By Susmita Ghosh
Exciting news for culture lovers—Durga Puja in Kolkata has officially been recognized by UNESCO as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! This global acknowledgment places Durga Puja among 14 other cultural treasures from India, showcasing the country’s vibrant and diverse traditions.
Durga Puja is one of West Bengal’s most beloved festivals, celebrating the Hindu Goddess Durga. Every year, stunning clay idols of the Goddess are worshipped in beautifully decorated “pandals” (temporary pavilions), where communities gather to celebrate with joy and devotion. The festival is a lively affair, filled with traditional music, delicious food, artisan crafts, and performances that bring out the best of Bengal’s culture.
While Durga Puja is centered in Kolkata, often called the festival’s cultural heart, it’s celebrated with equal passion by Bengali communities worldwide, making it a truly global event.
In our Netpal Travel e-magazine, we recently captured the magic of Durga Puja through our Heritage Puja Parikrama on September 10th. This journey took us to Dhanyakuria and Taki, two places rich with cultural history in West Bengal. We experienced breathtaking cultural displays, savored delicious local cuisine, and witnessed how devotion, artistry, and community spirit come together during this festival.
One of the highlights was our visit to Sonar Bangla, a prominent hotel in Taki, where we spoke with Samrat Chatterjee, the General Manager. He shared that the hotel’s unique selling point (USP) is its dedication to providing professional and personalized service. During the festival, Sonar Bangla takes special care to craft menus that cater to the diverse tastes of guests from across India and abroad.
With this UNESCO recognition, Durga Puja joins a prestigious list of 492 other cultural elements worldwide. The goal of UNESCO’s Representative List is to shine a light on community practices and traditions, encouraging the world to recognize and preserve these cultural treasures.
The 2003 UNESCO Convention focuses on safeguarding traditions, including oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, and festivals—essentially the elements that make cultures unique and valuable.
Durga Puja’s inclusion in UNESCO’s list not only elevates its status on the global stage but also ensures that its rich traditions are preserved for future generations. As more travelers seek authentic cultural experiences, this recognition will undoubtedly draw more attention to Kolkata and West Bengal, inviting the world to be part of this extraordinary celebration.
So, whether you’re a traveler or a culture enthusiast, Durga Puja offers a mesmerizing experience of devotion, artistry, and celebration. Now, with UNESCO’s recognition, it stands as a global symbol of India’s living heritage.