I think it was October 12th, when I landed in Calcutta, not knowing what I am going to see will leave a deep impact on my mind for ever. . Since I was an archeologist by profession, I was in Calcutta, to collect some information from Archeological Survey of India. And luckily, I became part of the most famous festival of Calcutta- Durga Puja. Oh! it was a marvel. For a person like me, who most of the time is busy in his work and traveling, spending time and knowing about the Indian culture was a pleasure.

Since I was new to the place, I was helped by Dr.Sengupta, an archeologist in India, in knowing about the fest. He aquainted me that Durga Puja is a time for people to show their gratitude to Mother Nature or the Goddess Durga. It is the apt period to revive oneself after the agonizing period of rains followed by deadly epics. The religious ceremony is observed on the seventh, eighth and ninth day of the moon and the immersion of the image are on the tenth day, usually falls in the month of September-October. Durga Puja is followed by the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Grace and Prosperity on the evening of the full. He also told me that now Durga Puja is celebrated all over India with same vigor. "The pujas are no longer just a religious occasion, it's more of an event." said Sengupta. And this is a fact, I was easily able to observe pandals scattered at every odd location.

" You know ! Committees are formed that undertake the work of Durga Puja celebration. And the most beautifully decorated pandal is given a prize by the authorities" proclaimed Sengupta. Dr gupta told me that about 1,300 puja committees participated in Calcutta's 1998 Durga Puja.

The puja committees, all in competition to design a winning "pandal" (or festival scene), must come up with unique and eye-catching ideas which stand out from the rest. No doubt! India is no longer an introvert state, it has learnt the art of marketing, I thought.

Mr Sengupta aquainted me that the main ritual of Durga Puja spans a period of four days. However, in case of traditional and household pujas, the festivities last till ten days.
Durga puja is associated with a legendary story that depicts the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga The legends say that the mighty demon Mahishasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the atrocious demon and prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful. Equipped with lethal weapons riding a ferocious lion the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, destroyed the evil Mahishasur easily.

As I explored one pandal after another, I came to know the importance of Durga Puja in the hearts of Indian people. Magnificent! I thought . In fact, I vividly remember the very last day of Durga Puja, when a procession is taken out and the goddess idol is sumberged in the flowing river water. It was a marvellous function to remember, since I felt the devotion and purity attached with the fiesta. I still have very fond memories of the occassion.