Latest news with #Durga
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
This Is How Kolkata Dresses Up In Lights and Joy For Its Biggest Cultural Celebrations Every Year
Kolkata, often referred to as the 'Cultural Capital of India,' unites the past and the present, which contributes to the vibrant culture of the city. The festivals throughout the year turn the city into a beautiful collage of joy filled colors and lights. From the magnificence of Durga Puja to the soft contemplation of Eid, Kolkata's festivals are more than mere events, they are experiences that change the city's social and cultural perceptions forever. 1. Durga Puja: The Beat of the City's Heart The apex of the festive calendar of Kolkata is Durga Puja, which lasts five spectacular days commemorating Goddess Durga. The city goes through a complete transformation as each locality tries to put up the best pandals (temporary temples). Each Pandal is an example of architecture and decor, with some dedicated to social causes, world-famous buildings, and traditional arts. One notable pandal in 2022 was made entirely of recycled plastic to help promote environmental awareness, while another set of lights mimicked Egypt's pyramids. Kumartuli, the potters' quarter, bustles for months as artisans sculpt the clay idols for Durga. The rhythmic beats of dhak drums dance through the air while the streets are adorned with fairy lights and the ethereal silhouette of colorful installations. There is emotion in idol immersions to the Hooghly River, and vivid light in the adorned Sindoor Khela. The city transforms into an open-air theater as cultural performances such as experimental Baul music to theatre take over the streets. 2. Diwali & Kali Puja: A Symphony of Lights Kolkata's spirit shines its brightest during Kali Puja on the same night as Diwali, which is predominantly celebrated in North India. Temples like Kalighrat and Dakshineswar are covered in neon lights and marigolds which bring devotees for midnight worship, further glowing with marigold gold in the form of Fireworks adorning the skyline. Along with bursting of sweet love, gifts and lamps, it serves as a beautiful floral representation of the jubilant farben of Kali's chaos, and multi-faceted Kolkata's spiritual fervor at the same time. 3. Christmas: A Winter Wonderland In Park Street Flurys and Magnolia celebrate Christmas with plum cakes and rum balls. St. Paul Cathedral hosts midnight mass which is full of vibrant carols under gothic arches for tradition. These all bound traditions fuse with the modern LED displays to give an ethnic feel this December on Christmas. The festive celebration includes all religions coming together to ice skate on fancy hotel roofs or savor street kebabs on return. 4. Eid-ul-Fitr: A Thematic Celebration Full Of Food And Love Eid is specially celebrated in Park Circus and Zakaria Street with vibrant embroidery, ittar and- biryani paired with phirni. The well known Nakhoda Masjid radiates love and charity which captures the hearts of everyone hoping to feast during the joyous occasion. These deeds display the unity of the community powered by the Hindu populated areas sharing seviyan. Artistic Expressions: The City as a Canvas Beyond the festivities, Kolkata has streets teeming with innovation. Local artists' murals and graffiti beautify the city as folkloric and climate change themes fill the walls during the Durga Puja celebration. Abandoned buildings are beautified by the Kolkata Street Art Festival as they are transformed into grand works of art. Parks and roundabouts are also the homes of creative springs and oversized origami birds, and sculptures made of recycled materials. Even the famous yellow trams and taxis join in on the fun and get covered in festive decorations. Conclusion: The Spirit of Togetherness Kolkata's festivals are far more than just visual delights, they are a manifestation of the city's diverse nature. This multifaceted capital reveals its tenacious heart with its ability to transform itself from one era to another while blending religions and various art forms. From the sound of a priest chanting sacred mantras to children giggling while running after fireflies, Kolkata teaches us that humanity dances to a single beat during festivals. With the decorations taken down and lights being turned off, the essence of the city lingers; every celebration in the city is a heartfelt love letter to life. Kolkata redefines every festival as an opportunity to restart, rediscovering the ordinary and extraordinary.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Raj Bhavan nod for underground 1.6 km stretch of Purple Line
1 2 3 Kolkata: Following Raj Bhavan's clearance, RVNL has completed survey of the Purple line's 1.6 km extension to Eden Gardens. The metro tracks will travel through the edge of the Governor House lawns before crossing over to the opposite flank where the corridor's fifth underground station is being planned. Rarely do agencies seek the governor's approval for surveys that are prerequisites to drawing a new Metro route. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), the implementing agency of the Purple line, which is being extended 1.6 km beyond Esplanade and 1.2 km on the southern fringes to IIM-Calcutta, has now finished the topographical survey. needed to finalize the alignment of the proposed Eden Gardens metro line. "Such surveys are typically conducted to ensure the project is feasible and well-planned. They help in understanding the terrain, soil conditions, and other relevant factors crucial to determining the alignment, construction methods, and overall project cost," said an engineer. