Durga Puja Festival Celebrated in Kolkata

Durga Puja in Kolkata, a vibrant festival celebrating the goddess Durga, has evolved from a private family event in the 17th century into a significant community celebration recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. The festival features elaborate pandals, with this year's highlights including an eco-friendly design and a tribute to director Tapan Sinha. Meanwhile, the Dasara festivities at the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada will showcase the goddess in ten different attires, culminating in a special presentation on the final day. India, rich in spiritual heritage, is home to various pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Kanyakumari, and Rishikesh, attracting devotees worldwide. The Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur is noted for its extraordinary Dravidian architecture, exemplifying India's architectural grandeur. Additionally, several temples dedicated to forms of Durga, including the iconic Kali temple in Kolkata and the Vaishno Devi shrine, serve as major pilgrimage destinations.