Festivities

blackpoolfunwig

Hi, I'm going to be in Kolkata 15th-18th October. I understand that there will be some festivities taking place around that time. Does anyone know what I can expect, and what would be the best way to observe or even take part in them. Or is it best just to keep my head down until I move on.

Thanks

rajered

Check this thread from Indiamike Diwali

blackpoolfunwig

Thanks Rajered, but I don't get an idea from that thread about how things are done in Kolkata. In the uk there would usually be people willing to organise something for the general public to attend. Does this not happen in India, or are celebrations kept within the family. It might sound a bit silly but I'm equating things in my head with Guy Fawkes nights (probably because of the fireworks) and there are always loads of organised events to go to in parks etc.

rajered

In India Diwali celebrations are generally kept within the family. Friends and relatives visit each other and sweets are distributed. In the evening people would get together and burst crackers.
In addition to this there is Kali Puja in Kolkata which is different from Durga Puja.

nayan

There will be kali pooja pandals everywhere.

Localities are lighed up by bulb strings and decorative light patterns.

The fireworks are mostly by families and not anything organised. People light crackers and fireworks from their rooftops, yards and the road infront of their homes.

kausiks

Continuing with Nayan's post: In Kolkata, during Kali Puja/Diwali you will find the streets full of temporary structures (locally known as pandals). Idols of Goddess Kali is worshipped in these pandals. Some of these are real works of art and people go from one pandal to another to see them. The streets will have decorative lightning. So, you can just identify some of the best areas and walk around. That's what quite a lot of us do and love it. Of course, the streets are crowded and people are out in their best clothes. But the crowd is much more during Durga Puja than during Kali Puja/Diwali. Some areas in and around Kolkata are famous for the size of the idols that are worshipped there, some of them being as high as 20 ft.

This is the public facia of the festival. Other than this Diwali is a family affair too and is celebrated within the family.

Although most of the activities would be over, still you might consider visiting Kumartuli. This is the place where the artisans live who make the idols. You can actually see them at work there.

Have a nice stay here in Kolkata.

__________________
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.

blackpoolfunwig

Thanks everyone. Is there any particular area to go that might be worth filming, if no one would object. I mean just as a tourist film not anything movie-like.

rajered

I guess you can request and people will definately accomodate your request.

kausiks

Kali Puja is more pompous in central and north Kolkata than in south Kolkata. For gigantic idols, I think Barasat (on the outskirts of Kolkata) is still the place to visit. Filming would not be of any problem.