“Durga Pujo is the biggest festival for us Bengalis, and it has become an important part of Hyderabad’s culture too. The festival commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees gather at beautifully decorated pandals to offer prayers, seek Maa Durga’s blessings and celebrate together. Each pandal has its own decorations and arrangements, making pandal hopping an important part of the festivities.

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All nine days hold a special place in our hearts, but the main celebrations take place over four days: Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Navami and Vijaya Dashami. We dress up in new clothes, visit different pandals with family and friends, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. No Durga Puja is complete without exploring the food stalls and enjoying Bengali delicacies. For many of us, enjoying the food and spending time with family and friends are just as much a part of the festival as visiting the Goddess. The organisers also arrange cultural programmes, including traditional music and dance performances, bringing people together and adding to the festive spirit.

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It is wonderful to see people come together to celebrate. Hyderabad brings a little of Kolkata’s festive spirit to the city, and people here never miss a chance to visit the pandals. The huge crowds that turn up every year are truly overwhelming and motivate organisers like us to make better arrangements. On the tenth day, we bid farewell to the Goddess with the visarjan ceremony, hoping she returns next year with the same joy and blessings.”