son-in-law continued this Durga Puja in their S.N Banerjee road premises. Another Durga Puja known as ‘Kachari barrier Pujo’ is conducted today at Janbazar side premises. Great personalities of the Bengal use to visit Rani Rashmonir Puja at that time. The worship of goddess Durga is in traditional look here and it is decorated by ‘Solar Saaj’ in a Ek chala.
It is known as first Durga Puja in Kolkata. The worship of goddess Durga keep under the yard with eight pillars and a roof top and with no walls. It is called Attchala Mondop. This Durga Puja is extremely popular for its rituals and tradition. Wood framed”Chalchitra” use to keep each year for same usage. This family having total eight Durga Puja in their families.
Lakshmikanta Ray Mazumdar was the famous zamindar in Bengal. He was associated with the powerful Mughal general Mansinha. They got Chowdhury title and their ‘gotro’ was Saborno. This Puja Known as Saborno Ray Choudhury Durgotsav. The family of Saborno Chowdhury hailed from Halisahar and later settled in Birati and eventually migrated to Barisha. Sabarna Roy Choudhury family was the landlord of the Kolkata village.On 10th Nov 1698 they transferred by lease, their rights over the 3 villages Sutanuti, Kalikata and Gobindapur to the East India Company with Rs.1300 only. Deal was conducted by Ram Chand Mazumdar, Manohar Majumdar with Charles Layer ,Son of law of Job Charnock.
The Puja of the Mukherjees are 239 years older. Sri Jagatram Mukherjee, a descendant of Sri Harsha Dev, an important courtier of Ballal Sen. They earlier lived in Jessore, Bangladesh. They migrated first in Barrakpore in 18th century and later shifted to Behala. It is said that Sri Jagatram Mukherjee once went to attend Puja at his in-law house with his daughter Jagattarini. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, they got insulted and came back in their own house. On Ashtami Jagattarini insisted and demanded to her father to arrange Durga Puja in their house. On Nabami, Durga Puja started in their premises under a small scale in Debi Ghot and painting in Canvas.This puja was famous as Jagattarini Durga Puja . This Puja converted with Golden Idol by Sri Jadunath Mukherjee, who was the great grandson of Sri Jagatram Mukherjee. Golden Durga of Mukherjee family is almost similar look to Maa Dhakeswari Idol of Dhaka.
Singabahini Durga(Asta dhatu) Puja in Baidyanath (De) Mullick family Jatindra Mohan Avenue.
Halder Barir Kashti Patharer Durga Puja Bagbazar
Behala Ray Barir Dirga Puja Behala Ray Bahadur AC road.
Jorasanko Daw barir Banedi Puja – Shibkrishna Dawn Lane , Kolkata
Ghosh Barir Durga Puja Balaram De street
Baishna Das Mullick Barir Durga Puja Darpanarayan Tagore street
Hattkholar Dutta Barir Durga Puja Nimtala Ghat street
Chatu Babu & Latu Babu Barir Durga Puja Beadon Street.
Mitra Barir Puja Beadon street darjee para.
Bholanath Dutta er Barir Puja Beadon street
Girish Chandra Ghosh er Durga Puja Maniktala Ghosh lane
Mercury Tour Operator organize Bonedi Barir Puja Parikrama in Kolkata. During the auspicious traditional occasion of Begal we conduct regular Kolkata Durga Puja Parikrama in Kolkata & outside of Kolkata and its surroundings. We provide you breakfast and lunch along with AC coach with proper guidence during Puja Parikrama package tour in Kolkata. We visit well popular jamindar houses to enjoy jamidar barir durga puja in Kolkata.Our special Puja parikrama package stars from 8.00 am from esplanade and end at 4.30 pm in the same location. Mercury Tour Operator is very famous for its traditional puja parikrama tour in Kolkata. Contact 8902495917 to book your seat in our Durga Puja Parikrama tour. Shortly we are coming with durga puja visarjan package in Kolkata. It will be conducted by a vessel or a launch to see the Durga Puja Immersion sights from the hoogly river.
