Kolkata Glows with Devotion: Kolkata, often synonymous with the grandeur of Durga Puja, has in recent years embraced Ganesh Puja with an equally vibrant spirit. This year’s celebrations turned into a city-wide spectacle, with communities across neighborhoods installing idols, organizing cultural programs, and spreading the message of unity, devotion, and creativity.
What was once considered a festival rooted in Maharashtra has now beautifully merged with Bengal’s cultural fabric. Today, it is not only Maharashtrian households but also Bengali, Marwari, Bihari, and other communities who welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and pandals with equal enthusiasm.
Kolkata Glows with Devotion: Rituals Anchored in Tradition
From dawn till dusk, the air carried the sound of conch shells, bells, and rhythmic chants of Ganapati Bappa Morya. Families gathered for aarti, offering flowers, incense, fruits, and the traditional modak, considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet.
Community pujas showcased elaborate rituals, with priests guiding devotees through mantras and offerings. In residential societies and neighborhood clubs, members contributed together—whether it was arranging flowers, preparing bhog, or decorating the idol with ornaments and garlands.
Children, dressed in festive attire, eagerly participated in processions, distributing prasad to visitors. For many, it was more than just worship—it was a chance to bond, to learn about traditions, and to pass down cultural practices to younger generations..
Artistic Pandals and Idols
Kolkata’s artistic flair was on full display this year. From eco-friendly clay idols painted with natural dyes to modern fiberglass idols adorned with LED halos, creativity knew no bounds.
- In Behala, a community created an idol entirely from recycled materials, raising awareness about sustainability.
- In Salt Lake, a themed pandal depicted Ganesha as the protector of nature, surrounded by artificial trees and waterfalls.
- Traditional artisans in Kumartuli crafted thousands of idols, ranging from pocket-sized figurines to towering statues several feet high.
The sheer diversity reflected how art and devotion blend seamlessly during such celebrations.
Unity in Diversity
One of the most striking aspects of Ganesh Puja in Kolkata is how it brings people of different backgrounds together.
- In university hostels, students pooled resources to set up idols, celebrating far from home but finding family in peers.
- In neighborhoods like Lake Town and Jadavpur, joint pujas involved contributions from residents across linguistic and cultural communities.
- Many corporate offices also installed idols, turning workplaces into spaces of festivity and spiritual bonding.
The festival became a platform for social inclusivity, where class, caste, or religion did not matter—what mattered was devotion and togetherness.
The Buzz Around the City
The streets bustled with energy. Shops selling flowers, sweets, and puja items reported booming sales. Local markets overflowed with crowds buying decorations, fruits, and traditional clothing. Sweet shops saw a spike in demand for laddus and modaks.
Cultural programs, from dance recitals to devotional singing competitions, added to the festivities. In several pandals, local theatre groups performed plays on mythological and social themes, making the puja not only religious but also educational and entertaining.
Managing the Festivities
Given the scale of celebrations, the city administration played a crucial role:
- Traffic police regulated movement near popular pandals to prevent congestion.
- Sanitation workers ensured cleanliness in immersion areas.
- Police volunteers managed crowd control, especially during immersion processions towards the Hooghly River and other water bodies.
This coordination allowed lakhs of devotees to participate without major disruptions.
Economic Boost
Ganesh Puja also contributed significantly to Kolkata’s local economy. Idol makers, decorators, light installers, caterers, and sound engineers all found seasonal employment. Street food vendors and small shops enjoyed increased sales during processions and cultural gatherings.
Economists estimate that the festival injected crores of rupees into the city’s informal economy, providing livelihood to thousands of workers and artisans.
Eco-Friendly Moves
A growing emphasis on environmental responsibility was visible this year. Many communities chose clay idols, avoiding harmful paints. Awareness drives promoted responsible immersion practices. Volunteers joined hands to clean riverbanks after immersions, ensuring minimum damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Such initiatives reflect the evolving mindset of urban celebrations—honoring tradition while also being mindful of nature.
Voices of Devotion
- Priya Banerjee, a homemaker from South Kolkata:
“We used to celebrate only Durga Puja in our home, but now Ganesh Puja has become equally important. My kids eagerly wait to help with the decorations.” - Ramesh Patil, a shopkeeper in North Kolkata:
“For us Maharashtrians, Ganesh Puja is our biggest festival. But celebrating it here in Kolkata, where Bengalis and others join us, feels special—it’s like our traditions have found a new home.” - Aakash, a student in Salt Lake:
“For me, Ganesh Puja is about unity. In our hostel, students from Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha all come together. It’s like being in a family away from home.”
Beyond Worship: A Cultural Movement
Ganesh Puja in Kolkata is no longer just a religious festival—it has become a cultural movement. It symbolizes Bengal’s openness to adopting and celebrating traditions from other regions, blending them into its own cultural mosaic.
It also sets the stage for the festive season, leading up to the grand Durga Puja. Many devotees see it as the beginning of a period of continuous celebrations, carrying spiritual and cultural significance.
Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Ganesh Puja in Kolkata
The celebrations this year proved once again that Ganesh Puja is more than just a ritual. It is a celebration of community, creativity, and culture. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds, strengthens neighborhood bonds, fuels local economies, and promotes a balance between tradition and modernity.
As idols are immersed into the river with chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (O Lord Ganesha, come again next year soon), the city already looks forward to another year of togetherness and devotion.
External References for Context
- Ganesh Chaturthi – Wikipedia
- Eco-Friendly Ganesh Puja Practices
- Kumartuli – Idol-making hub of Kolkata
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