Culture / Festivals
The Bengali Panjika: A timeless tradition intrinsic to the Bengali New Year...
Poila Baisakh feels incomplete without a panjika
Kukur Tihar – celebrating the existence of man’s best friend - GetBenga...
According to legend, the dog is a messenger of Yama, the god of death, and they guard the doors of Heaven
Chandannagar Jagadhatri Puja spreading organ donation awareness through las...
It is celebrated over five days from Sasthi to Dashami
Legend behind Ma-i-toh Kali Temple of Sonamukhi - GetBengal story
Sonamukhi is an ancient settlement of Bankura and is renowned for its five-day-long festivities during Kali pujo
Why is the day before Kali Puja celebrated as Bhoot Chaturdashi? - GetBenga...
Bengalis have a strange fascination for the paranormal world
By Shuvra Dey
Mashaals herald Kali Puja of Malda following rituals of dacoits - GetBengal...
During the few days preceding the Puja, all the villagers turn strictly vegetarian
How are traditional diya makers of Bengal doing? - GetBengal story
Fighting alongside the Chinese electric lights are the earthen lamps which once used to dominate the markets of Bengal
Colonelgola Kali Mandir, Midnapore was frequented by freedom fighters - Get...
The Kali puja was started by the Dutta zamindar household
UNESCO recognizes Bengal’s Durga Puja as the “Intangible Cultural Herit...
Nearly 36,946 community Durga Pujas are organized in Bengal, among which 2,500 take place within Kolkata
The 'oh-so-unique' Raj Rajeshwari Durga Puja of Krishnanagar Rajbari – Ge...
This puja was started by Maharaja Rudra Roy, the great grandfather of Krishna Chandra Roy
Curious stories about the 480-year-old Naskari Durga Puja - GetBengal story...
The first day of Puja starts on Krishna Nabami, under a neem tree
Tradition reigns at 300-year-old Balisai Bhuiangarh Zamindarbari Durga Puja...
Since its inception, the Balisai Bhuiangarh Zamindars organized and financed Durga Puja and the tradition continues
Ghoshal Zamindar Bari Durga Pujo of Konnagar - GetBengal story
This year the puja of the Ghoshal Bari will complete its 569th year
WBTDCL’s Puja Parikrama package is the ultimate Durga Puja experience - G...
From some of Kolkata’s most popular pujos to some of Bengal’s oldest, a list of pujas you must visit this year
"মা আসছেন": The Making of a Durga Puja Pavilion in Kolkata & ...
Every autumn, the city transforms itself into a huge public Art Festival
Pata Durga, where art surpasses religious bounderies - GetBengal story
The ‘pata chitra’ painters are called patua
Century-old Durga Puja of Purulia’s Deulghata - GetBengal story
The first mention of the Deulghata temple is found in the writings of the commissioner of Chota Nagpur
Shantipur Ray Bari Durga Puja, that started by worshipping a bamboo ‘winn...
Here, Maa Durga is known as the “Kulopoti Devi”
By TTW
Did the first Indian Durga Puja start in Tahirpur? – GetBengal story
It is believed that grand celebration of Durga Puja first began in late 1500s
600-year-old Durga puja that starts with Muslims offering bhog to Maa Durga...
This Pujo was started by the Banerjee family who lived in Monigram, Sagardighi
By TTW
Moichara – the century-old ‘secular’ rural festival of Bengal - GetBe...
Moichara is a cattle race festival, marking the arrival of monsoon
By TTW
Wajid Ali shah introduced 'kite flying' to Bengal - GetBengal story
Fly your kites high and remember the historical tale
Searsloe and Ukhra Ratha Yatra: Legacy of celebrating the glory of the Supr...
During Ratha yatra, Searsole Rajbari wakes up to celebrate the festival with gusto
More than just a wedding ritual, ‘Gaye holud’ has a scientific explana...
Bengali weddings are full of vibrant colours, scrumptious delicacies, and fascinating rituals
Thailand’s Songkran, the spiritual cousin of Sankranti
Thai Songkran happens when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries in the zodiac
By Anita Bose
Gajon - the rain-invoking rural folk festival belonging to the ancient Beng...
Celebrated in Chaitra before Bengali New Year
Dol Utsav at Bishnupur kicks off with a touch of classical music
Dol Utsav will be celebrated with gusto on the 7th and 8th of March this year
On the eve of Makar Sankranti
Sadhus have a unique way of life and perspectives on the meaning of life
By TTW
Christmas Festival 2022 kicks off amid fanfare
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the mega carnival yesterday
Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival celebrates its 5th year in Kolkata
Winter is the season of oranges
Durga Puja art and its global possibilities, a discussion at Maya Art Space...
