6 different ways to celebrate Kolkata during the festive period

      I reached Kolkata in West Bengal one afternoon to be a part of the vibrant colors and extravaganza of the Durga Puja Festival. This Hindu festival has many mythological stories to relate and is rejoiced for ten days in the Sep-Oct time frame every year. Each day has its own significance and importance. Here are six different ways to witness the fervor and pomp of this festival in the City of joy.

1.       Go pandal hopping -

Pandal is a temporary structure setup to depict a theme, with Goddess Durga being the center of attraction. The theme for every pandal differs and they compete amongst each other on the basis of decoration, creativity and concept. The preparations start couple of months before the onset of the festival. Government organizations, media houses, retail companies pump in the required funds that run to the tune of few millions (INR). The themes are innovative and elaborate; each outdoes the other and is a real visual treat. Some of the cynosures with maximum footfalls are located at College Square, Kumartuli Park, Mohammad Ali Park, Bagbazar, Suruchi Sangha Ekdalia and Deshpriya Park. You could witness the Dhunuchi Naach, a dance ritual conducted by holding earthenware incense burners in each hand. 

The festival is incomplete without playing the Dhak, a traditional drum like musical instrument. The gusto of the festival is felt by every woman whilst celebrating Sindhoor Khela. Women smear vermillion on each other’s cheeks and forehead as the Goddess leaves her parents’ home for her in laws place on the tenth day.

Dhak

2.       Visit the potter’s locality

Yes the same who handcraft Goddess Durga’s sculpture for this occasion. The potters prepare it with clay at a settlement called Kumartuli that is more than 300 years old. The beauty of the idol lies in the hands of the artist goes a common saying. In case of Goddess Durga it is told the beauty lies in her eyes which can either make or break its magnificence and splendor. The eyes are drawn by experienced craftsmen who know the tricks of the trade.

3.       Savor the local cuisine

It is told Bengalis have a sweet tooth. They have an elaborate range of delicacies in the dessert section which is had after every meal. These sweets are mostly milk based like the famous Rasagullas, Cham Cham, Mishti Doi and Sandesh. There are many sweet shops across Kolkata, few of which are more than a century old like Girish Dey & Nakur Nandy’s at Ramdullal Sarkar Street and Chitranjan’s at Shyambazar Street.  Visit Flurys, the tearoom on Park Street since the British era and is famed for its confectionary products. Kolkata is a food paradise for the sea food aficionados. The Hilsa fish is found in abundance in the Ganges River and is a popular delicacy in Bengal. Bengal is also famous for the Bengali paan (betel leaf) which is generally consumed after meals with betel nut. Kolkata is also known for its street food. Devour the tangy Puchka, a deep fried Indian bread accompanied with tamarind pulp and spices that would tickle the taste buds as it explodes in your mouth.

4.       Experience the old world charm

Kolkata’s tramways belong to the British age and are the face of the city. These electrically driven carriages reveal the heritage of Kolkata as they ramble down the roads. The ubiquitous hand pulled rickshaws could still be found across the streets of this city.

5.       Cruise the Hooghly river

Check out the Kolkata skyline framed by the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Sethu as you cruise the Hooghly River, a tributary of River Ganges. Enjoy the panoramic sunset or better take a ride down the river as the boatman rows and takes you to a world of tranquility by his rustic song.

6.       Shop till you drop

This city is well known for its stiff cotton saris and dress material. Do not forget to carry few vibrant prints in your bag when you return. Book worms could find loads of books at College Street. This is the place where one could buy rare books at throwaway prizes in the numerous book shops lining the street.  Junk and Silver jewelry, handicraft items, souvenirs, trinkets and terracotta items are predominantly found at New Market. They are great give away for friends and family back home.

I am sure there are lots more to experience in this City of Joy. Do you have some more ideas to explore Kolkata in the festive season?