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Durga puja in West Bengal
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Kolkatta is at its joyous best during the 10 fays of the pujas which generally fall in October/November. For this greatest festival in Bengal kolkatta builds up decorated puja pandals with continous celebration of music, dance, song and feasting. Gifts and greetings are exchanges. "Paras" (localities ) vie with each other to put up the best pandal with the best image.
It is the time for the Chandanagar lights to show the mastery of their carft. "Mahalaya" the first day of the Durga puja - which heralds the coming of Ma Durga has Kolkatta resounding with the drums of the dhakis or the drummers. The other important days ate the 7th, 8th and the 10th days of the pujas. Day and night melt as thousands gather for the darshan of the goddess.
Kumartuli is an ordinary locality in North Kolkatta. But it is a very special claim to fame as being home of the image makers who create idols for the many pujas which take place with Durga puja. Almost all the image makers near the surname "Pal" and toil very hard in their artistic endevours to create images which they know will be destroyed by immersion in water after the puja is over. Even this fate does not dim the enthusiasm in making beautiful idols.
The traditional images have a very strict parameter and rules governing their form decoration and placement in the pandal. The reward for the master craftsman is recognition, decent prices and the accolades of the millions who admire the images.
West Bengal - Myriad Colours
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Ideal time to Visit - October - March
Capital - Kolkatta
The best time to visit West Bengal is October to March
October-March is relatively less humid and is the time of the 10 day Durga puja festival. Sunderbans is also opened at this time for visitors. In summers the temp goes to 38 degrees, and the humidity levels are very high. In winters the temperatures may fall to 10 degrees. Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is held in November.
The hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong is best visited from March to June. June to August is the rainy season here.
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Planning a visit to West Bengal read through travelogues to plan your trip