Many families in Kolkata command private Durga Pujas in their houses. Many of them were affluent and stalwarts in past, specially throughout the Colonial Regime. Though the status isn’t affluent because it was in earlier days (mainly as a result of the Zamindari system was abolished post independence), however today’s even, these families perform Durga Puja with a strong dedication maintaining all the rituals properly. The Pujas are older than 300 yrs even. Everybody of the families gather to celebrate Durga Puja as an annual get-together.
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in India and abroad. Along with the festivities come the various tales and surrounding Goddess Durga. The story of Goddess Durga has different opinions on Devi’s origin but the main theme is as found in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. Goddess Durga is the warrior goddess who killed the evil Mahishasura.
According to legends, Mahishasura was a king with the head of a buffalo whose father was Ramba. He prayed many years to Lord Agni; the Lord pleased with his penance granted him a boon. Ramba asked Agni Dev for a boy who would be immensely powerful and may never be killed by a man or animal. Lord Agni agreed and left. Years after Ramba fell in love with Mahishi, a water buffalo. Then the great asur Mahishasura was born.
He was a worshipper of Lord Brahma. After years of penance by Mahishasura, Brahma was finally pleased and offered him a wish. Mad with power, Mahishasura demanded immortality. Mahishasura soon believed that no one can defeat him. Lord Brahma had a suspicion that this boon was going to have very bad results. Mahishasura returned home and began preparations for war to expand his kingdom. Mahishasura attacked Trilok with his army. He even tried to capture Indralok. The gods waged a war against him but he was barely hurt because of the boon. The gods thus approached Lord Vishnu for help. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the three Shaktis joined themselves and gave out a blinding white light, which fused with the merged bodies of the three Gods. The light was so bright that even the Devas cannot see that.
From this light emerged a woman with ten hands. This was Goddess Durga; she was ferocious and beautiful at the same time. The gods all stared at the Maa Durga and bowed. All the gods gave away their weapons to make her more powerful. Shiva gave his trident, Lord Vishnu gave Sudarshana Chakra and Brahma gave his Kamandalam. Indra offered his thunderbolt, Varuna gave her a conch, Agni gave missile, Vayu gave her bows and arrows, Vishwakarma gave his axe and powerful armour, the God of the Mountains gave her a lion.
Durga then fought Mahishasura for nine days during which he kept changing his shape to become different animals and misled her. Then on the day of Mahalaya, he transformed into a buffalo, then Maa Durga got hold of the half-human and half buffalo asur and stabbed him with the trident and it brought an end to the evil and the new dawn of peace emerged among the Triloks.
One would be a liar if they don’t already feel the rush of Durga Puja. Streets crowded because of people still shopping fir new clothes, accessories , and preparing for the Puja, pandals rising here and there waiting for the arrival of the idol or pratima, and the wild excitement among us while planning which pandal to visit first. Kolkata is filled with joy and excitement as the Puja is just days away. The Durga Puja 2019 commences with Mahalaya on the 28th of September and the Puja officially begins from 29th. The festival unfolds age-old traditions and culture every year and this is the time when we get to see people wearing traditional clothes. This is the time when friends, families, relatives all reunite to celebrate together in the Bong fashion. One can see every part of the city filled with lights, even the darkest corners and the extravagant pandals crowded with people from all sections and religions and castes of the society together to get a glimpse of the beautiful pratima. In fact, for 2020, the Government of India has nominated the Durga Puja for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
There is always a competition among organizes for the best pandal in Kolkata and thus all of them are beautiful in their own way. Some of the pandas that are considered to be a must to visit are listed below:
When it comes to Durga Puja pandals this is one of the first names that come to our mind. Hosting the Puja for over 80 years, this panda became extremely famous after people saw Goddess Durga sitting in the Buckingham Palace in the year 2017.
Located in College Street the College Square pandal sits in the bank of a lake. The entire area including the lake is decorated with lights and this decoration is one of the main reasons why people engage in hue queues to see the lighting and ultimately get a glimpse of the idol.
Bagbazar Sarbojonin Durgotsav & Exhibition, for about a century has been hosting the Durga Puja in the traditional way. Even after the setting being quite similar every year, this Puja gives the feel of the traditional Puja held in the banks of the river Ganga. Along with the simple and traditional décor, a carnival is held beside the pandal every year where the rides and food wins the hearts of the people.
