Puja Fervor 2025 – A Celebration of Faith, Culture & Togetherness ✨🌸🪔
Durga Puja has once again transformed the city into a vibrant tapestry of faith, devotion, and festivity. From early morning rituals to late-night pandal hopping, the atmosphere is alive with spiritual energy, cultural pride, and collective joy.
This year, pandals across the city have drawn massive crowds — families, children, and elders alike — dressed in colorful new attire, immersing themselves in the festive spirit. Law and order personnel and volunteers are working tirelessly to manage the surging crowds, ensuring everyone experiences the celebration safely.
Durga Puja symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil, as Goddess Durga defeats Mahishasura. The festival is marked by elaborately themed pandals, dazzling LED illuminations, devotional music, and soul-stirring beats of dhak and conches. The celebrations are further enriched by cultural performances, dances like Garba in some regions, and the irresistible aroma of festive food.
Several pandals have stood out this season with their unique themes and artistry. Harmu Bazaar, Garikhana, and Bakri Bazaar have recreated iconic structures — including a replica of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest Hindu temple in Cambodia. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Mitra Mandal has chosen an inspiring theme around the value of education. Each pandal not only entertains but also carries a positive social message.
The idols of Goddess Durga and her divine entourage — Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kartikeya — are a sight to behold. Painstakingly sculpted by artisans, many from West Bengal, the idols radiate lifelike expressions, making devotees feel as if Ma Durga herself is conversing with them. Importantly, many artisans are now using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, coir, clay, and cloth, adding a sustainable touch to the festival.
On Maha Shasthi, priests at Durga Bari performed rituals to mark the formal beginning of the puja. By evening, the Goddess was adorned in vibrant new attire, her idol decorated with traditional artistry, signaling the start of days filled with devotion and festivities.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja has already been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its influence resonates across other regions too. Digital innovations, themed artistry, and cultural vibrancy are making pandals not just centers of worship but also hubs of creativity and community spirit.
The pleasant Sunday weather only added to the enthusiasm, with thousands thronging the streets and pandals. The rhythmic beats of dhak, the blowing of conches, and the joyful dancing of devotees created an atmosphere of pure euphoria. Volunteers and police personnel guided the crowds with dedication, ensuring a smooth and safe celebration.
The festival also brought a boost to local businesses. Street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, and food sellers enjoyed brisk trade as people indulged in mouth-watering treats — from Tikki Chaat and Samosa Chaat to Litti Chokha, Pav Bhaji, and more. Truly, Durga Puja is as much about shared meals and laughter as it is about faith and devotion.
The state capital is now fully immersed in puja fervor — its streets bathed in colorful lights, its people bound together in celebration, and its spirit soaring high in devotion.
Text & Photos: Ashok Karan
📸 Blog: ashokkaran.blogspot.com
🙏 Please like, share & subscribe.
#DurgaPuja2025 #FestivalOfFaith #PujaFervor #SpiritOfTogetherness #CulturalHeritage #AshokKaranPhotography
Leave a Reply