1. Durga Pooja is a Hindu festival.

It is a celebration of the Mother Goddess and

the victory of the warrior Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. The
festival represents female power as 'Shakti' in the Universe. It is a festival of
Good over Evil. Durga Pooja is one of the greatest festivals of India.
It's believed that Lord Rama initiated this autumnal devotion to seek Goddess
Durga's assistance in vanquishing Ravana. Hence, during the nightly Bodhon ritual,
the goddess is especially invoked to grace the occasion.
Durga Puja was initially an event organized by the elite people in their own
households until the 18th century, when the concept of community pujas evolved.
These community pujas -- included and were participated in by people from all
castes, creeds, and walks of life. Since then, it has become a celebration of life
transmitted from one generation to another, year after year. Durga Puja is organized
with much fanfare across the city. The organizers engage in a competition to attract
the maximum footfall at their respective puja venues, which are unique Art
installations by themselves. Estimates suggest that the city of Kolkata had at least
3000 pujas last autumn. The natural selection of the best ones, which drew the
highest footfalls, was based on the uniqueness of the Art installations at this venue.
2. Inscribed in 2021 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Durga Puja was initially an event organized by
the elite people in their own households until the 18th century, when the
concept of community pujas evolved. This inscription offered encouragement
to the local communities that celebrate Durga Puja, including all the
traditional craftspeople, designers, artists, and organizers of large-scale
cultural events, as well as tourists and visitors who partake in the inclusive
festivity of Durga Puja. The inscription of Durga Puja of Kolkata in the UNESCO
Representative List acknowledges the festival's contribution in sustaining and
safeguarding of a multitude of traditional arts and crafts, well-being and
economic empowerment of communities, and energising creativity,
The historian, Tapati Guha Thakurta is behind this feat. The Ministry of Culture
encouraged Tapati Guha-Thakurta to compile a thorough dossier to send to UNESCO
based on her decades-long research
Durga Puja is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and
art, and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers. The festival is
characterized by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by
traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess.

3. The process of the creation of clay sculpture-idols (pratima or murti) for the puja,
from the collection of clay to the ornamentation is a ceremonial process. Though
the festival is observed post-monsoon harvest, the artisans begin making the
sculpture-idols months before, during summer. The process begins with prayers
to Ganesha and to the perceived divinity in materials such as bamboo frames in
which the sculpture-idols are cast.[85]

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 Clay, or alluvial soil, collected from different regions form the base. This choice is
a tradition wherein Durga, perceived as the creative energy and material, is
believed to be present everywhere and in everything in the universe.[85] In certain
traditions in Kolkata, a custom is to include soil samples in the clay mixture for
Durga from areas believed to be nishiddho pallis (forbidden territories; territories
inhabited by the "social outcasts" such as brothels).[86][87][88]

The clay base is combined with straw, kneaded, and then molded into a cast
made from hay and bamboo. This is layered to a fine final shape, cleaned,
painted, and polished. A layer of a fiber called jute, mixed in with clay, is also
attached to the top to prevent the statue from cracking in the months ahead. The
heads of the statues are more complex and are usually made separately.[85] The
limbs of the statues are mostly shaped from bundles of straws.[85] Then, starting
about August, the local artisans hand-paint the sculpture-idols which are later
dressed in clothing, are decorated and bejewelled, and displayed at the puja
altars.[85][89]

The procedure for and proportions of the sculpture-idols are described in arts-
related Sanskrit texts of Hinduism, such as the Vishvakarma Sashtra.[90]

They typically start working between the months of June-August and wrap up
their work before the Pooja starts. Clay is first mixed with straw and is applied
over bamboo to built the basic skeleton of the idol. This skeleton is then
either heated or sun dried to make it solid and hard They typically start
working between the months of June-August and wrap up their work before
the Pooja starts. Clay is first mixed with straw and is applied over bamboo to
built the basic skeleton of the idol. This skeleton is then either heated or sun
dried to make it solid and hard
Tools and Raw Materials
Following are the tools and raw materials required for Durga Idol making at Hebbal
are:

• Clay

• Rice Husk

• Hay

• Gunny sack and Plastic

material

• Tarpaulin

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 • Sticks and ropes

• Stoles

• Brush

• Water colours

• Spray guns

• Plank of wood

• Jute Fibre

• Machete (Big Knife)

• Sticks and Bamboo sticks

• Poster and Acrylic colours

• Nails

• Maida paste

The work place is set with sticks inserted to the ground firmly with the required area
for the production. Top portion is placed with bamboo sticks that are laid parallelly
and tied, over which the tarpaulins are laid that protects the craftsmen from
sunlight and rain.

