Any percussion instrument fans here? Have you heard of “dhak”? “Dhak” is a drum unique to Bengal. It is played during festivals but is almost iconic to Durga Puja. The autumnal Durga worship is common to all parts of India. Austerity marks the festival in North India. The devout spend time in prayers, fasting, abstinence and introspection. In contrast, it is celebration in the East. People in Bengal, Orissa and Assam spend this time in feasting and gaiety.

There are more than a thousand Durga Pujas held in Delhi NCR. But the festival fervor reaches its zenith in Kolkata and prep-time is already on in full swing now. During Durga Puja, the whole city is dotted with pandals of various sizes. Some of these are simple marquees made of colourful fabrics while others are works of art. They are made of all sorts of material – cane – metal – boards, plaster and anything and everything that can be given a form. The core worship happens during the day although there are rituals that take place till late night. However, for most, this is the time to make merry. People go pandal hopping more from the spirit of viewing art than doing darshan or paying obeisance. In fact, the whole city becomes an art gallery. It is a complete carnival atmosphere with fairy lights everywhere. Public transport runs 24 X 7 from Shashthi to Dashami. We were surprised 4 o’clock in the morning felt like 7 Saturday evening. Traditionally people wear new clothes. In any case, it is a time to dress-up and everybody on the road is attired in their best.

This also the time to eat out all meals. Many people shut home kitchens and eat at community feasts or restaurants or food stalls that are like pop-ups for the season. Again all these food services run from day till early hours of the morning when tired revellers are coming back home. The state police handle the festival deftly. They are trained and sensitized so that they are polite to the pandal-hoppers. The traffic system is also managed very well and people are made to walk through designated passages created for the event. West Bengal Tourism Department organises various Durga Puja tours throughout the festival and these are conveninent to avail.

Needless to say, we are travelling to Kolkata during Durga Puja in October. The weather promises to be cool then and we are sure to have a great time. In case any of you are thinking about covering Durga Puja, and guys, it is a major must-do, this is the time to plan.