The post-Puja discussion is an annual feature
Kali and Bengal’s legendary dacoits, an everlasting bond
Bengal’s dacoits are celebrated for their allegiance to Kali
Villagers continue Rash Behari Ghosh’s Durga Puja at Burdwan’s Torkona
The puja that Rash Behari Ghosh initiated at his residence continues to be organized by residents of Torkona
By TTW
250-year-old Puja that moved back from Narail in Bangladesh
It was started by Ramanarayan Sen of Chinsurah
Durga worshipped as Pateshwari Devi at Burdwan Rajbari
During Maharaja Mahatab Chand’s reign, betel nuts were ‘slaughtered’ as a symbolic gesture
Nandotsav heralds Durga Puja at Baikunthapur Rajbari
Nandotsav at Baikunthapur Rajbari is a joyous occasion where children participate in ‘Dadhi-kado’
By TTW
Celebrating Durga Puja at Netaji's house in Kodalia
Maa Durga successfully becomes a metaphor for the modern women
This Durga Puja, take your pets to Kolkata’s first pet-friendly pandal
The pandal is exclusively open to pets and pet parents until tomorrow
When the Goddess comes to the forests of Sonajhuri
The tribal people are the lifeblood of this puja
By Shuvra Dey
Durga Puja organizers at Girish Bhawan adopt new-age immersion technique
Since 1832, the four-day puja at Girish Bhawan has been an annual event and is now an integral part of Kolkata’s legacy
By Shuvra Dey
Why did the 18th century give birth to the modern Durga Puja?
Why did the 18th century give birth to the modern Durga Puja?
A Slice of Bengal in Europe
Durga Puja in Cologne was started by the veteran members of Bharat Samiti
How does Nature play an important role in Durga Puja
Durga Puja is not just a celebration – It is worshipping nature
350-year-old Sonar Durga idol of Purulia that leaves a bank vault with AK-4...
This Durga idol has just two hands
Himalaya’s daughter: How Bengal’s foremost mountaineer became involved ...
Utkarshe Aarohan is the voice for humble, small Pujas
When the Goddess came to the streets of Kolkata
Hon’ble CM of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee led a colourful street parade from Jorasanko in Central Kolkata to Red Road
Live in a large apartment complex? You could have your own Boimela!
The initiative is being launched with a series of three fairs
Bengal Mango Utsav, celebrating mango happiness
Bengal Mango Utsav 2022 was held from 23rd to 25th June at Netaji Indoor Stadium
First book fair held in Bengal was not today’s Kolkata Book Fair
It was organized in 1918 by the National Council of Education
By TTW
Meadow grass instead of tiara, basil leaves for veil: Lentil dumpling pair ...
Even today this custom is observed in different parts of Bengal by fixing a specific date based on star constellation and astrological predictions
Dwarakeshwari riverbank comes alive with 150-year-old Muri Festival
‘Muri Mela’ is held at Kanksa village of Burdwan-Panagarh in the state of West Bengal
The Englishman who started Durga Puja in Surul to succeed in business!
His profits doubled the next year and had a reversal of fortune
By TTW
Tusu on Makar Sankranti is a vibrant tribal festival of Bengal
It is a regional folk festival held on the last day of Bengali month of Poush
By TTW
Where can you see Kolkata’s tallest Christmas tree?
At 54 feet, this a fairly large tree even by global standards
Kolkata heralds winter with Christmas Festival on Park Street
The festival begins today and will continue until Dec 30
Sinhala and Bengal, a link that needs exploring
The people of Sri Lanka and Bengal are remarkable similar
Why does Kojagori Lokhhi Puja remind many Bangaals of the aftermath of Beng...
Celebration of the refugee identity
By TTW
A 500-year-old Durga Puja along the Shali River of Bankura
GB visits a pujo that is even older to Kolkata's history
By Shuvangi Dey
The house that celebrates Durga Puja with patriotic songs
Rare Puja rituals of Kolkata's Hathkhola Dutta Bari
Chittaranjan Das to Subhash Bose – illustrious Presidents of Baghbazar Sa...
For more than a century, 'Baghbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav' has been a silent witness to the changing times
Jute Durga Idol with a difference – made by orphans of Nimtouri Orphanage...
All members of Nimtouri Home are working diligently to present a spectacular show for the audience during the Pujas
Gold Mask for Durga Idol to spread Pandemic awareness
To raise public awareness, the Durga idol at Baguiati Pujo Club will be wearing a mask this year
For the first time in the history of Durga Puja, women priestesses will con...
