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A year of planning and flawless preparation goes on for the execution of the grand Durga Puja in West Bengal. Durga Puja not only signifies spiritual and religious connection, but also have cultural extravaganza, to which many people come every year from all parts of the world to participate and enjoy the celebrations. It is a celebration of heritage, art, reunion, female empowerment and delicious foods.
Durga Puja is not only celebrated in and around Kolkata, but also around the whole West Bengal. Here are some places visit at West Bengal this Dussehra.
Places to Visit in West Bengal
1Durgapur
This steel city in West Bengal is also one of the best places to visit in Durga Puja. It is located at a distance of 160 Km from Kolkata. The city readies itself from the happiness of Durga Puja with idols and pandals, that are being transported from Kumartuli. The surrounding villages near Durgapur, such as Kuldiha and Gopalpur are also pretty interesting places to visit in Durga Puja. This region is also popular for hosting cultural shows which include plays, that are based on mythology. The significance of everyday from the mythology is enacted in a play.
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2Howrah
Kolkata is pretty famous for Howrah station and Howrah Bridge. But it is entirely different region from Kolkata. There you can observe the importance paid to the rituals and pujas at each pandal by every family. It is located on the banks of Hoogli River and is also considered as the Twin City of Kolkata. The Howrah and Vidyasagar Setu bridges are decorated with lights that make for a vivid journey. A feast awaits at the pandals and eating joints of Howrah and is also a great travel experience during this time of year.
3Birbhum
The people in Birbhum live in a fertile farmland and have agriculture as their main occupation. It is completely separated from the other districts of West Bengal, because of its unique culture and tradition. This district on the occasion of Durga Puja represents an interesting travel opportunity. Folk-culture is pretty dominating here. You can enjoy the traditional rituals and procedures that are far different from the commercialized show, those takes place in the city.
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4Bankura
This district in West Bengal is been gaining prominence for its tourism related activities in the region. You can see the rich culture and heritage of the region that are showcased in music, painting, dance and many other forms of art to emerge. The rich heritage can also be reflected on the festivities of Durga Puja. Beautiful pandals are a vie for attention of the audience and exquisite bamboo crafts adorn the entire district during the festival.
5Siliguri
This city in West Bengal comes to gaiety during the occasion of Durga Puja, and it becomes one of the place to visit during this festival time. Hundreds of pandals are decorated at the various parts of the city can be seen in colourful lights and sights. Some of the committees, who held Durga Puja are believed to be over more than 150 years old.
6Cooch Behar
This is one of the oldest region in West Bengal to hold Durga Puja. Cooch Behar, is more popular for large idol of Durga. This clay idols comprises of Durga, along with Mahisasura. The idol is also painted with vermilion red. The most interesting feature, behind the worshiping of Durga in this region is the human sacrifice rituals performed here, in the past. However the practice is no longer in use, the only ritualistic procedure is offering few drops of blood. After the stop of human sacrifice, they stated animal sacrifice, which continues to be prevalent.
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