One of the most popular Puja held in North Kolkata is the Mohammad Ali Park Puja. Best known for the architectural beauty, this samity tries to bring out replicas of various monuments from around the world.
This Puja, every year attracts a huge number of pandal-hoppers for its beautiful and unique themes of pandals. Hosting the Puja from around 1932, Hindustan Park has grabbed the attention of people for is meticulously chosen themes and skillfully incorporated execution.
Desapriya Park once hosted the tallest pratima ever. Ever since then, this Puja is a must to visit for they bring out different and unique themes every year like the White Temple of Thailand in 2017.
One of the most famous Puja pandals in Kolkata is the Kumartuli Park Puja. This Puja brings out the old fashioned grandeur and art. The style of architecture depicts the traditional Indian culture and draws a large amount of crowd. Kumartuli is the hoe of hundreds of artisans who work to build the sculptures for various Pujas every year. They are also the artisans whose works are exported to the United States, London, etc.
The number of Puja pandals to visit that is a must is countless. But one should definitely try to take out some time and visit at least these few and experience “the city of joy and lights”.
Kolkata is known as “the City of Joy”. What better way to experience the joy among the people of Kolkata than visiting the city during the greatest festival of the year, Durga Puja. The ten days festival brings together all the people and depicts the culture of the beautiful city.
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja when Hindus offer Tarpana water to their dead ancestors and the advent of Goddess Durga. The next important day is the sixth day of the Puja, Shasti, when the Goddess Durga is welcomed by locals and the celebrations are inaugurated. The next three day, Saptami (seventh), Ashtami (eighth) and Nabami (ninth) are the days where the main Puja is held. With Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati and Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya, in these three days the scriptures which include the legends of Durga in Devi Mahatmya are recited. And finally on the tenth day, i.e., Dashami or Vijaya Dashami the sculpture is immersed in the River Ganga when the people have to bid farewell (Vijaya) the Durga Maa.
Though the festival is the celebration of post-monsoon harvest, the artisans start preparing the sculptures (pratima or murti) during the summer. Also, months before the Puja, members of local community join together to collect donations door to door which is used in preparing the pandals and murtis. In the past decades, there has been a competitive nature among various committees preparing theme based Pujas. These Pujas attract a huge number of visitors.
During the Puja days, huge speakers are set up to play popular songs and mantra recitation. Many devotees and pandal-hoppers go from pandal to pandal for a glimpse of the pratima. This creates a lot of commotion in the streets of the city. Various shops and restaurants stay open until late night to be easily available to visitors. Buses and other means of transport are available 24/7 from Saptami. Today Durga Puja has become an art event and a social carnival. Other than this, there are domestic Pujas that are held by families in their homes known as Thakur Dalan.
As a symbolism of Goddess Durga returning to her parent’s home for the festival, married daughters return to their parent’s home to celebrate the festival together. Durga Puja is the season where families exchange gifts not only among the family but also close friends and relatives. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is the shopping season. It is tradition to buy new clothes a d wear them when they go out to visit countless Puja pandals. Some people visit tourist attractions during their Puja holidays while others return from their busy work schedule and finally get to spend time with their family and close ones.
The Puja organizing committees hire priests who perform the Puja. Every morning people clean up and get dressed to visit their nearest pandal where they offer Anjali to the pratima. Not only Hindus but people of all religions get together during the festival for the various rituals. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, everyone hand in hand celebrate the festival and is shows the unity among the people. On the last day of the Puja, Vijaya Dashami, the idols or pratima are carried out in processions all across the city when the people dance together in the processions. This is generally said to be Bhashan dance where people just enjoy together. These processions are led to water bodies, in Kolkata, they are taken to the River Ganga where the pratima is ultimately immersed in the water and the Durga Puja comes to an end. The locals believe that Goddess Durga thus returns to her home and her visit to her parent’s home come to an end.
Even after the end of the Puja, the hangover continues for a few days after which everyone has to return to their daily lives.
Celebrated worldwide, the festival of Durga Puja marks the victory of Goddess Durga in her battle against the power-seeking deity (asura) Mahishasura. The Durga Puja also coincides with Dussehra where victory of Rama against Ravana is celebrated, epitomizes the victory of good over evil. The festival has originated from Hinduism and is widely and annually celebrated in Indian states like West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Bihar and Tripura, along with the country of Bangladesh. The festival is also celebrated in Nepal where it is known as Dashain. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar in the month of Ashvin which generally corresponds to the months of September or October. The ten days Puja is held in the homes of many natives and also in various pandals all through the states and other regions in the world.
