Every October, Kolkata, the “city of joy” and capital of West Bengal in India, lights up to celebrate Durga Puja. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga – daughter, mother, warrior and defeater of demons.
Durga Puja is an extraordinary example of intangible cultural heritage. It merges religious significance and secular messages, old artistic practices and new artistic innovations. In 2021, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, meaning it has been recognised as significant for all humanity.
The event revolves around the symbolism and mythology of the goddess Durga. In slaying the bull demon Mahishasura, she ensured the victory of good against evil. She’s also a loving daughter and mother. Accompanied by her divine children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik, she descends back to her earthly home for five days a year – the duration of the festival.