Clay is collected from various parts of India such as the Ganga matti (clay collected
from the banks of the River Ganga), Balu matti (one type of West Bengal clay),
Thickana matti (another type of clay from West Bengal) and the clay collected from
the nearby fields of Bengaluru.

The clay collected from the nearby fields of Bengaluru are smooth therefore it is
mixed with rice husk to get more grip while working. If the quantity of clay is small it
is mixed in hand, if the quantity is more then it is mixed with feet.

The shape of the idol to be made, the outline is first tied with the bamboo for small
and the bigger ones with bamboo and sticks. The base structure is made with hay

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 tied with the rope to the required shapes to which the clay is placed as per the
shapes. After this is dried the coat of the clay mixed with hay is applied that gives
the final outline to the idols. The face of the idol made with the Pop mould and the
clay from the banks of river Ganga is used for this as it gives the better outline
(details). The Pole part of the face is covered with freshly mixed clay and the face is
fixed firmly, then the head portion is covered.

The structure is applied with water throughout with a brush and wherever finer
detailing is required it is given the final touch ups. The hands and the feet are
separately made by either hand or mould and then placed firmly, tied in few cases
to obtain the required shapes. The designs made for the frames of the statue in few
cases are fixed and left for drying in shade and then sunlight.

After the idol is completely dried it is painted either by hand or by the hand gun
with required colours. Mostly water colours are generally preferred for painting on
the idol. Dress material as per the form of Durga are wrapped around the idol and
fixed with nail firmly. For the hair of Durga, jute fibre is immersed in black colour and
then fixed, for the Lions hair the jute fibres are made in small bundles and fixed. The
Eye portions of the idol is generally painted with either acrylic or poster colours as
said by the crafts person. As said by the craftsmen this making of Idol is the group
effort of about ten to fifteen members.
The artistry, creativity, and culture on display make it an unforgettable experience.
From mesmerizing idols to theme-based pandals, every corner of the city offers
something new and The artistry, creativity, and culture on display make it an
unforgettable experience. From mesmerizing idols to theme-based pandals, every
corner of the city offers something new and traordinary each year.
Months before the start of Durga Puja, youth members of the community collect
funds and donations, engage priests and artisans, buy votive materials and help
build pandals centered around a theme, which has rose to prominence in recent
years. Such themes have included sex work, [104] celebration of humanity,
[105]
marginalization of queer persons and transgender persons,[106] folk culture,
[107]
celebration of cinema,[108] womanhood,[107] pro-environment themes,[109] while
others have chosen metaphorical themes such as celebration of maati (literally, soil
or ash) and "finding one's own light". [110] Pandals have also been replicated on
existing temples, structures, and monuments [111][112] and yet others have been made
of elements such as metal scraps,[113] nails,[114] and turmeric[115] among others. Durga
Puja pandals have also been centered around themes to acknowledge political
events such as the 2019 Balakot airstrike and to protest against the National
Register of Citizens of India.[116][117]
The budget required for such theme-based pujas is significantly higher than
traditional pujas. For such theme-based pujas, the preparations and the building
of pandals are a significant arts-related economic activity, often attracting major
sponsors.[118] Such commercialized pujas attract crowds of visitors. The growth of
competitiveness in theme-based pandals has escalated costs and scale of Durga
Puja in eastern states of India. Some segments of the society criticize the billboards,

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 the economic competition, and seek return to basics. [119] The competition takes
many forms, such as the height of statue. In 2015, an 88-foot statue of Durga in
Kolkata's Deshapriya Park attracted numerous devotees, with some estimates
placing visitors at one million.[120][121]
Some theme based pujas:

Ekdalia Evergreen Club is creating a pandal resembling Puri’s famous Jagannath

Temple

Kalyani Rathtala: This committee is all set to create a pandal inspired by the famous
Prem Mandir of Vrindavan.

