Celebrating Laxmi Puja—a sacred occasion dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the divine goddess of wealth, prosperity, good fortune, and abundance. Revered by millions, Maa Lakshmi symbolizes purity, generosity, happiness, and the blessings that bring harmony to every home. In Bengal, Lokkhi Pujo holds a special place in the hearts of families, particularly during Kojagari Purnima, when homes are adorned with beautiful alpana designs, earthen lamps, flowers, and traditional offerings.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil and truth over falsehood.It marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolising the power of righteousness.The festival reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, goodness ultimately prevails.It inspires us to overcome negativity, ego, and injustice in our lives.
 Dussehra also marks Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura in many traditions.Celebrated with devotion, vib

During Maha Navami, the ninth and final day of Sharad Navratri, devotees celebrate the ultimate triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It represents the definitive victory of good over evil. The day is observed through a precise sequence of traditional rituals across the country: • Mahanavami Puja: The day begins at dawn with the invocation of Maa Siddhidatri (the ninth form of Durga), who represents spiritual perfection, cosmic power, and divine grace.

Maha Ashtami stands as one of the most sacred days of Durga Puja, celebrating Maa Durga’s courage, compassion, and victory over the forces of evil. It symbolises the eternal triumph of righteousness over darkness and reminds us that true strength lies in faith, truth, and inner resilience. The day begins with prayers to Maa Durga, the chanting of sacred mantras, and the much-awaited Pushpanjali, in which devotees offer flowers and bel leaves with folded hands. Across Bengal,

As the sacred rhythm of the dhak fills the air and the fragrance of shiuli flowers welcomes autumn, Maha Saptami marks the beginning of the grand celebrations of Maa Durga’s divine presence. It is a day of awakening, devotion, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. The day begins with the traditional Nabapatrika Snan, a ceremonial bath of the Nabapatrika, representing nine sacred plant forms associated with the Goddess. The Nabapatrika, popularly known as Kola Bou in Ben

For Bengalis, Durga Puja is more than a festival; it is the homecoming of Maa Durga, our beloved mother, returning to her maternal home with her children. Rooted in centuries-old Bengali traditions, the sacred rituals of Maha Saptami begin with the Nabapatrika Snan and the invocation of the Goddess, carrying forward generations of faith, devotion, and love. With flowers, bel leaves, fruits, coconuts, sweets, incense, lamps, and the cherished bhog of khichuri, labra, and payes

Maha Shashthi marks the sacred welcome of Maa Durga, bringing devotion, hope, and festive joy to every Bengali heart. The rituals of Bodhon, Amantran, and Adhibas symbolise the awakening, invitation, and ceremonial consecration of the Goddess. The traditional puja preparations include a sacred ghot (ঘট) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut; bel leaves (বেলপাতা), hibiscus and other flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, dhuno, a lit diya, and a ceremonial bell. Fruits,

Maha Panchami brings the excitement of Durga Puja to life as Bengal prepares to welcome Maa Durga with open hearts and endless devotion. The fragrance of shiuli flowers, the artistic beauty of pandals, and the colours of autumn create an atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy. Streets begin to glow with festive lights as families reunite and friends make plans for pandal hopping. The rhythmic beats of the dhak echo the spirit of Bengal’s most cherished celebration. Beyon

Mahalaya marks the sacred transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha and the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja.It is a day of remembering ancestors through the tradition of Tarpan and seeking their blessings.For Bengalis, the dawn of Mahalaya is inseparable from the timeless recitation of Mahishasura Mardini.It symbolically marks Maa Durga’s arrival and the awakening of the festive spirit.The traditional painting of the eyes of Durga idols, known as Chokkhu Daan, is a

26 September marks the birth anniversary of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, born in 1820 in Birsingha, Bengal.A renowned educator, scholar, writer, and social reformer, he became one of the prominent figures of the Bengal Renaissance.He dedicated his life to expanding education, particularly women’s education, and worked to make learning more accessible.He played a leading role in the campaign for widow remarriage, contributing to the passage of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act in

Tenali Ramakrishna is remembered as one of India’s most beloved historical figures, celebrated for his wit, wisdom, poetry, and humour.He is traditionally associated with the court of Krishnadevaraya, the renowned ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.Known as “Vikatakavi,” he was admired for his sharp intellect and clever use of humour.His stories often highlight the power of presence of mind, wisdom, and the ability to solve difficult situations with intelligence.As a poet and s

Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and communities with prayers, decorations, music, and devotion. According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha to guard her while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned and was stopped by Ganesha, a conflict arose, and Ganesha was eventually given an elephant head and restored

Born on 8 September 1933, Asha Bhosle was one of India’s most celebrated and versatile playback singers, whose extraordinary career spanned several decades. She lent her voice to thousands of songs in numerous Indian languages and became renowned for her remarkable versatility across classical, romantic, folk, pop, ghazal, and film music. Her iconic songs and collaborations with leading composers and artists made her an unforgettable figure in Indian cinema. Among her major

Janmashtami celebrates the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.It is a festival of faith, devotion, love, and the triumph of good over evil.Devotees observe fasting, sing bhajans, and offer prayers at temples and homes.Beautiful Krishna idols are decorated with flowers, jewels, and colorful garments.
 The midnight celebration marks the sacred moment of Krishna’s birth.Dahi Handi adds joy, energy, and excitement to the festive celebrations.Krishna’s

On September 3, 2026, the global Bengali diaspora and lovers of world cinema mark the 100th birth anniversary of Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay—known to millions simply as Uttam Kumar, the indisputable Mahanayak (Great Hero). A titan who defined an era of Indian popular culture, his legacy remains as vital today as it was during the golden age of Tollygunge. The Cultural Beacon of Post-Partition Bengal In the turbulent decade following the 1947 Partition, Bengal grappled with econo

The beautiful spirit of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that honours the timeless bond between siblings. Observed on 28 August 2026, the festival symbolises love, trust, affection and lifelong support. 
 The sacred thread of Rakhi represents a bond that grows stronger with every passing year. It is a celebration of cherished childhood memories, endless laughter and unconditional care. Beyond rituals, Raksha Bandhan reminds us to stand by one another through every chapter of life.

Atham marks the auspicious first day of the ten-day Onam festival.It celebrates the beginning of King Mahabali’s annual homecoming.Homes are decorated with beautiful Pookalams made of fresh flowers.Families come together to welcome the festive season with joy and devotion. The day symbolises prosperity, harmony, and new beginnings.Traditional rituals and cultural celebrations fill Kerala with vibrant energy.
 Atham reminds us of the values of kindness, gratitude, and togethe

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, the nation reflects on eight decades of unity, resilience, and remarkable progress. During 2025–2026, India emerged stronger across key sectors. ISRO’s SpaDeX mission made India the fourth nation to achieve autonomous in-space docking, while Gaganyaan advanced toward human spaceflight. Renewable energy expanded through PM Surya Ghar, PM Surya Sarovar, and the Khavda Renewable Energy Park. AI-driven healthcare, biotechnology, semi

Observed every year on 9 August, this day celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide. It recognizes their unique identities, languages, and ancestral knowledge that have been preserved for generations. The day also raises awareness about the challenges Indigenous communities continue to face, including discrimination, displacement, and inequality. It promotes the protection of their rights, lands, cultures, and livelihoods. In

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.He was one of the earliest and most influential leaders of India’s freedom struggle.Tilak inspired millions with his famous slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”He played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian National Congress into a mass movement.
 He founded the newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English) to awaken national consciousness.Tilak popularized the pu