Durga Puja 2022: A Look At Sharadiya Celebrations Outside West Bengal

When we think about Durga Puja, the first place that springs to our mind is undoubtedly Bengal, which is well-known for its magnificent Durga Puja pandals and celebrations. But there are numerous other destinations in India that are equally well known for the Durga Puja celebrations done on a large scale. Apart from Bengal, the festival is widely celebrated in states such as Assam, Tripura and Odisha. Durga Puja has touched every corner of the globe, transcending geographical barriers. The four-day festival has indeed become an essential part of every Indian's life. 

Durga Puja celebration in Delhi 

With the fragrance of dhunuchi in the air and people dancing around in colourful clothes, there is a joyous bustle in the atmosphere. Dazzling Durga Puja pandals have come up in different parts of the national capital as they get ready to welcome thousands of devotees during the five days of festivities starting Saturday.

The famous CR Park is known for the environment it creates during Durga Puja. It is known for capturing the traditional flavour of Durga Puja. Great shows, live music, and delicious food served in stalls create the ultimate vibe for Durga Puja. Aaprt from CR Park, the other famous pandals include the one at Kashmiri Gate, which is the oldest and most exclusive pandal in Delhi. This place is filled with nostalgia of the traditional community or 'baroyari' puja of Bengal and provides the delicious bhog as well. The celebrations at Minto Road, Matri mandir, Sushant Lok and other places are also well known.

 

Durga Puja in Mumbai

Durga Puja has returned to Mumbai with all of its festive zeal after a two-year restriction. This year's celebrations are all the more spectacular because this is the only Asian festival to be designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Most Mumbai pandals have grown in every aspect imaginable, including idol size, decoration, bhog, food sellers, and popup booths, but they continue to celebrate this as a festival with a purpose and promote social causes. Apart from the usual fun, food, and celebrations connected with Durga Puja, people of Mumbai may look forward to book fairs, theatre festivals, music performances, dance recitals, and other events this year.

The Bombay Durgabari Samiti is attempting to financially and emotionally assist the Dhaki Community this year, since they play a crucial part in maintaining Bengali heritage. The Bengal Club Durga Puja at Shivaji Park will honour culture and inclusion. Navya Singh, a transwoman, will also be invited to participate in the Sindoor Khela. The renowned Mukherjee Bari Pujo (Founders of Filmaya Studios) is one of the most sought after pujas, and this year marks the 75th anniversary of the puja. The Spandan Powai Saradotsav puja committee has entrusted the construction of its pandal to a woman entrepreneur and welcomed female dhaakis as well. Besides these, the celebrations in Navi Mumbai, Powai, and Chembur are also well-attended.

 

Bengaluru Durga Puja

It's that time of the year when Bengaluru transforms into a socio-cultural melting pot, with a syncretic mixture of numerous rituals and traditions from around the nation flourishing in the city's many regions.  

BARSHA (Bengali Association for Residents of Sarjapur & HSR Area) has carried on with the intangible heritage of holding a magnificent Durga Puja in the dynamic metropolis of Bengaluru. After two years of a more subdued puja, this year they are planning a Durga Puja with all its former grandeur open to everybody. The theme is based on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and they have created a mock-up of the India Gate, which will serve as the entrance to the Puja. 

The story of India’s independence, local and national heroes, and achievements in the last 75 years will be depicted, along with installations of miniature versions of monuments of National Interest. This year, BARSHA will have the biggest Durga idol of Bengaluru and it will be themed like one of the famous Puja pandalas of Kolkata- Baghbazar Sarbojanian Durgotsav. It will be placed in a replica of Vidhana Soudha measuring about 100 feet wide and 20 feet high.

To mark 75 years of Independence, BARSHA will reverberate with the sound of 75 conch shells blown to invoke Goddess Durga, seeking the well-being of the entire country and humankind. The one-of-its-kind demonstration will take place on the evening of Maha Ashtami. Among the other specialities, the most notable one is a musical performance by popular muscial band 'Fossils'. This year, BARSHA is expecting over 2 lakh visitors and it has also launched its very own theme song which has already become very popular among the residents of Bangalore.

Also, this year's BARSHA Durga puja is in collaboration with Hosachiguru, and the two have pledged to source all of the materials needed for the puja from farms, which can later be used to make compost for the garden. This initiative will assist them in caring for mother nature while also celebrating life without diluting the essence of celebration. 

 

This year, Durga Puja commences on October 1 (Maha Shashthi) and will end on October 5 with Vijaya Dashami.