Durga Puja is a beautiful celebration of female divinity, embodied by the fierce and protective goddess Durga. The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. This is a great time to visit the eastern states of India, especially the city of joy Kolkata! All over the city, ornate “pandals” (or stalls) pop up, where Goddess Durga resides, amongst much ceremony and celebrations. For nine nights, the pandals come alive with the beats of local music, often accented by the sound of conch shells echoing through the air. The entire community gathers at these fare-like events, to indulge in the festivities and feast on delicious local street food. You might have to battle big crowds, but the amazing food on offer and the sheer enthusiasm in the air makes a trip to one of these pandals well worth it!