This year, Maa Durga will be invoked by mothers
Season’s tallest Durga idol sets sail for USA
A 10-feet tall idol of Goddess Durga has been shipped to the United States
Chitre monastery, the place to be on Buddha Purnima
Chitre is a beautiful mountain village in North Bengal
Nabo Barsho politics, and culture
Nabo Barsho is primarily ethnic culture emanating from the soil of Bengal. It is not born of the city
By Daud Haider
Kumartuli Turnaround – Season’s 1st Durga Idol sets sail to Sydney
With exports picking up, Kumartuli artisans breathe a sigh of relief
Why did Devi Saraswati find her place on gramophone records?
Devi Saraswati found a new avatar in Calcutta in the 1900s
Why Bengal celebrated highly patriarchal ritual of Sindoor Khela after Dash...
Only married women were allowed
500-year-old Durga Puja that starts on Vijaya Dashami in Raigunj!
Balaichandi Durga Puja has a special purpose
Bengalis of Toronto GTA group celebrate Durga Puja through innovative lives...
New Virtual Puja celebrating women power
From 3-day cultural program to ‘Durga & Dhaki’ campaign, Australia’s ...
New Virtual Puja goes as far as Tasmania
Susanta Paul, famous installation artiste juggling themes in 3 major pujas ...
From Loukik to Lokhit
By TTW
No procession while Durga idols leave Kumartuli this year for the pandals
Individual delivery through idol makers
Maa Durga’s bhog cooked and offered by Muslims in 350-year-old Murshidaba...
The legacy of Muslims offering the first bhog still continues
Meet 9-year-old Ayush Nandi of Bagbazar, who made an exceptional Durga with...
The idol will be kept at Habib’s salon
Durga Puja is not just fun, it sustains a huge unorganized sector – Liste...
Installation artists of famous Arjunpur Amra Shobai Club speak to GB
By TTW
Famous Installation artist Asim Paul creates ‘natural’ barricades to ke...
Santoshpur Trikon Park Sarbajonin Durgotsab follows social distancing norms
By TTW
AGOMONI – Corporatization of Kolkata’s theme Durga Pujas
How commercial needs infiltrated into a festival
By TTW
Artist Debasis Barui stuck to social distancing installation at Barisha Sar...
No artisans from villages could be brought, locals were used
By TTW
AGOMONI -- How Street Installation Art became part and parcel of Modern Dur...
Who brought in installation art to Bengal’s festivals?
By TTW
Samaj Sebi Sangha celebrates Diamond Jubilee by helping 75 Amphan ravaged f...
Installation artist Pradip Das speaks to GB
By TTW
Sovabazar Rajbari is out of bounds this Durga Puja, so let’s go on a virt...
Pujo that started in 1757!
AGOMONI – Durga Puja is about ‘Inclusiveness.’ Artisans of every cast...
From Dom to Sutradhar
By TTW
Sulunga, where Durga Puja ushered in a revolution
Nearly a century ago, the residents of a remote Birbhum village began a Puja that was more than just a ritual
Agomoni -- Bengal’s Pata Durga reflects amalgamation of all religions
Some even look like Mughal art miniatures!
By TTW
Celebrating 300-year-old Goswami Barir pujo of Serampore and its Danish inf...
How Goswamis wanted to buy Serampore for Rs 11,00,000!
Robot Maria to manage crowds during Durga Puja in Kolkata
SB Park Durga Puja Committee comes up with innovation
State Govt directives for low key Durga Puja amid Covid-19 pandemic
Maintaining all safety protocols
By TTW
AGOMONI – Why Durga’s Chalchitra of Rani Rashmoni’s zamindar house wa...
Bengal’s Chalchitra artistes are facing a bleak future
By TTW
The women of Bhangor and their unique Durga Puja
Covid may have forced a cut in the budget, but it has also brought out the human face of Durga Puja
By Firoz Ahmed
Durga’s ornaments came from Germany by post! Daaker Saaj redefined!
How Maa Durga’s ornaments changed over the years
By Saheli Mitra
AGOMONI! Bangla Chaler Thakur to Chhobiana -- Changing face of Devi Durga i...
Durga idols amalgamated various art forms
By Saheli Mitra
AGOMONI! Invoking the Goddess of Clay! How Kumartuli turned her abode
Why did artisans settle in Kumartuli?
By Saheli Mitra
375-year-old zamindar bari of Amadpur and its bonedi barir Durga Puja
Terracotta temples and Ma Durga – a die for concoction
Barwari Durga Puja first started in Bengal to uphold Swadeshi sentiments wi...
