That Durga Puja or Pujo as Bengalis pronounce the term, is the most celebrated festival in the town, is well known. The preparations for the puja start as early as 3-4 months before the festival and this does not take into account, the time of making Idols.
During puja there is almost no work in government offices as most employees are on leave. The air of festival grips Bengalis like a flu. The shopping for clothes and accessories for their near and dear ones take up most of their annual savings. But they do not mind the splurge. Each locality has its own pujo meaning, a grand pandal and Idol of Maa Durga. There MahaAshtami, Maha Navami and MahaDashmi means Pandal Hopping and eating like any thing. Bengalis are not vegetarians and this very concept is alien to them, so even during navratras unlike rest of hindustan (non-bengalis) which keeps fast or abstain from Non-Veg they take to Non-veg like fish to the water. The sound of dhak (beating of drums) reverberate constantly in the air and atmosphere is of complete masti and dhamaal. It is simply good time to be in Kolkata.
However, off late a trend has started among Kolkatans to go on short vacation else where during puja time because they get good amount of leave only this time of the year especially those who work in private sector.
The poor people left to fend for themselves are the most hit of this phenomenon. May be they want it to end as soon as possible. May Maa Durga bless all.
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| Durga Puja at AG Block, Salt Lake, Kolkata |
During puja there is almost no work in government offices as most employees are on leave. The air of festival grips Bengalis like a flu. The shopping for clothes and accessories for their near and dear ones take up most of their annual savings. But they do not mind the splurge. Each locality has its own pujo meaning, a grand pandal and Idol of Maa Durga. There MahaAshtami, Maha Navami and MahaDashmi means Pandal Hopping and eating like any thing. Bengalis are not vegetarians and this very concept is alien to them, so even during navratras unlike rest of hindustan (non-bengalis) which keeps fast or abstain from Non-Veg they take to Non-veg like fish to the water. The sound of dhak (beating of drums) reverberate constantly in the air and atmosphere is of complete masti and dhamaal. It is simply good time to be in Kolkata.
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| Amount of hard wok, they put in is to be seen to believe. |
However, off late a trend has started among Kolkatans to go on short vacation else where during puja time because they get good amount of leave only this time of the year especially those who work in private sector.
 |
| Durga Puja at Salt Lake |
The poor people left to fend for themselves are the most hit of this phenomenon. May be they want it to end as soon as possible. May Maa Durga bless all.
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