Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in eastern India and among Bengali communities worldwide. It honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and has evolved into a vast cultural, artistic, and spiritual celebration recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Durga Puja unites religion with art. Temporary temples called pandals exhibit elaborate craftsmanship, lighting, and themed designs—ranging from mythological to social commentary. Traditional drumming (dhak), incense dance (dhunuchi naach), theatre, and community feasts fill streets and homes. The festival’s economic ecosystem in Kolkata alone involves thousands of artisans and generates tens of millions of dollars annually.