Stories

  In the heart of Kolkata, where the echoes of history resonate through its labyrinthine cobblestone streets, Christmas unfolds its enchantment like an everlasting tapestry. This city, cradled in the embrace of colonial whispers, weaves a secular symphony of joy during the festive season. Here, within the arms of celebration, Christmas transcends religious boundaries, orchestrating a poetic dance of unity in the vibrant fabric of Kolkata's soul. The Christmas revelry in Kolkata bears the indelible imprints of its colonial past—a timeless legacy that continues to be celebrated with unwavering enthusiasm today. The genesis of this tradition can be traced back to the early 19th century when the European community in Calcutta witnessed significant expansion. Sensing the need for a grand cathedral at the heart of the city, Bishop Daniel Wilson, the fifth bishop of Calcutta, laid the cornerstone of St. Paul's Cathedral in 1839. This historic moment marked the inception of a cultural ...

Heritage is not fossilized, it is always in being. According to many scholars, heritage is an ongoing process, which is not only confined to tangible things. It is the act of passing on and receiving knowledge in the present. Intangible cultural heritage is traditional, contemporary, inclusive, representative, and community-based.   Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated all over India but most notably in Kolkata. It is the ceremonial worship of the mother goddess and is one of the most important festivals in India. Apart from being a religious festival for the Hindus, it is also an occasion for reunion and rejuvenation, and a celebration of traditional culture and customs. It marks the ten-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga.  It is said by many scholars and also mentioned in different literary texts that the birth of Devi Durga has a great impact on the festival itself. When the great Mahishasura was blessed with immortality by Lord Brahma, und...

Image Courtesy : Lopamudra Talikdar, sahapedia.org West Bengal, often hailed as the land of culture, boasts one of the richest cultural legacies in the country. The state's splendidly colorful festivals are deeply rooted in communal rituals and practices, celebrated with great zeal at various times throughout the year. In the northern part of the state, various regional festivals are celebrated with traditional dance, music, theater, and chanting, dedicated to Mother Nature and deities from the Puranas.  One such fascinating tradition is the Gomira dance, a centuries-old dance form originating from the North Dinajpur district. This traditional dance is performed during the sowing season, typically between mid-April to mid-June, as a part of the region's celebration of various communal rituals and practices.  The Gomira dance holds special significance during the worship of local Shakti deities in the villages of the North Dinajpur district. It is a vibrant and captivating cult...