This Durga Puja, get a feel of Maha Kumbh in Kolkata

A walk through their pandal venue this year will transport you to Maha Kumbh 2025.

In its 86th year, the committee has themed its Durga Puja on country’s most talked-about mega religious event of 2025.

Mana Banik, a member of the committee, said, “This time, we thought why not bring the essence of Kumbh here. It has everything from the Kumbh mela to the Maha Shan, we wanted all to know the entire story behind the Kumbh Mela. Those who could not visit Kumbh Mela this year can come to our puja to get an essence and feel of the mela and know the story.

According to Hindu mythology, the King of Gods, Indra, once refused a garland offered by the sage Durvasa due to arrogance. Enraged, Durvasa cursed the deities, declaring they would gradually lose their divine powers, allowing the demons to take control of heaven. In despair, the gods turned to Lord Vishnu, who advised the churning of the ocean to produce amrita (nectar of immortality). During the Samudra Manthan, four drops of nectar fell onto earth at Haridwar, Prayag, Trimbak (Nashik), and Ujjain. The pot containing this nectar was called Kumbh. Since then, devout Hindus believe that bathing during the Kumbh Mela at these four places leads to salvation.

Samrat Bhattacharya, the theme creator, said, “This year is very significant as it was the year of Maha Kumbh. We know that many were unable to visit the Maha Kumbh. Thus we thought why not create it over here. All the models of the sadhus are made of silicon. This year, we have also made silicon Durga Ma”

This year, Kumbh carried special significance, as it marked a mahayog occurring once in 144 years.

From the homepage

Amid India’s push to extradite Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, UK officials visit Tihar jail to inspect conditions

Gujarat ropeway accident: Six dead after cable wire snaps, probe launched into incident

Kerala’s infant mortality rate lower than US at 5 in 1,000: Health minister