When the Goddess comes home
A brief history of Bengal's most popular festival that celebrates the divine warrior goddess Durga
by Nilanjan Das · India TodayDurga Puja is Bengal’s most celebrated festival, marking a vibrant fusion of religion, tradition and art. More than just a religious observance, it serves as a time for family reunions, joy and cultural pride. The festival honours Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, and is celebrated with similar zeal across India through Navratri and Dussehra.
According to mythology, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who wreaked havoc until the gods created Durga, a warrior goddess with 10 arms, each wielding a divine weapon. After a fierce battle, Durga defeated the demon, restoring the cosmic balance. In Bengal, it is believed that every year during Ashwin (September-October), Durga returns to her parental home and her arrival is celebrated with grandeur.
The traditional depiction of Durga in Bengal follows ancient shastric guidelines, often featuring her with her four children—Kartika, Ganesha, Saraswati and Lakshmi—each representing key aspects of life, such as knowledge, prosperity and protection. Durga’s visit to her family is a symbolic homecoming, making Durga Puja a family-centred festival.
Historically, Durga Puja dates back to the early 17th century, with the first recorded festival in Nadia in 1606. By the mid-18th century, it had become a status symbol among Kolkata’s wealthy elite. Notably, Raja Nabakrishna Deb of Shobhabazar invited British officer Robert Clive to his family’s puja after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, further elevating the festival’s prestige.
The transition from private family celebrations to community pujas began in 1761, when a group of young men in Hooghly organised the first public Durga Puja, or “Barwari” Puja. Over time, public celebrations became known as “Sarbojanin” Pujas, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Today, Durga Puja is renowned for its artistic creativity, with pandals (temporary structures) and idols often reflecting contemporary themes or social messages. These elaborate designs, made from bamboo and clay, showcase Bengal’s artistic heritage. The festival culminates on Dasami, when Durga’s idols are immersed in water amid emotional farewells.
In 2021, UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity”, cementing its status as not only a religious celebration but also a global cultural event.