Diwali Celebration in Kolkata
Diwali, also known as Kali Puja in Kolkata, is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm in the city of joy. The celebration in Kolkata has its unique cultural touch, with the worship of Goddess Kali being a significant aspect. Here's an overview of how Diwali is typically celebrated in Kolkata:
Kali Puja:
Unlike in many other parts of India, where Diwali is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Kolkata celebrates Kali Puja during Diwali. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a powerful and fierce form of Devi. Devotees visit Kali temples across the city, with the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Kalighat Kali Temple being popular places of worship.
Decorations and Illumination:
Similar to other cities, Kolkata is decorated with lights, diyas, and colorful decorations during Diwali. Markets and shopping areas, such as New Market and Gariahat, are adorned with lights and festive displays. Homes and neighborhoods are lit up to create a festive atmosphere.
Shopping for Festive Attire:
Diwali is a time for shopping in Kolkata. People buy new clothes, jewelry, and other items to celebrate the festival in style. Popular shopping destinations like Esplanade, College Street, and Burrabazar witness increased footfall during the festive season.
Cultural Events and Performances:
Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage, hosts various cultural events during the Diwali season. Cultural programs, including music concerts, dance performances, and theater productions, add to the festive spirit. Artistic expressions and traditional performances are an integral part of the celebrations.
Community Celebrations:
Residential colonies and local communities organize communal celebrations. Kali Puja is a community event, and people come together to organize cultural programs, feasts, and sometimes fireworks displays. It's a time for neighbors to bond and celebrate.
Traditional Sweets and Cuisine:
Diwali is synonymous with indulging in delicious sweets and special festive meals. Bengali sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi are prepared and shared. Families come together to enjoy traditional Bengali cuisine during the festival.
Kumari Puja:
In some households, especially those following traditional practices, Kumari Puja is performed. Young girls are worshipped as representations of Goddess Kali. The ritual involves dressing the girls as the goddess and offering prayers.
Diyas and Rangolis:
Traditional oil lamps (diyas) are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Rangolis, known as alpana in Bengali, are created at the entrance of homes using colored powders or flower petals.
Green Diwali Initiatives:
There's an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of fireworks. In response, many individuals and communities in Kolkata are opting for eco-friendly celebrations, minimizing the use of firecrackers and focusing on lighting diyas and candles.
Visiting Pandals:
During Kali Puja, temporary pandals (decorative structures) are erected across the city. These pandals showcase artistic representations of Goddess Kali, and people visit them to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Diwali celebrations in Kolkata blend the traditional with the cultural, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere in the city. The worship of Goddess Kali adds a distinctive touch to the festivities, making it a special time for the people of Kolkata.
Wish your near dear ones with Happy Diwali Wish
Happy Diwali Wishes in Hind for your near and dear one
Happy Diwali Wishes local language Kannada
Comments
Post a Comment