Durga Puja Festival

Durga Puja is the favorite festival of eastern India and especially of the people of West Bengal. This festival honors the victory of the goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura and is celebrated through a series of rituals such as scripture recitations, mantras, and chants along with parades, folk art performances, spending time with family, and large meals.

To celebrate, a puja or ritual is performed in many public spaces throughout West Bengal featuring temporary stages, known as pandals where idols of Durga are displayed. Travelers who visit at this time will see streets decorated with festival lights and cultural programs held out in the open. Many shops and restaurants stay open all night to accommodate hungry celebrators.