Journalism of Courage
Durga Puja is the major festival for Bengalis that is celebrated across the world. It is an occasion that marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated for a duration of 5 days, running parallel with Navratri. Starting from the sixth day of the Navratri to the ninth, huge pandals are opened for the public, as a congregation space for anyone to come and take part in the celebration. Pictured here is pandal of Dum Dum Tarun Dal puja mandal. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Baghbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav is indelibly linked to the cultural history of Bengal. Every year thousands of people wait in line to get a glimpse of the pandal and the goddess. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The beautiful play with the lights is outstanding in the Tarun Dal puja pandal. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra Durga pandal has amazing miniature carvings. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra Durga puja pandal and Idol. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha Durga Puja Pandal and Idol in North Kolkata. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Dum Dum park Yubak Brinda pandal and idol. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
If you are looking for quirky Durga pandals this festival season then Dum Dum park Yubak Brinda pandal is the place to be. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
125 Years old Durga Puja of Beliaghata Sircar Family. A family member adorn the Nose ring to Devi Durga on the day of Maha Sasthi on Tuesday. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta).
Pictured here is mandap of Tridhara Sammilani club in South Kolkata. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
This multi-day festival features elaborate stage decorations, dance performances, processions, and recitals. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Wat Rong Khun, Thailand’s White Temple in Chiang Rai is a vision to behold. Now, people of Kolkata need no travel to Thailand to see it. They can see the temple at Deshopriya Park, this year. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
At the entrance, viewers can spot two fearsome-looking mythical creatures. Guarded by Death and Rahu, on either side of the gate, they are believed to pass judgment on your life and afterlife. And at this pandal, it has been beautifully reproduced. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
But before reaching the main temple (mandap in this case), one has to cross the bridge over the lake that is filled with demons, as two huge horns stand out. People in Kolkata will get a chance to witness all the elements of the rich and intricate Naga architecture here. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Inside, the idols have been painting in shades of bronze and copper to match the theme and style of the architecture. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
The pandal at South Kolkata's Hindustan Park Sarbojonin has been dedicated to the Red Indians and their culture. Huge masks with colourful feathers give a festive vibe and set the mood for the gala. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
The giant masks that give an impression like they have been made out of stones are actually made with old tyres and tubes. Keeping conservation and recycling in mind, this pandal is also eco-friendly. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Here, the theme of the puja is 'Mingling of light with darkness'. (Source: Express photos by Partha Paul)
The golden idols amid the black masks have created a huge buzz and people are already flocking the mandap ahead of the festival. (Source: Express
The Durga idol at Hindustan Park in South Kolkata. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Pictured here is the puja pandal of Sree Bhumi Sporting club in Kolkata. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The mandap is a replica of the royal palace of Mahismati, seen in Baahubali films. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
With a stunning palace and giant elephants greeting at the door, the mandal is a treat to eyes for every Baahubali fan. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The idol at Sree Bhumi club puja pandal. It was inaugurated by CM Mamata Banerjee ahead of the festival. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The Chakraberia Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee has chosen to portray “babu” culture in its pandal this year. An organiser from the committee said the pandal would pay tribute to the “babus” who had popularised Durga Puja in Kolkata during the 18th and 19th centuries. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
The Rs 19-lakh pandal will contain items used by “babus” in the heyday of the British Raj. A palace reminiscent of a zamindari house has been built to house the Durga idol. The pandal also displays portraits of those living in the period. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Babus in colonial Kolkata used to organise Durga Puja with such grandeur that they influenced others to follow suit. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
The idols at the pandal have also been build in a traditional way. 'Ekchala protima' can been seen at the mandap. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Mudiali Club's Durga puja pandal in South Kolkata. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
The idols at the puja mandap. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Built in a shape of the Earth, the pandal at Abasar Sarbojanin is trying to depict the adversity of the rising temperature on the planet. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
In the bylanes of Bhawanipur, this club is trying to capture the effects of global warming and the catastrophic impacts of climate change. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
But more than the concept what is really unique about the mandap is that it has been built entirely with almost 8,000 kg of glass! (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Pandal of Haridevpur Adarsha Samity in South Kolkata. The theme here for this year's puja is 'Time'. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
The pandal at Chetla Agrani in South Kolkata made with various kinds of wood. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
But the reason to visit this pandal is to see the Durga idol curved out from Mahogony wood.(Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
Along with ancient scriptures, a tapestry of leaves can be seen hanging from the ceiling. (Source: Express photo by Subham Dutta)
An entire 1.2 km stretch of the Lake View Road turned into canvas as over 320 government art college students took less than 24 hours to draw the 'longest' alpana. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Organised by Samaj Sebi Sangha Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee, from Sarat Bose Road crossing till Vivekananda Park, the entire road has been decorated. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
