Kolkata's Durga Puja is renowned for its cultural celebrations and social festivities. It is also a cultural heritage, included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Durga Puja in Kolkata, celebrated during the auspicious time of Navratri, is a cultural and religious festival. The nine days of Navratri culminate in the grand celebrations of Durga Puja, where the city of Kolkata transforms into a vibrant canvas of art, devotion, and joy. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. During this period, beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga along with her forms Lakshmi and Saraswati are installed in intricately designed pandals across the city. These pandals are not just places of worship but also masterpieces of creativity, showcasing themes ranging from mythology and history to modern art and social issues. The deep emotional and cultural involvement of its people gives it a divine feel. Every neighborhood forms its own committee, and the preparation begins months in advance. The pandals are decorated with lights, fabrics, bamboo structures, and artistic installations, turning the entire city into a massive open-air exhibition. For devotees, Durga Puja is an occasion of spiritual renewal. People dress in traditional attire, offer prayers, perform rituals like Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja, and participate in cultural programs. Dhak (traditional drums), dhunuchi dance, and chanting of mantras fill the air with divine energy. Women celebrate the ritual of Sindoor Khela on the last day, smearing vermillion on each other, which signifies the strength of womanhood and the power of the goddess.