Birashtami Puja and Khadi exhibitions created patriotic feelings
Paying homage to the soil
Every year, the ‘Halokarson’ ceremony at Sriniketan reminds us of Tagore’s commitment to the soil and those who cultivate it.
‘Rakhi’- the bond used by Rabindranath Tagore to bridge communal divide...
On this Raksha Bandhan Day
ISKCON virtual Rathayatra to reach more than 25,000 homes!
Stay at home and enjoy the Rathayatra celebrations
Unprecedented Good Friday in Kolkata! Livestreaming of special prayers
Mankind suffers today, will Lord Jesus come to the rescue?
Mayapur is not just about Rathayatra, it is also about Dol
Watch the grand celebration of Gaura Purnima
Gear up for a unique cultural pageantry in Santiniketan where world ideolog...
Celebrate Nabanna Earth Weekend (NEW) festival
Chandannagar Bidhansabha Utsav starts on 3rd Feb to celebrate the town’s ...
Where cultures merge and ‘people’ meet
Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival set to nurture young minds...
Visit Nandan with your children and enjoy the film carnival
Air Ambulance to be used in Gangasagar this year
Special arrangements for people falling sick in the mela
9th Kolkata Christmas Carnival starts at Allen Park with huge fanfare
Hon’ble CM Mamata Banerjee passes message of love and peace
One of the oldest fairs of Kolkata -- Behala’s 227-year-old Chandi Me...
Rural feel in the middle of a bustling metropolis
Did you know Bankim Chandra depicted Jagadhhatri as ‘Bharat Mata?&rsq...
Krishnanagar’s Jagadhhatri Puja stated by Maharaja Krishnachandra
119-year-old Jagaddhatri Puja at ‘Medicine Man’ BK Pal’s ...
BK Pal helped freedom fighters while supplying Edward Tonic to the British!
Did you know Bengal’s Durga Puja did business worth Rs 15K crore!
Largest employment generator for 6 months
GB ‘Lokkhi in Olokhhi’ – MRINAL MANDAL
Artist Mrinal Mandal believes Lokkhi – Olokhhi is just a symbol
GB ‘Lokkhi in Olokhhi’ – KAUSHIK CHAKRABORTY
Kaushik pens down the underlying hypocrisy of a ‘Lokhhi Meye’
GB ‘Lokkhi in Olokhhi’ – SHUVAYU BHATTACHARJEE
Shuvayu pens down a script describing ‘Olokkhi’ women
GB ‘Lokkhi in Olokhhi’ – SANTANU PAUL
Ace photographer Santanu captures on camera the ‘Olokhhi’ s of Kolkata
By Santanu Paul
GB ‘Lokkhi in Olokhhi’ – SHIBAJI BOSE
Shibaji Bose remembers Padmasundari, the ‘Olokhhi’ in his real life
By Shibaji Bose
GB ‘LOKKHI IN OLOKKHI’ Series
Six men from Bengal are proud to be associated with so-called Olokkhis
By Saheli Mitra
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – JOIE BOSE
How she fights body shaming and still wins Mrs India East!
By Joie Bose
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – MONISHA DUTTA
Raising a child single-handed after her husband’s death and working to earn
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – RHITI CHATTERJEE BOSE
How she juggles her passion as an artist and needs of a specially-abled child
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – SUPRIYA ROY
Rising against patriarchy in the ’60s, a woman gets educated and working
By Supriya Roy
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – ENA RAY BANERJEE
How is it like to be a leading woman scientist and raising 3 kids
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – SANJUKTA DUTTA
How she moved from one state to another keeping her career alive!
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – URVASHI BASU
How she manages trans-continent life and work
By Urvashi Basu
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – INDRANI CHATTERJEE
Fighting the daily demons for a woman corporate leader is indeed difficult
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – RAKHEE GHOSH
From a cushy job in England to building a restaurant chain in Kolkata
By Rakhee Ghosh
How Ecological Harmony plays an important role in Durga Puja
Maa Durga’s Vahanas and Children represent elements of nature
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – DR PAULA RAY
Communication and research specialist from New Zealand
By Paula Ray
GB Real-Life Dashabhuja – MOUSUMI SENGUPTA
How Jill of Some Trades handles her creative passion and family commitments
And Still We Rise! GB REAL LIFE DASHABHUJAS 2019
Tale of women from Bengal who are nothing short of Devi Durga
By Saheli Mitra
What is famous artist Bhabatosh Sutar whipping up at Naktala Udayan?
Kabir Sumon sets the music of the pandal
Kamarpukur’s Chatterjee Bari serves Machher Jhol as bhog!
Have you ever heard fish being given in Durga bhog?
