Central Kolkata hosts one of the best Durga pujas, which always creates a buzz among the locals. On September 26, the Indian holiday season officially began. Hindu devotees observed fasting during the nine days of the festival while also worshipping Goddess Durga in nine different incarnations.
The renowned Central Durga Puja in Kolkata was also included in UNESCO’s representative list of the world’s intangible cultural treasures in 2021. Every year, Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata have fresh themes that are each distinctive and innovative in their own way. Devotees can witness a variety of themed Durga pujas, from pandals to the Durga idol.
In connection with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the Santosh Mitra square has come up with a unique pandal that is a replication of the Red Fort. This time, Mithun Chakraborty inaugurated the Santosh Mitra Square Durga puja 2022.
The organisers had asked Home Minister Amit Shah to the opening, but according to Shah, he is too busy with meetings, so they expect the home minister to visit the city during the festive season.
Due to covid19 last year, the iconic Durga puja pandal in Kolkata’s Santosh Mitra Square broke its 85-year old tradition and refused visitors who did not reside nearby owing to the fear of coronavirus infection. The number of attendees was also restricted by the organizers.
Last year, the 12-foot pandal, one of Kolkata’s oldest, was made by artist Mintu Pal that featured a picture of the Badrinath temple. Because of Covid regulations, the organizers lost a lot of money as sponsors failed to uphold their obligations under sponsorship agreements. Nevertheless, they still made the decision to remain on the pavement.
This year, they have created Red Fort and are celebrating 75 years of Independence with full enthusiasm and zeal.