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Key Points

The UNESCO-recognized Durga Puja in Kolkata has begun with massive celebrations across the city. Sundeep Bhutoria emphasized that it's the world's largest festival, attracting ambassadors from various countries. One standout pandal features a "Cholo Firi" theme exploring ancient cave art and spiritual origins. The festival honors Goddess Durga's victory while showcasing intricate artistic presentations that draw thousands of devotees.

Key Points: UNESCO Durga Puja World's Largest Festival Envoys Join

  • UNESCO recognition highlights Durga Puja's global cultural significance
  • Ambassadors from multiple countries participate in Kolkata celebrations
  • Tridhara Akalbodhan pandal features ancient cave art theme
  • Festival symbolizes cosmic cycle of creation and destruction
  • Thousands throng pandals across city with families
  • Theme explores mankind's first interaction with divine
2 min read

Durga Puja is UNESCO-recognised, world's largest festival...Envoys from many countries join festivities: Chairman of Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja Committee

Kolkata's UNESCO-recognized Durga Puja, declared world's largest festival, draws ambassadors from multiple countries as celebrations showcase ancient spiritual themes.

"Durga Puja in Bengal has its own significance. It is recognised by UNESCO. It is the world's largest festival. - Sundeep Bhutoria"

Kolkata, September 28

As Durga Puja celebrations began in West Bengal, Chairman of Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja Committee, Sundeep Bhutoria, pointed out the festival's significance, stating that it is the "world's largest" and that envoys from various countries have visited to participate.

Speaking to ANI, Bhutoria said on Saturday, "...Durga Puja in Bengal has its own significance. It is recognised by UNESCO. It is the world's largest festival. Ambassadors from many countries came here..."

As the festivities began, thousands of devotees and visitors thronged pandals across the city with their friends and families.

Among the many artistic presentations, Tridhara Akalbodhan's theme of "Cholo Firi" stood out for its symbolic journey into the origins of art, culture, and spirituality.

The theme depicts cave art, recreating an ancient era where early humans expressed their bond with nature, divinity, and life through paintings and carvings. The pandal walls are adorned with intricate drawings and symbols narrating mankind's first interaction with the divine, blended with sacred shlokas and mantras.

At the heart of the depiction is the eternal connection between Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Kali, symbolising the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, honours Goddess Maa Durga and commemorates her victory over Mahishasur. As per Hindu belief, the goddess descends to her earthly abode during this time to bless her devotees.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The "Cholo Firi" theme sounds absolutely fascinating! Recreating ancient cave art and connecting it with our spiritual roots is such a creative approach. Can't wait to visit Tridhara Akalbodhan's pandal this year.
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Michael C
As someone who attended Durga Puja for the first time last year, I must say it's an incredible cultural experience. The energy, art, and devotion are unlike anything I've seen. Glad to see ambassadors from other countries are also experiencing this beautiful festival.
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Ananya R
While I appreciate the global recognition, I hope we don't lose the essence of Durga Puja in the process of making it more international. The spiritual significance should remain at the core, not just the spectacle.
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Siddharth J
Kolkata during Durga Puja is magical! The entire city transforms into one big celebration. From the artistic pandals to the dhak beats and delicious bhog - it's an experience every Indian should have at least once.
K
Kavya N
The depiction of cosmic cycle through Shiva, Vishnu and Kali is so profound. Durga Puja isn't just a festival - it's living philosophy and art that connects us to our ancient wisdom. Beautiful to see this tradition thriving! ✨

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