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "The survey was done to understand the status above and under the ground in the metro path of the 1.6 km beyond Esplanade to Eden Gardens. The tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will curve past the East-West Metro (Green line) Esplanade station, cross over to Raj Bhavan's edge (covering around 250 m of the garden area) before curving across the road to the Eden Gardens station, which will come up on the site opposite Gate No 1. Based on the survey, the best (shortest) alignment will be mapped out," a Railways official said. RVNL intends to deploy the same TBMs, Durga and Divya, being used for the construction of the 1.7 km Kidderpore-Victoria Memorial section. The borers will be launched again for the second drive (950 m from Victoria Memorial to Park Street). The 640 m from Park Street to Esplanade will be built in cut-and-cover method (building tunnels inside underground trenches) since most of this stretch is free of infringement. From Esplanade, the TBMs will be launched for the third time to burrow and build the 1.6 km to Eden Gardens station. This section, too, has no overhead structures. TOI on Jan 12 had reported that " Kolkata metro plans to extend Joka-Esplanade Purple Line to Eden Gardens." By extending the Purple line to Eden Gardens, Metro Railway is looking to draw passengers from the BBD Bag area, offices on Strand Road, Babughat and Calcutta High Court. Sports enthusiasts can simply walk to the proposed Eden Gardens station to access the city's lifeline or the North-South (Blue) corridor, by availing the Esplanade interchange. The earlier plan was to link Eden Gardens to Esplanade by a long subway.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Kanaka Durga temple offers silk robes to shrines in Hyderabad for Bonalu festivities
As part of the Telangana Bonalu festivities, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada, ceremoniously offered pattu vastralu (silk robes) to prominent temples in Hyderabad on Friday. The robes were presented at several temples across the twin cities, including Sri Mahankali Temples at Uppuguda and Gowlipura, Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple at Lal Darwaza, Sri Jagadamba Temple at Sultan Shahi, Sri Bela Mutyalamma, Sri Bangaru Maisamma, and Sri Akkanna Madanna Temples at Haribowli, and Sri Mahankaleshwara Temple at Meeralam Mandi. Executive Officer of Kanaka Durga temple V. Seenanayak said the gesture symbolised prayers for prosperity, harmony, and the continued development of both Telugu States — Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The delegation was warmly received by G. Raghavender, president of the Hyderabad Unified Temples Committee, who accompanied them during the visits. Kanaka Durga temple chief priests L. Durga Prasad and R. Srinivas Shastri, along with Vedic scholars, were also present.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cancer Horoscope Today, 18th July 2025 - Business and Career Growth Opportunities Ahead
Cancer Horoscope Today, 18th July'2025: Cancerians, today is a good day to mindfully invest in your career, relationships, health, and business. Whether you're self-employed or trying your luck in government work, signs of success keep flooding in, one after another. Harmony and meaningful conversations will flow within your family and with your partner. Don't let your health slip by unnoticed while you chase your goals. ET Online Cancer Horoscope Today, 18th July 2025: Business and Career Growth Opportunities Ahead Cancer Career Horoscope Today, 18th July 2025: Today favors your career growth and business gains. Success in government-related work is within reach. Trust your efficiency and decision-making skills, as you're likely to be handed new tasks and responsibilities that could open up further opportunities. Cancer Love Horoscope Today, 18th July 2025: Cancer Health Horoscope Today, 18th July 2025: Live Events Take a moment to worship Goddess Durga today. Chanting her mantras will guide you spiritually and help clear your mind, aligning you with the best possible path ahead. Today favors your career growth and business gains. Success in government-related work is within reach. Trust your efficiency and decision-making skills, as you're likely to be handed new tasks and responsibilities that could open up further those in a relationship, your partner will offer you the emotional support you've been craving. Today is the day for the quality time you need, whether it's with your family or your partner. Singles may find a chance encounter turning meaningful, and there's a strong possibility of finding something valuable that you thought you had there is no need to worry, but don't let your guard down. Stay hydrated, eat clean, and take full precautions to keep your energy a moment to worship Goddess Durga today. Chanting her mantras will guide you spiritually and help clear your mind, aligning you with the best possible path ahead. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- New Indian Express
Police identify all members of gang who shot undertrial prisoner in Bihar private hospital; one arrested
PATNA: Bihar police claimed to have identified the gang involved in the killing of a murder convict, Chandan Kumar alias Chandan Mishra, at the Parsa HMRI hospital in the state capital within 12 hours of the incident. One of the suspects, identified as Tausif Raja alias Badshah, has been arrested from Phulwarisharif, on the outskirts of the state capital. Preliminary investigation revealed that Tausif Raja alias Badshah, a resident of Gulistan locality under Phulwari police station limits in the state capital, plotted the murder of Chandan, a native of Buxar district. Chandan was killed while undergoing treatment at Paras HMRI hospital after being released on parole on Thursday morning. Tausif was also involved in a firing incident near the Durga temple at Phulwarisharif during the month of Ramadan. Police sources said that Tausif was leading the group that executed the crime in the hospital. The identity of the remaining four suspects has also been ascertained.
