Dilli Haat – The open air food and craft bazaar of Delhi

Dilli Haat is an open air shopper’s paradise, covering an area of 6 acres; it is a destination for art, craft and food lovers. Situated in the capital city of India Dilli Haat is visited by thousands of national and international tourists every day. Dilli Haat has food stalls representing various states of India, so that one can have breakfast of Kashmir, lunch of Andhra Pradesh and dinner from Manipur on the same day. The craft stalls exhibits ethnic and exotic products and materials exclusive to India. The shops are well organized so that the customers do not have trouble finding the products they are looking for.

People, who have lived or visited the villages in India , will know that Dilli Haat is the modernized and permanent version of the weekly market which is held in rular India. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) established Dilli Haat in 1994 and have been able to maintain it quite well. By rotating the arts and crafts shops, we get to see the diversity of India and various arts and crafts from time to time. The ambiance of the place gives a feeling of visiting rural India and understanding its village life. There are two such facilities run by the DTTDC; one is opposite to the Indian National Army Market, known as INA market, and another one in Pitampura.

Dilli Haat Craft Market

Dilli haat has exhibits of special handicrafts from all over India, which is rotated every 15 days. The craftsmen who wish to have a stall undergo procedures of booking a stall by registering with Development Commissioner for Handicrafts (or D.C. Handicraft) which then needs to be sanctioned. This ensures that the best handicrafts are at display. The D.C. Handicraft sees to it that unique crafts from various parts of India will be exhibited at Dilli Haat. In addition, the craftsmen do not have to pay hefty rents for the stall, as they are charged just Rs.100 for the 15 days, but they have to maintain high standard for their products. The craftsman usually sells the products at a reasonable price to the customers. Everyone benefits from this.

The various products available at the stalls are:

• Antiques
• Regional handicraft products
• Hand woven carpets and rugs
• Products made from leather
• Silk sarees, cloth, and dress materials
• Traditional jewelry
• Clothes
• Woolen fabrics
• Brassware
• Traditional and suave fabrics
• European fashion products
• The colorful embroidered camels hide footwear
• Crafts carved from sandalwood and rosewood.

Food Plaza

As the tourists and customers enjoy shopping at the arts and crafts stalls buying unique and ethnic products, they can savor various special dishes and recipes from different parts of India. The food in Dilli Haat is prepared under strict hygienic conditions and served to the customers at a reasonable price. Various recipes and dishes from every state of India can be tasted at Dilli Haat. On special occasions, a regional food festival is organized to further tingle the taste bud of food lovers.
Other Attractions of Dilli Haat

Since its establishment in 1994 to promote arts and crafts of traditional India, Dilli Haat has come a long way. It is now a most sought after venue for hosting cultural festivals, music programs, dance programs, competitions and many more. In 2011 the first ever comic convention called Comic Con India was held in its premises. The theme based festivities attracts many customers. Recently another theme named the Green Haat, organized the ‘Connecting Nature with Our Lives’ which had mostly forest-based products exhibited by the tribes of India.

Dilli haat has been crafted keeping the village in mind. It has a great creative landscape following the traditional style of India. The open air plaza is skillfully built with stone and brickwork, with flowering plants for aesthetic purpose and tall eucalyptus trees not just for providing shade, but increasing the ethnic beauty of the place. Most of the ground is covered by well mowed green grass, to avoid dust. For people who visit the place with their children, there is a play corner for them to enjoy.

How to Get to Dilli Haat?

Dilli Haat is situated on Sri Aurobindo Marg, Opposite of INA Market in New Delhi. Those who need specific information can call their office on +91-11-4629365 or +91-11- 6119055.

t can be easily reached through the underground Delhi Metro station. The place opens at 10.30 am and closes down at 9.00 pm every day, on all seven days of the week. There is an entry fee though which is quite nominally priced at Rs.40 for adults and Rs.20 for children.

Dagshai – The Haunted Ghost Town of Himachal

Dagshai, the name will not ring a bell to many people.Not many would recognize it anymore, and why  wouldn't.  It is just another of numerous small villages located in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. It is not a famous tourist destination and not many people visit here. The little significance this place holds now is because of a small Army unit located here giving it the name of Dagshai Cantonment. Even a travel freak like me did not know anything about this tiny hamlet; until I  met my driver on the route of Solang valley, manali.We started to chit chat and he narreted a story about Dagshai cemetery. After reaching to my zostel in manali I searched it on internet and found that the story was true.

Dagshai ,the small village is located at a distance of about 11 kilometers from Solan in Himachal Pradesh; at an altitude of 5,689-foot (1,734 meters). It is one of the oldest known cantonment towns in India, founded by East India Company in 1847; when Bhupinder Singh, the then Maharaja of Patiala, granted them five villages completely free of cost. Dagshai was one of the five villages and the largest in terms of size and population; other four being Dabbi, Badhtiala, Chunawad and Jawag. East India company built their cantonment around these villages and named it after the largest village, Dagshai.

The cemetery

The name of the village is believed to have derived from Urdu word “Daag-e-Shahi”; literally translating to a “Royal Mark”. But this was not a mark of honor or pride but rather of shame. It was a mark that in Mughal times was put on prisoners or criminals who were then sent here to be incarcerated. Over time, the name slowly changed from “Daag-e-Shahi” to Dagshai which is what the British used for their cantonment; hence making it the official name.

