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Durga Puja Kicks Off at Eden Gardens Spectacle
10 Oct
Summary
- Over 40,000 gathered at Eden Gardens for Mahalaya festivities.
- A spectacular drone and laser show illuminated the night sky.
- Traditional dances and music marked the onset of the Puja.
Mahalaya marked the grand opening of Durga Puja festivities at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, drawing a crowd of over 40,000 attendees. The stadium resonated with the sounds of 10,000 dhaks and 1,000 conch shells, heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga. This significant event also included a dazzling drone and laser show, featuring 3,000 drones that illuminated the night sky.
The cultural program showcased diverse traditional dance forms from across West Bengal, including Chhau and Raibenshe. Singers captivated the audience with agamani songs and Rabindrasangeet, celebrating the onset of Matri Paksha. The Chief Minister, Governor, and other dignitaries inaugurated the four-hour-long spectacle, which also saw the felicitation of Sayam Bhadra, grandson of the legendary Mahisasuramardini announcer.
Meanwhile, Red Road also hosted a vibrant pre-Puja event with district-specific folk performances like 'ghora naach' and Bonbibi Pala. The area was colorfully decorated, and small Durga Puja flags were distributed to visitors. This dual celebration on Mahalaya created an immersive cultural experience for thousands, underscoring the spirit of Durga Puja in West Bengal.