I only started learning about the Goddess Durga about 6 months ago. I can’t remember what started my curiosity, but what resonated with me was that she is presented as “Shakti”, or the female principle of divine energy.

Durga Puja is the main festival that celebrates the Goddess, in a four day celebration, where Hindu’s celebrate her victory over evil (look up the story about her defeating King Mahishasura). During this time she is also represented with her children, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kartikeya. There is so much symbolism in her forms, but I’ll leave all that to the experts.

During my time in Kolkata I spent a lot of time watching the build up to the festival (literally). As I wandered the streets, on every block there was a bustle of activity preparing stalls and the Pandals (marquees). Each Pandal is decorated on the outside as well as inside, with the treasure inside being a beautiful statue of Durga usually with her children, or some form of representation. Each statue is made of clay by skilled potters and then painted and decorated by hand, down to the very last shiny detail. Some of these are started months and months before.

The city of Kolkata generally has an incredible energy, but I could actually feel the vibration of excitement increase as the week progressed and the final evening before the official start of celebrations was just filled with a high vibration. Everyone was dressed up, visiting all the pandals, fairy lights hanging across the streets and off the buildings. It was so beautiful to arrive back to the street of the guest house on my last evening to see all the lights on and pandals opening. I had only seen the hard work for 3 days, but it was so awe inspiring. The Pandals were exceptional, my favorite being and “under the sea” theme, with Goddess Durga represented within the ocean.

The highlight for me was to be invited by the Santasree, the owner of Bodhi Tree Guest House, to be a part of the inauguration of the local pandal. It was beautiful, not just to witness, but to get involved in the celebrations and meet so many wonderful, friendly locals. I really felt like I belonged.

Bodhi Tree is a gem of a guesthouse/B&B that I discovered in South Kolkata. Filled with amazing artwork and artifacts from Santasree’s travels. This place is made to feel like home. Relaxed, clean and so friendly and helpful, they made me feel part of the family.

Along with running the guest house, the inspiring woman who is Santasree is an award winning entrepreneur, a woman’s rights activist, a poet, a poetry film maker and the founder of a number of social initiatives…. a hummingbird perhaps

Being in Kolkata over Durga Puja was a truly memorable time for me, to see the dedication and hard work put into the festivities, and to be embraced in the warmth of true Indian hospitality was an exceptionally special experience.