In a city where Durga Puja ‘apparently’ means worshipping a grand idol of Goddess Durga along with her children, Garia Mitali Sangha stands apart. Every year, in a distinctive tradition spanning nearly seven decades, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped under the same roof.
This year marks the 232nd birth anniversary of the social reformer and philanthropist, the founder of Dakshineswar temple, Rani Rashmoni of Janabazar. On this occasion the 210 years old Indian Museum, Kolkata, inaugurated a portrait of Rani Rashmoni in the Painting Gallery on 1 October this year.
In honour of Maa Durga, who resides within each woman and celebrates her days with us, we bring forth the story of Bijoli Murmu, a self-taught toto-driver from an indigenous community of Salboni in Midnapore.
Mahalaya, also known as Sarva Pitri Amavasya (forefathers in heaven), was observed on 2 October this year and marked the end of Pitri Paksha—recalling the ancestors. This is a religiously significant day for Hindu devotees, particularly Bengalis, who, at the crack of dawn with devotional or Shroddha offerings, pray for their souls in the afterlife.
This story about Shyamal Dhan Dutta Durga Puja started in the year 1880. The puja is done with every tradition their ancestors provided them with. Devotion and respect are what separate this particular puja apart from others.
It was in 1998 that a group of women decided to organise an all-women-led Durga puja that would celebrate ‘Nari shakti’ and challenge the gender norms, thus leading from the front with their capabilities, an initiative that had garnered much zeal from several neighbourhood homes
In recent years, India has witnessed significant changes in dietary habits, particularly among its youth. The Global Nutrition Report (2021) states that poor food choices and a sedentary lifestyle are to blame for the increase in obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, while malnutrition and undernutrition still exist, especially in children and adolescents.
Academic pursuits in the 21st century are going beyond traditional boundaries to include in its approach a multidimensional, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary understanding. Being collaborative is the key to solving some of the major learning gaps.
India has always faced strategic and security challenges in the north-eastern region of the country. In fact, volatility and north-east have almost become synonyms, and there are several factors behind this.
A recent discussion, initiated by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the leaders of the All Assam Students’ Union (which once launched the Assam Movement in association with Asom Gana Sangram Parishad), trying to resolve the explanation of an Asomiya, received widespread response from the conscious inhabitants of Assam.
