Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy in among the most populous cities in North East India. Known for producing several Nobel laureates, artists from Kolkata have hugely contributed to the arts, the sciences, and other areas of creativity.
Their creativity is exemplified during the Durga Puja Festival (also referred to as Durga Pujo) each year. Observed during the month of September-October, this 10 day festival is a display of grandeur and artisanship on a large scale. During these 10 days, temporary pandals are built at community squares, shrines, and temples. The entire city comes to life, with "pandal hopping" a common practice among locals and folks pouring in from nearby villages. Though the festival is observed post-monsoon harvest, the artisans begin making the sculpture-idols months before, during summer. The level of planning and collaboration that goes into building these pandals, especially the ones based on political, social, cultural and environmental themes evoke thought and awe. Visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja is a unique experience - definitely reocommended that you enjoy this age-old tradition in the City of Joy at least once in your lifetime.