Experience the vibrant Durga Puja celebration through the eyes of Bitasta Halder, a student of class 4, Epic Public School. Join her as she explores the beautifully crafted pandals of Coochbehar, sharing the excitement and magic of Bengal’s biggest festival, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
It was the first day of Durga Puja, and the streets of Coochbehar were alive with excitement. The whole town seemed to be buzzing with anticipation, dressed up for the grand celebration that marks the most awaited time of year for Bengalis. For me, the thrill was in seeing the pandals – each one a work of art, with themes ranging from mythological tales to modern social issues, all crafted with breathtaking detail.
Durga Puja isn’t just a festival in West Bengal; it’s a feeling, a time when people reconnect with their roots, friends, and family. Bengalis from all over the world make their way home, or at least keep the spirit alive wherever they are. Though the festival is celebrated for five days here in Bengal – from Mahashasthi to Bijaya Dashami – its echoes stretch far and wide, turning into the nine days of Navaratri in other parts of India.
The story of Durga Puja goes back to an ancient tale, a powerful reminder of good triumphing over evil. The legend says that Mahishasura, a buffalo demon gifted with immense powers by Lord Brahma, became unstoppable. With the ability to shape-shift, Mahishasura could turn into a lion, an elephant, or anything he pleased, and his strength was unmatched. He terrorized the heavens and earth alike, threatening to plunge the world into darkness. No god could defeat him, so they pooled their powers to create a divine warrior – a goddess unlike any other. Thus, Maa Durga was born.
Beautiful yet fierce, Maa Durga took form with ten arms, each holding a weapon bestowed upon her by the gods. She was a sight to behold, a perfect symbol of courage and grace. Her mission was clear – to rid the world of Mahishasura’s tyranny. For nine days, a fierce battle raged between them, Maa Durga facing off against Mahishasura in all his forms. It was a struggle of divine strength, courage, and determination. Finally, on the tenth day, she triumphed, vanquishing him and restoring peace.
As I walked through the streets of Coochbehar, each pandal seemed to tell a piece of this story. Idols of Maa Durga stood tall, fierce and calm at the same time, surrounded by her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha – and, of course, the defeated Mahishasura at her feet. The air was filled with the sound of dhaak drums, the scent of incense, and the buzz of laughter and chatter. It was a celebration of life itself, of the strength that lies within us all.
I knew that for the next few days, I would be lost in this magical world of colors, sounds, and stories. Every pandal visit would bring a new perspective, every aarti (worship ritual) a moment of peace. And when the final day of Bijaya Dashami arrived, we would say goodbye to Maa Durga, watching her idol immersed in the river, promising to come again next year.