College Square Durga Puja is famous for its traditional yet innovative approach to
pandal designs. This year, the pandal will replicate the Parliament of
Switzerland, offering a striking combination of architectural detail and cultural
finesse.

At A9 Square Park, you’ll witness a devotion to religious themes every year. Last
year, visitors marveled at the recreation of the four holy Dhams of Uttarakhand—
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Dhunuchi dance or naach is a beautiful and culturally rich tradition that blends art,
devotion, and celebration during the Durga Puja festival.

The Dhak's sounds symbolize the welcome of Goddess Durga and convey the joy and
happiness that radiate throughout the festivities.

4. There exists variation in Durga Puja worship practices and rituals, as is the
case with other Hindu festivals, in the Indian subcontinent. [122] Hinduism
accepts flexibility and leaves the set of practices to the choice of the
individuals concerned. Different localized rituals may be observed regionally,
with these variations accepted across temples, pandals, and within families.
[123]

The festival is most commonly associated with Bengali Hindus, and with the
community having variability and differences in practices. There may exist
differences of practice between the puja of theme-based Pandals, family
pujas (with puja of erstwhile aristocrat families known as bonedi puja), and
community pujas (known as barowari pujas) of neighbourhoods or
apartments.[123]

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 The rituals of the puja also varies from being Vedic, Puranic, or Tantric, or a
combination of these.[123] The Bengali Durga Puja rituals typically combine all
three. The non-Bengali Durga Puja rituals tend to be essentially Vedic (srauta)
in nature but they too incorporate esoteric elements making the puja an
example of a culmination of Vedic-Tantric practices. [124]
Historical evidence suggests that the Durga Puja has evolved over time,
becoming more elaborate, social, and creative. The festival had earlier been a
domestic puja, a form of practice that still remains popular. But it had also
come to be celebrated in the sarvajanin (public) form, where communities get
together, pool their resources and efforts to set up pandals and illuminations,
and celebrate the event as a "mega-show to share". [125] The origins of this
variation are unclear, with some sources suggesting a family in Kolkata
reviving such celebration in 1411 CE. While other set of sources suggest that
a Bengali landlord, named Kamsanarayan, held a mega-show puja in late
16th-century Bengal.[125] Yet, this festival of Bengal is likely much older with
the discovery of 11th and 12th-century Durga Puja manual manuscripts such
as Durgotsavaviveka, Durgotsava Prayoga, Vasantaviveka and Kalaviveka.
[126]
The rituals associated with the Durga Puja migrated to other regions from
Bengal, such as in Varanasi, a city that has historically attracted sponsorship
from Hindus from various parts of the Indian subcontinent including Bengal.
[127]
In contemporary India, Durga Puja is celebrated in various styles and
forms.[128]
In Bishnupur, West Bengal, Durga Puja holds a unique and significant place.
The district boasts the Rajbari Durga Puja, also known as the Mrinmoyee Maa
er pujo, which dates back to 994 AD. This makes it the oldest Durga Puja in
the entire Bengal region, encompassing present-day Bangladesh, Odisha, and
Tripura.[129
Durga Puja is also a gift-giving and shopping season for communities
celebrating it, with people buying gifts for not only family members but also
for close relatives and friends. New clothes are the traditional gift, and people
wear them to go out together during Durga Puja. During puja holidays, people
may also go to places of tourist attractions while others return home to spend
Durga Puja with their family.[132] It's a common trend amongst youngsters and
even those who are older to go pandal-hopping and enjoy the celebrations.
[133]

