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Durga Puja Carnival

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This article is about Durga Puja Carnival. Not to be confused with Durga Puja or Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Durga Puja Carnival
StatusActive
GenreCultural Festival
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)Indira Gandhi Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Years active2016–present[1]
ParticipantsDurga Puja Committees, cultural performers
AttendanceHundreds of thousands of locals and tourists

The Durga Puja Carnival also known as Kolkata Carnival, held annually, is an extension of the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, West Bengal.[2] It celebrates the cultural heritage of the city, bringing together diverse communities through processions, performances, and thematic events. Initiated by the West Bengal Government, it has evolved as a large public event showcasing art, music, dance, and traditional Bengali culture.[3]

History

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The Kolkata Carnival started in 2017 as a post-Durga Puja procession to showcase the artistic creations and cultural diversity of the city. It was an initiative of the West Bengal Government to turn Kolkata's renowned Durga Puja into a larger cultural extravaganza.[better source needed][4] The event features decorated tableaux from the city's Durga Puja pandals, accompanied by cultural performances, floats, and musical events. It symbolizes the essence of the Bengali community's love for art, inclusivity, and celebrations.[5][6]

Events and Activities

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The Carnival is a visual spectacle, with floats from various Durga Puja committees parading through the streets. Artists, musicians, and dancers perform during the procession, depicting the cultural vibrancy of West Bengal. Some key activities include:

  • Puja Tableaux Parade: Featuring top Durga Puja pandals with intricately designed idols and decorations.[7]
  • Cultural Performances: Traditional dance forms like Dhunuchi Naach (dancing with incense burners) and musical performances highlighting Bengali folk music.[8][9]
  • Art Installations: Showcasing Bengal's handicrafts, artisanship, and creative industries.[10]

Each year, the Carnival grows in scale, with hundreds of thousands attending to enjoy the cultural performances and revelry.[11]

Significance

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The Kolkata Carnival serves as a platform to celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja, which was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.[12] It extends the festivities of Durga Puja, highlighting the communal harmony, creativity, and inclusivity that the festival stands for. The event also brings in significant economic benefits, boosting local businesses, tourism, and the city's economy during the festive season.[citation needed]

Government Involvement

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The West Bengal Government has played a crucial role in organizing the event, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee actively promoting it as a global cultural event.[13] Financial incentives are given to Puja committees for participation, and the event is heavily promoted as part of the state's tourism drive.[14][15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kolkata: 89 puja committees take part in dazzling carnival as junior doctors hold protest rally nearby". Deccan Herald. Press Trust of India. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024. The 'Durga Puja Carnival' is annually held since 2016.
  2. ^ "Red Road Durga Puja Carnival-এ মুগ্ধ UNESCO". eimuhurte.com.
  3. ^ Moumita, Chaudhuri (6 October 2024). "The Other Durga Dynamic". The Telegraph (India). Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  4. ^ Bhardwaj, Tej Prakash (23 October 2023). "Durga Puja Extravaganza: A cultural carnival in the national capital". thepatriot.in. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  5. ^ NANDI, SOUMITRA (16 October 2024). "Puja Carnival mesmerises viewers with dazzling celebration of culture, tradition & artistic grandeur". millenniumpost.in.
  6. ^ "Red Road hosts grand Durga Puja carnival after two years, top artworks showcased". he Indian Express. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  7. ^ "In pictures: Durga Puja Carnival tableaux on Red Road portray Bengal's best". The Telegraph (India). Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  8. ^ Nanda, Subhashree (24 October 2023). "Dugga Elo! Tricity pandal-hoppers make the most of Pujo". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Durga Puja Carnival: বাজালেন ঢাক-কাঁসর, পা মেলালেন আদিবাসী নাচে, কার্নিভালে অন্য মেজাজে মমতা". Aaj Tak. 8 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  10. ^ Nanda, Subhashree (24 October 2023). "Durga Puja committees showcase idols, artworks at grand 'carnival' in Kolkata". ThePrint. PTI. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  11. ^ Ray, Saikat. "Puja Carnival to go beyond Red Road this year, over 90 clubs to join grand celebration".
  12. ^ "UNESCO – Durga Puja in Kolkata". ich.unesco.org. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  13. ^ "CM Mamata Banerjee breaks into dance at Durga Puja carnival". ANI. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  14. ^ G, Sarthak (16 October 2024). "Foreigners match steps with Kol revellers at Red Road Carnival". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  15. ^ Das, Soma (15 October 2024). Bhandari, Tannistha bhandari (ed.). "Puja Carnival: জার্মানি, পেরু, আয়ারল্যান্ডের অতিথিরা থাকবেন কার্নিভালে, মমতার লেখা গানেই হবে উদ্বোধন". tv9bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 16 October 2024.
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