Many of us every year get dressed to go visit the various pandals in Kolkata. Many people from various parts of the world especially come to Kolkata during this time to experience the beauty of Kolkata during this historic celebration. But how many of us actually know about how the Durga Puja came into being? Even Bengalis hardly know the real story. The key context from where Durga Puja originated was Devi Mahatmya, an ancient Hindu text composed between the 400 and 600 CE. This mythological text symbolizes the nature of demonic forces as the power-seeking asura Mahishasura and how Goddess Durga calmly understands and fights to achieve her goals of vanquishing evil.
Goddess Durga has appeared in different Hindu epics in various forms. In Mahabharata, both Yudhisthira and Arjuna invoke hymns to Durga. In Harivamsa, she appears as the eulogy of Vishnu and in Pradyumna prayer. These mentions of Goddess Durga in various epics may have led to her worship. According to some versions of the Puranas, the Durga Puja is mentioned to be a spring festival while in the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and two other Shakta Puranas, it is mentioned to be an autumn festival. Unlike in the other versions of Ramayana, the Bengali versions depicts that before going for the battle against Ravana, Rama worshiped Goddess Durga. Also, according to author Pranab Bandyopadhyay, the worship of Goddess Durga became very popular after the medieval era Muslim Invasion and there was an emphasis on celebration Durga Puja as a social and public festival.
In West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Tripura, the Durga Puja is also known as Akalbodhan which means “the untimely awakening of Durga”, Sharadiya Pujo which means “autumnal worship”, Sharodotsab meaning “the festival of autumn”, Maha Pujo meaning “the grand Puja”, Maayer Pujo meaning “worship of the Mother” or just Puja or Pujo. In the states of Gujarat, UttarPradesh, Kerela, Maharashtra and Punjab, it is celebrated as Navaratri. In the Kullu Valley and Himachal Pradesh, it is celebrated as the Kullu Dussehra, Mysore Dussehra in Mysore and Karnataka, Bommai Golu in Tamil Nadu and Bommala Koluvu in Andhra Pradesh and Bathukamma in Telengana. Also, in Bangladesh, Durga Puja is celebrated as Bhagabati Puja.
Durga Puja is celebrated worldwide. In the United States, Bengali communities have organized the Puja. In the past few years, Durga Puja is also been celebrated in Hong Kong, London, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Netherlands. In London, the pandals and sculptures ad not constructed. Instead, they are imported from India and on the day of Vijaya Dashami, the sculptures are immersed in the River Thames.
Recognized worldwide, Durga Puja is thus the pride of India. It is a is a great part of the Bengali culture and thus people visiting Kolkata should definitely experience it.
Kamarpukur is the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Dev. Sri Ramakrishna had spent his childhood here. Shri Ma Sarada was born in Jairambati and it was here that they got married. All the unconditional worldly deeds of kindness and charity done by Sri Ramakrishna and Shri Maa Sarada originated from this region.
Kamarpukur, Jayrambati Shihar village Jamindar barir Puja
Mercury tour operator‘s representative will meet and greet our guest from Esplanade and Dakshineswar then start our Puja Parikrama tour.
We will Cover Kamarpukur and Jairambati Ramkrshna Mission and also cover adjacent Sihar Village to cover some famous Bonedi Barir Durga Puja .
We will Cover following Durga Puja’s
1) Kamarpukur Ramkrishna Mission.
2) Jairambati Ramkrishna Mission
3) Jairambati Singhabahini Mandir Puja
4) Sihar Shantinath Mandir & Sarbojonin Durgotsob
5) Sihar Bonedi Bari Puja
6) Sihar Dulal Mukherjee(P R Mukherjee) & Family
7) Sihar Hriday Mukherjee Ancient Durga Puja Mondop
8) Traditional durga puja of Samir Banerjee & Family.
Inclusions:
Packed breakfast with drinking water 500 ml
Traditional Lunch
AC Tempo Traveller
Tour Manager
Exclusions:
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