The organising committees of each puja pandal hires a purohita (priest) who
performs the puja rituals on behalf of the community. [134] For the priests,
Durga Puja is a time of activity wherein he pursues the timely completion of
Vedic-Puranic-Tantric ritual sequences to make various offerings and perform
fire oblations, in full public view, while the socio-cultural festivities occur in
parallel.[135] The complex puja rituals include periods of accurate and melodic
scripture recitation. The puja involves crowds of people visiting the pandals,
with smaller groups visiting family pujas, to witness the celebrations. [136] On
the last day, the sculpture-idols are carried out in immersion processions
across Bengal, following which they are ritually immersed into rivers or other
waterbodies. The immersion ceremony continues till a couple of days after
the last day of puja.[137]

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 A 2013 report by ASSOCHAM states West Bengal's Durga Puja to be
a ₹25,000 crores worth economy, expected to grow at the compound annual
growth rate of about 35 per-cent.[151] Economic slowdowns in India, such as in
2019, have hence affected corporate sponsorships and puja budgets for
public celebrations.[152] In August 2019, the Income Tax Department of
India had allegedly sent notices to various Durga Puja organizing committees
in West Bengal, against which the ruling party of the state, All India Trinamool
Congress (AITMC) protested.[153][154] The Central Board of Direct Taxes denied
sending any such notices,[155] to which AITMC politician Madan Mitra is
reported to have said that the intention may have been to enquire if tax
deducted at source had been deducted on payments to vendors for
organizing community pujas.[105]
Social significance
[edit]
Durga Puja plays a great significance in the living of certain peoples.
The kumors, those who make the idols with clay and also makes other clayey
products, earns lakhs of rupees by selling a single set of Durga idol of
average size. Hence, it makes their annual income because idols used in
other festivals are a lot more cheaper. Other professions that receive the
majority of their annual income are dhaaki (plays dhaak), priest and other
small homecrafts. It is assumed that these profession based small classes
would become smaller in population if Durga Puja was absent.

For spirited people, every festival, including Durga Puja, has a huge number
of social and philanthropic activities associated with it. Since decades, the
enthusiastic community of Bengalis too have made sure that they selflessly
do their bit for the society as they celebrate this festival. By donating
clothing, we not only provide the underprivileged with a basic necessity but
also empower them to celebrate Durga Puja with the same enthusiasm and
happiness as the rest of society.
For underprivileged children, new or gently used clothing can boost their self-
esteem and confidence.

5. Economic significance
[edit]
Durga Puja directly affects the economy. In 2022, the economy of West
Bengal was estimated to get a boost of 50,000 crore rupees. [156] The
annual GDP of West Bengal was expected to be expanded by 20-30 percent
that year.[157][158] The factors responsible for this economic boost are mainly
the increase of earning in transport, tourism, industry, business, shopping
and other fields. The Kolkata Metro Railway recorded an earning of ₹6 crore in
just five days of Durga Puja in 2022.[159][160]
The famous puja pandals get sponsorship from renowned companies and
labels. Usually, the dress and jewelries of the idols, the stuffs used to make
the pandals, decorations, lightings are sponsored.

