(Pics) Bangalore: Durga Puja gets a Rajasthani appeal!

Updated: Thursday, September 19, 2013, 15:35 [IST]

Bangalore, Sept 19: Durga Puja, one of the most important festivals of Bengalis not only unites the community, but also brings together the culture of different states. Such is the beauty of the Pujas that lakhs of people from other communities too are drawn to the vibrancy of the 'pandals'.

Bangalore, which is home to about 4 lakh Bengalis, is all geared Bangalore: up for the Durga Puja, this year too. Held at 50 different venues across the country, the puja will be held between 10th October to 14th October. However, there is one particular Puja at JP Nagar that is making the rounds of the city for its traditional idea.
The Anandadhara and Indo-Socio Welfare Foundation in association with JP Nagar Cultural and Welfare Association bring the Indian Art and culture through the pooja venue. Emulating the Rajasthani traditional art, Durga would be portrayed as a Rajasthani woman too.

A 3-day programme will also be organized by the association and traditional Prasadam is likely to be served daily to all the devotees. In the evening, there would be cultural programmes, comprising traditional Bengali dances performed by dance troupe and songs.

So, go Bengali this year and join the Puja mandap for a feel of West Bengal.

The Goddess's abode

Durga Puja is the most important festival for Bengalis and is being celebrated with great pomp and show in West Bengal.

The mandap

Durga Puja is to be held between 10th October and 14th October.

Cultural programs

Cultural programs are to be held in various puja mandaps across the city.

The audience

Hundreds flock to the Durga mandaps for the Puja and the cultural programs.

The 'Dhunuchi dance'

A ritual when participants dance to the beat of 'dhols' and perform with diyas.

Dashami and Sindur daan

A ritual again, when married women play with Sindoor, smearing each other with the colour red after smearing the goddess. This brings good luck and prosperity.