Samaj Sebi Sangha on Lake Road pays homage to labourers
Look what’s brewing at South Kolkata’s famous Samaj Sebi
Shonagachhi sex workers celebrate Durga Puja in a different way!
How Kolkata’s infamous ‘Red Light Area’ brings awareness through Devi Durga
Good over Evil is need of the hour! Relevance of Mahalaya in modern India ...
Do you still tune in to ‘Mahisasur Mardini’ on Radio?
150-year-old Kolkata Durga Pujo where Mahishasura wears coat and pants!
Is it a colonial hangover? Or protest against oppressor?
By Shuvangi Dey
If the NRC axe is hanging on you, visit the Rajdanga Durga Puja this year ...
Theme Pujo highlighting plight of ‘stateless people’
Chaltabagan Sarbojonin pays tribute to Kolkata Police
Those who tirelessly work to make Durga puja a success
By Shuvangi Dey
Why is Durga Puja 2019 ‘different’ for Bengal?
Heady concoction of new ideas, awards and nostalgia!
By Shuvangi Dey
When Religion Unites: Dutta Bari worships Muslim girl as Maa Durga
Even Swami Vivekananda worshipped daughter of a Muslim boatman
Pujo Theatre: Thakurdalan where Uttam Kumar performed
Reliving Girish Bhavan Thakurdalan and memories of Jatra
By Shuvangi Dey
GB Exclusive Video on Kumartuli – Abode of the Goddess of Clay
Watch out how artisans at Kumartuli are preparing for Durga Puja
This Durga Puja, priests will take classes on water conservation
How will water be conserved by various city Puja Committees
Santosh Mitra Square to have 18 crore gold Durga this year!
Kolkata’s big budget Durga Pujas a splurge of money only?
GB’s exclusive interview with ISKCON’s Vice President
On the first auspicious day of Kolkata Rathayatra Festival
Actress Nusrat Jahan to be special guest at ISKCON Rathayatra
ISKCON impressed by her religious inclusiveness ideology
How Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu describe Jagannath form?
Tale of Krishna and his spiritual transformation
Just 100 more days to Durga Puja!
A look at this year’s Puja calendar and Durga Puja’s role in old Calcutta
Why are idols of Lord Jagannath armless?
The lord that was made from wood sent by divine intervention
Haalkhata, the intrinsic Poila Baisakh tradition
How Haalkhata is important to Bengal’s trade circuit even today
Celebrate convergence of all communities at Milan Utsav!
The festival that rings in the true essence of Bengal
Poush Sankranti Dhaka and Sylheti style!
Not with pithe, but with Shakrainkites and mera-merighar
By Saheli Mitra
Enjoy a mix of Rabindrasangeet and Chinese music
At Nicco Park’s special Chinese illumination festival
Gone are the days when Puja barshikis carried a pujo fragrance
Puja barshiki releases set way ahead in July, have lost their attraction
By Saheli Mitra
Pujor Gaan: Do music albums still create a stir during Durga Puja?
GB traces the musical trends this Durga Puja from Asha Bhonsle to Baul
Which kurta will you don this Durga Puja?
Check out the latest trends in kurtas and Panjabi this year
‘All-Women’ Hindustan Club celebrates feminine power of Maa Dur...
What is brewing this year at Hindustan Club?
By Suman Sadhu
GB brings rare rituals of Cossimbazar Rajbari Durga Pujo
More than 280 years old, Cossimbazar Pujo is a treat to the eyes
‘Power of Wind’ to be showcased at Ajeya Sanhati
How air pollution is killing millions across the world
By Suman Sadhu
Discovering ‘Eternal Depth’ this year with Talapark Pratyay Dur...
Aaro gobhire jao and explore unknown mysteries
By Suman Sadhu
What is the theme at Naktala Udayan Sangha this year?
What is the theme at Naktala Udayan Sangha this year?
By Suman Sadhu
Making of the ISKCON Rath this year
How is the famous ISKCON Rath of Kolkata made and when does it start?
Wishing for some weekend peace? Where to go to?
Weekends are not just about parties, it is also about unwinding
From Rabindra Jayanti to Kolkata’s political heritage
GB brings an extensive event calendar for the week
How a Brahmo celebrated Saraswati Puja
She was invited to every puja of her neighbourhood
By Supriya Roy
Saraswati Puja where Muslim students participate
This village school puja is a symbol of communal harmony
Kolkata Christmas Carnival showcases global cuisine!
You will be spoilt for choice at the carnival!
By Ruchita Bose
What is so new about New Market this Christmas?
Nothing new, the same old-world charm
By Ruchita Bose
