The Latest Breaking News from Bengal

Bengal climbers make history in Ladakh, propose peaks named after Tenzing, Hillary, Netaji

A mountaineering team from West Bengal successfully completed four significant ascents in eastern Ladakh. The team climbed the challenging Chang Chenmo Kangri, proposing new names for three newly scaled peaks. Led by veteran climbers, the team executed the expedition without fixed ropes or porter assistance. Their achievement highlights the importance…

The Economic Times · Oct 18

From Ram temple to Vande Mataram, Kolkata Durga Pujas draw on heritage, nationalism for inspiration

Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations this year feature themes inspired by India's civilisational heritage, nationalism and cultural identity, from a replica of the Ram temple at Mohammed Ali Park to a Vande Mataram installation marking 150 years of the national song. Other pandals celebrate rural Bengal's traditions and showcase a towering…

The Economic Times · Oct 17

Why Bengal Weeps on Dashami for a Goddess It Welcomed Four Days Earlier

The Daughter Who Comes HomeIn Bengal, Durga is not primarily a warrior. She is Uma, the daughter of the mountains, returned to her parents' house for four days while her husband Shiva waits on Kailash. The Puja is a homecoming, not a festival of divine power. That reframing changes everything…

Times Life · Oct 17

Nabapatrika: The Nine Plants Bengal Has Long Called Ganesha's Wife

A Banana Tree in a SariBefore the sun clears the Ganga on Mahasaptami, women carry a banana plant to the riverbank, bathe it in the water, wrap it in a white sari with a red border, and bring it back to the pandal to stand beside Ganesha. The crowd calls…

Times Life · Oct 16

Why Did Goddess Chandi Protect Ravana From Lord Ram?

Imagine a moment when Lord Rama was ready to defeat Ravana, but Goddess Chandi appeared on Ravana’s side. Instead of moving forward, Rama put down his weapons. Why would the protector of dharma stop when victory seemed so close? This fascinating story from a traditional account of the Ramayana connects…

MyLifeXP · Oct 15

Sindoor Khela: What Bengali Women Say to a Goddess Already Leaving

The Afternoon That Belongs Only to WomenVijaya Dashami arrives and the pandal, which spent four days as the loudest place in the neighbourhood, goes quiet in a particular way. The dhak still beats. The conch still blows. But in the hour before immersion, something contracts around the idol, a circle…

Times Life · Oct 15

The Ganges Shark: India's River Shark That Almost No One Has Seen Alive

A Shark That Lives in Fresh Water, Not the OceanThe Ganges shark, Glyphis gangeticus, is a true freshwater shark, not a bull shark passing through, not a myth, but a species that evolved specifically for the turbid, sediment-heavy waters of Indian river systems. Its eyes are unusually small and sit…

Times Life · Oct 14

Why Durga Maa’s Idol Needs Soil From a Courtesan’s Home

Every year, artisans in Bengal create magnificent idols of Goddess Durga. But one traditional ingredient used in some idol-making practices raises a powerful question: why is soil from the entrance of a courtesan’s home considered sacred? The custom, often associated with Nishiddho Pallisoil, is surrounded by religious interpretations and cultural…

MyLifeXP · Oct 10

Bengal bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar results to indicate political mood after BJP's rise to power

The results of Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls will help assess political sentiments after the BJP's recent government formation. While allegations of voter intimidation raised concerns, the Election Commission deemed polling to be generally peaceful.

The Economic Times · Oct 8

May join CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on Oct 10, will decide later: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee has signaled her intent to join a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, voicing strong criticisms against the BJP and the Election Commission for alleged electoral misconduct in West Bengal. She expressed her support for Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, highlighting their treatment during…

The Economic Times · Oct 8