Durga puja festival

Durga Puja is one of the largest Hindu festivals particularly among the Bengalis, although with the course of time, the celebrations have traveled much beyond Bengal and India. The following is a summary of the way Durga Puja is observed in various parts of the world, as well as certain unique aspects in various locations:

What is Durga Puja It celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura which represents the victory of good over the evil. Encyclopedia Britannica +1 Mostly it requires a few days: Mahalaya, then Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and finally Vijayadashami (called Dashami or Dashain in other places) when the idols are dipped or otherwise disposed. Encyclopedia Britannica +1 The main attractions in the festival include pandals (temporal decorated tent), murti (idols of Durga and her children), rituals, cultural performances (music/dance), feasts, and community meals. Encyclopedia Britannica +1 Celebrations in India Although the festival is celebrated in most of the places in India, the most vibrant ones are in: West Bengal (in particular Kolkata) - huge pandals, entertainers, thematic setups, huge masses, elaborate rituals and immersion processions. Durga Puja of Kolkata was listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Wikipedia +1 Local flavours are also used in other eastern and northeastern states such as Assam, Odisha, Tripura etc. Encyclopedia Britannica +1 Other Indian cities: To the Bengalis in the other cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.), there are community associations, which hold puja, pandal, cultural programmes. Encyclopedia Britannica +1 Celebrations Outside India The Bengali or Hindu diaspora has seen the Bengali Durga Puja being celebrated in several countries. The size and style differ according to the size of a community, regulations, etc. These are some of the locations, and the difference or adaptation of the celebrations: Country / Region What Puja is All about / Specialty. Bangladesh Farewell feasts among Hindus, huge pandals, parades, common rites. Many traditions are common due to the fact that the culture is close. NewsBytes +2 Wikipedia +2 Nepal Known as Dashain. It is a 10 holiday season; most schools, offices are close. People also pray at temples and at home, the elders make their blessings, kite flying (somewhere). Wikipedia +2 NewsBytes +2 United Kingdom Bengali communities hold puja using traditional rituals, bring or make murtis, set up pandals in community halls. Occasionally communal baths or ritual burials. Wikipedia +2 The Conversation +2 United States -- Likewise-- there are multi-day events, cultural programs, food stalls, puja rituals, organized at the United States by one of the Bengali Hindu associations or temples. The celebrations are more elaborate in cities that have high population of Bengalis. Wikipedia Australia Puja is organized in community centers in such places as Sydney. It could be some local adaptations (local venue restrictions, local legislation etc.). Wikipedia Asia beyond South Asia In such regions as Hong Kong, Japan (Tokyo), China (Beijing), etc. Principally through the agencies of the diaspora. Rudimentary rituals are still there but the magnitude is less than in India/Bangladesh. Wikipedia +1 Africa There are Durga Puja festivals by Indian/Bengali diaspora in some countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia etc. Wikipedia Differences & Adaptations After India. When Durga Puja is observed outside the country, certain aspects are different, either because of some practical or cultural or legal reasons. For example: The spaces are usually community centers or temple grounds as opposed to the huge open pandals we find in Kolkata. Timing & logistics of immersion (visarjan) may be difficult (in the absence of a river or natural water body, may be symbolic immersion or on a smaller scale). Ornaments can be created out of local materials; murtis can be transported or manufactured locally. The level of community participation is usually high (food, charity, social events) since such pujas are also used to unite the diaspora. Local themes Fusion of local music etc. Sometimes pantomime of local themes. I can fetch up some of the recent case-studies of Durga Puja in definite cities elsewhere (say London, New York, Toronto, etc.), to trace their adaptation. Do you want that?