West Bengal Dussehra Celebrations
Dussehra is also known as Dasara, Vijayadashami, Bijoya Dashami, Durga Puja, and Navarathri. Durga Puja is the most popular festival in West Bengal. The festival is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. The festival celebrates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is also believed that Lord Rama worshiped the goddess Durga and sought God’s blessings before going into battle against Ravana.
Durga Puja is a five-day Hindu festival held every year in honor of the Goddess Durga. In 2022, the Durga Puja begins on October 1st and ends on October 5th. For 5 days, amazing idols of Goddess Durga and other deities like Ganesh, Laxmi, and Saraswati are worshiped in different themed pandals.
Idols of gods and goddesses are placed on the first day of Navratri and immersed in water as part of a significant ritual on Dasara night.
October 1st (Shashti)
Rituals Performed on Shashti :
- Kalprarambha
- Bodhon
- Amontron
October 2nd (Saptami)
Rituals Performed on Saptami:
- Kolabou Puja or Banana (plant) Bride
October 3rd (Ashtami)
Rituals Performed on Ashtami:
- Kumari Puja
- Sandhi Puja
October 4th (Navami)
Rituals Performed on Navami:
- Maha Navami
- Durga Balidan
- Navami Homa
October 5th (Vijayadashami)
Rituals Performed on Vijayadashami:
- Durga Visarjan
- Vijayadashami
- Sindoor Utsav
5 Best Places in West Bengal to See Durga Puja Celebrations
1. Kolkata Dussehra
Kolkata is one of the must-see places in West Bengal where Durga Puja is widely celebrated. Kolkata is considered the capital of Dussehra in India. Once the celebrations begin, the atmosphere is filled with unique and creative pandals, poojas, aratis, chants and various forms of music and dance (called Dhunuchi Nach) performed during Dussehra. Before applying sindoor to each other, married ladies offer sindoor, delicious Bengali sweets, and bhogs to the goddess (They call it Sindur Khela).
Must Visit Puja Pandals in Kolkata:
- Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal
- Santosh Mitra Square
- Chaltabagan
- Baghbazar Sarbojanin
- Bandhu Mahal Club in Baguiati
- Singhi Park
- Jodhpur Park
- Suruchi Sangha
- Ekdalia Evergreen Club
- Tridhara Sammilani Durga Puja
2. Siliguri Durga Puja
The Durga Puja celebration in Siliguri has its own culture. During the Durga Puja festival, the city is filled with thousands of colorful and themed pandals, attracting visitors from all over the world. Puja Pandals in Siliguri compete for the best with their unique and creative themes.The food stalls just outside Pandals serve the most delicious dishes and food.
Must Visit Puja Pandals in Siliguri:
- Central Colony Durga Puja Committee
- Subrata Sangha
- Deshbandhu
- Sarada Sewak Sangha
- Rabindra Sarani
- Siliguri Ulka Club
3. Jalpaiguri Dussehra
If you want to experience an amazing Durga puja vibe, you should go to Jalpaiguri without a second thought. During this time of year artisans across the state work hard to create some of the most beautiful and unique idols of gods and goddesses. Apart from admiring the beautiful pandals and Durga idols, you can taste some of the most excellent and delicious Bengali dishes and snacks here.
Must Visit Puja Pandals in Jalpaiguri:
- Rajbari Durga Mandir
- Jalpaiguri Rajubari
- Babupara Durga Puja
- Naren Villa O Station Para Durga Puja Committee
- Sen Para Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee
- Panda Para Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee
4. Birbhum Durga Puja
The celebration of Durga Puja in Birbhum district differs slightly from that of the rest of West Bengal. The Birbhum festival of Durga Puja is rich in examples of folk culture. If you want to get away from the city and enjoy Durga Puja in a 100-year-old traditional way (barowari style), Birbhum is the right place for you.
Must Visit Puja Pandals in Birbhum:
- Mukherjee Bari Durga Puja
- Paschim Lalkuthipara Durga Mandir
- Bhagabanbati Durga Mandir
- Mitali Sangha Club
- Balaka Sangha Sarbajanin Durga Puja Mandap
5. Bankura Durga Puja
The rich culture and heritage of Bankura, which are portrayed in paintings, dance, and music, are typically known worldwide. Its representation is also prominently featured in the Durga Puja pandals and idols. It is worth praising the artisans’ creativity in creating idols and pandals.
Must Visit Puja Pandals in Bankura:
- Das Bagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja
- Circus Maidan Durga Puja
- Katjuridanga Sarbojanin Durga Puja
- Rabindra Sarani Durga Temple