Archive · 1 Oct 2025
Durga Puja Celebrations: Traditions Evolve Across India
Durga Puja, a festival to honor Goddess Durga, is celebrated differently in different places.
In Behala, Kolkata, the Bandyopadhyay family has a unique tradition where the deities are placed in a different order than usual and Mahishasura comes out of the buffalo.
In Nalbari, Assam, no idol is used, and worship is done through a banana tree branch.
Both celebrate the same Goddess, each with their own customs.
The Bandyopadhyay family's Durga Puja in Behala reverses traditional deity placement.
In Behala, Mahishasura is depicted emerging from the buffalo's belly.
The Nalbari Bilweshwar Temple honors Goddess Durga with a symbolic representation.
The Nalbari Bilweshwar Temple sees large crowds on Maha Navami.
The 41st Barbari Bathou Puja is also underway in the Bodoland Territorial Region, featuring cultural events.
- Who
- Bandyopadhyay family, devotees in Nalbari, BTR communities
- What
- Durga Puja celebrations with unique traditions and rituals, including reversed deity placement and a lack of idol representation in Nalbari.
- When
- Ongoing; rituals continue until Vijaya Dashami
- Where
- Behala and Nalbari, Assam, India
- Why
- To honor Goddess Durga with ancient traditions and community gatherings
- Events
- Durga Puja Celebrations
- Location
- Behala, Nalbari, Assam, India
- Key Features
- Reversed deity placement, no idol in Nalbari
- Duration
- Ongoing, varies by location
- Unique Rituals
- Mahishasura emerging from buffalo belly, goat to symbolic offerings
Sources
Goats, hens slaughtered on roads during ‘Chhatar Jatra’ in Odisha’s Kalahandi
How A 75-Day-Long Festival With No Ravan & No Effigies Became India's Most Unique Dussehra Celebration