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 6. Durga Puja is celebrated commonly by both Bangladesh's Bengali and non-
Bengali Hindu community. Some Bengali Muslims also take part in the
festivities.[163] In Dhaka, the Dhakeshwari Temple puja attracts visitors and
devotees.[164] In Nepal, the festivities are celebrated as Dashain.[8][16]
Beyond South Asia, Durga Puja is organized by Bengali communities in
the United States of America.[165] Durga Puja celebrations have also been
started in Hong Kong by the Bengali diaspora.[166]
In Canada, Bengali Hindu communities both from Bangladesh and West
Bengal, India organise several Durga Pujas. [167] Greater Toronto Area has the
most Durga Puja celebration venues organized by different Bengali cultural
groups such as Bangladesh Canada Hindu Cultural Society (BCHCS), Bongo
Poribar Sociocultural Association etc. [167] City of Toronto has a dedicated
Durga Temple named Toronto Durgabari where Durga Puja is organized along
with other Hindu celebrations. Most of the puja venues of Toronto area try to
arrange the puja in the best way possible to follow the lunar calendar and
timings.
Celebrations are also organized in Europe. The sculpture-idols are shipped
from India and stored in warehouses to be re-used over the years.
[168]
According to BBC News, for community celebrations in London in 2006,
these "idols, belonging to a tableau measuring 18ft by 20ft, were made
from clay, straw and vegetable dyes". At the end of the puja, the sculpture-
idols were immersed in River Thames for the first time in 2006, after "the
community was allowed to give a traditional send-off to the deities by
London's port authorities".[168] In Germany, the puja is celebrated in Cologne,
[169]
and other cities. In Switzerland,[170] puja in Baden, Aargau has been
celebrated since 2003. In Sweden, the puja is celebrated in cities such as
Stockholm and Helsingborg. The oldest and first puja to be grounded in
Sweden was grounded year 1988 and is one of the oldest ones in Europe, and
goes by the name Stockholm Bangiya Sanatan Samaj. [171] In the Netherlands,
the puja is celebrated in places such as Amstelveen, Eindhoven, and
Voorschoten. In Japan, Durga Puja is celebrated in Tokyo with much fanfare. [172
7. Consider using biodegradable materials for pandal decorations and idols. Opt
for clay or mud idols that dissolve in water, leaving no harmful residues.
Decorate pandals with reusable, eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, jute,
and cloth.
In case idols are to be painted, water soluble and nontoxic natural dyes
should be used. Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for
painting idols should be strictly prohibited
For large idols placed in the pandals, the management committees can
instruct the craftsmen to use natural materials like clay or mud. These idols
not only look stunning but are also environmentally responsible, as they do
not harm water bodies when immersed.
8. Although Durga Puja has religious origins and maintains this profound aspect
of its identity, it has evolved into a celebration of art and
culture, transforming the city into a public art exhibition. Different traditional
arts and crafts are involved in the Durga celebrations.

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 Durga Puja in Kolkata is not merely a festival; it is a magnificent celebration
that revitalizes the city. Durga Puja is a cultural event that is significant to the
people of Kolkata due to its profound history and significance in Hindu
mythology. The Goddess Durga is seen as a sign of power and protection,
which is why she has garnered so many followers through the years. She was
originally incarnated to fight a demon that only a woman could defeat. Now,
she is seen as a fierce warrior goddess.

The distinctive themes and captivating decorations of the renowned pandals

that are dispersed throughout the city are a site to behold. The exhilaration
and splendor of the festivities are further enhanced by the annual
competition among these pandals to surpass one another in terms of
creativity and craftsmanship.
Cultural programs and activities provide an immersive experience of Bengal’s
rich cultural heritage, offering an insight into Bengali art forms such as music,
dance, drama, and poetry.
The overall excitement and pleasure of Durga Puja are further enhanced by
the vibrant shopping experiences and mouthwatering food options. It is an
opportunity to relish delectable delicacies and delve into the lively markets,
which are brimming with treasures just waiting to be discovered.
As we send farewell to Maa Durga at the conclusion of Navratri, we are
overwhelmed with gratitude for the extraordinary celebration that was
replete with joyous moments that will be cherished for eternity.
Kolkata Durga Puja has unquestionably established itself as one of India’s
most iconic festivals, renowned for its artistic brilliance and grandeur. The
fervor that Kolkatans exhibit toward this festival transcends religious
devotion; it is a testament to their appreciation for culture, artistry, and the
unity that is achieved when communities unite under a single roof.
Durga Puja is a festival that embodies the essence of Indian culture,
spirituality, and unity. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolizing
the power of the divine to protect and preserve the world.
The entry of Durga Puja in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
(ICH) as unique “oral traditions, performing arts and rituals” that hold
immense relevance for communities—to the point where they become part of
a nation’s collective heritage.
Furthermore, the importance of these traditions lie not just in their cultural
manifestation but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how, and skills they
help transmit from one generation to the next. From dance, music, crafts,
rituals, and culinary practices, ICH has many interesting aspects.
After West Bengal’s Durga Puja was recognised by UNESCO, Gujarat’s famous
‘Garba’ dance has also been nominated for 2023.
Cultural heritage is the soul of any civilisation and is a bridge between
generations. A nation’s cultural heritage and natural history make it unique
and precious. We should, therefore, preserve our tangible and intangible
heritage so that it attains acclaim at the global level while also serving as a
milestone for the nation.

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