So what is it really that makes Dagshai so special? This place is quite scenic with beautiful vistas all around but ironically, this is not what it is now known for. The little mention you will find of Dagshai anywhere will be in reference to it being one of the most haunted places in India. There are a few places here that have quite a gory past attached to them. Amid the thick forests that surround this tiny hamlet, it makes a perfect setting for a spooky ghost town; like the one you see in the movies.

Dagshai Cemetery

Devendra (driver) said there is nothing in Dagshai except for the cantonment; a few Army buildings, two schools, a cemetery and some local houses. Out of curiosity I asked " So" what exactly is haunted? You guessed it right, it is the cemetery that the ghost tales are related to.

Uncle continued When a person says "Ghost" the immediate thought is of a sinister and menacing entity, capable of hurting and even killing people. This however does not apply in case of Dagshai. The ghost of Dagshai is more on the angel side, that people seek blessings from.

The Ghost of Dagshai

Then he narreted the whole story , said  Back in the days of English, a certain Major George Weston and his wife resided in Dagshai. The major himself was a Doctor while his wife, Mary Rebeca Weston was a nursing assistant. Legend has it that both remained childless until a “Peer Baba” blessed them both with an amulet and soon after, Mary was able to conceive.

Their happiness however was short lived. Mary died either in 8th month of pregnancy (or during childbirth); with her unborn baby in December of 1909 and was buried at the cemetery here. Her husband, in order to show his undying love for his beautiful wife had a beautiful marble structure of a lady and their baby being blessed by an elf shipped all the way from England to be erected at her grave. The locals named and still called the grave of Mary as “Mem ki Qabr”. The words on the marble structure read “To the sacred and loving memory of my wife Mary Rebeca Weston who died at Dagshai, 10th December 1909 and our unborn Babe”

The Superstition and the Legend of Dagshai

Marble structure Before and now (after reconstruction)

Gradually over a period of time, what was actually a mother’s misfortune and a husband’s grief, turned in to a superstition. No one knows for certain how it all began but people started believing that if a pregnant woman chipped a piece of marble from the structure at the grave, she would have the blessings of Mary Rebeca Weston and will give birth to a baby boy. As the superstition grew, pregnant women from far and away started visiting the cemetery to be blessed; in hopes of giving birth to a boy rather than a girl. Final result, the beautiful marble structure was soon chipped away piece by piece and a poor woman’s grave was completely vandalized.

The marble structure protected by a cage now.

Sightings of the ghost of Mary Rebeca Weston at the cemetery at nights have been claimed by many people. Even if it is true, I cannot say that I blame her for haunting and standing guard to her own grave. Something that her husband so lovingly brought her from all the way from England was vandalized and reduced to broken pieces. On top of it people started praying to her for confirmation of a baby boy rather than a girl child. No wonder she has now taken things in her own hand and returned in form of a ghost. Who wouldn’t? Don't you agree?

Have you ever been to solan, H.P ? Been to the cemetery? How was your experience. Do share it in the comment box. My instagram handle is https://instagram.com/sinhadrabhilasha?igshid=fpx63b5ysvcc

Follow if you love travelling.

Thank-you for stopping by. :

How to reach Bhuntar and things to do around Bhuntar

Bhuntar is a small and beautiful town in Kullu district of Himachal pradesh. I have been writing article on Himachal Pradesh from the past 1 year and lots of people ask me about Bhuntar and how to reach Bhuntar from Delhi, Chandigarh. So in this article I will explain you about this town and how one can reach Bhuntar town in Himalayas.

Beautiful himachal pradesh

Sheppard in Kullu, H.P

Situated at the banks of river Beas this small town is known for the only airport facility in the region. So if you are planning to travel to Kullu Manali by air then Bhuntar is the place where you will land. Another significant thing which very few people know about this place is that it is considered sacred place for Hindus as the two most sacred rivers of Hindu culture meetup at this place. Bhuntar is Sangam point for river Parvati and river Beas.

Why Bhuntar is so famous?

Bhuntar in recent times has become a hub for backpackers and trekkers across India. Every year Lakhs of people travel to this place in order to visit Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran, Kheerganga and other secluded heaven in the Himalayas.

This town is also referred as the gateway to the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh that is Manali and Kasol. Yes you heard it right, whether you travel from Delhi, South India or Punjab you have to cross Bhuntar town in order to reach Kasol, Malana, Manali or Leh ladakh. So the geographical location of Bhuntar plays very important role when one plans a trip to Manali or Kasol.

How to reach Bhuntar?

Most of the people travel to Bhuntar either from Delhi or Chandigarh. So if you are following the same route then here are the few steps which you need to follow in order to reach Bhuntar town.

• You have to get a metro till Kashmere gate in Delhi. From there one can either rent a cab or can take an auto rikshaw in order to reach a place called Majnu ka teela, which is just 3-4 km from Kashmere gate.
• Majnu ka teela is the place where you will get your direct Volvo bus to Manali. You can take any bus traveling to Manali as every bus has a halt of 30 minutes in Bhuntar before reaching Manali.
• Buses from Delhi towards Manali start around 5 in the evening till 11 PM, depending upon, which time of the season you are traveling
• So if you are traveling from Chandigarh and want to reach Bhuntar then you can get the Volvo buses from sector 43, outside the bus stand. All the buses which leave from Delhi towards Bhuntar or Manali cross Chandigarh.
• But in case if you are traveling from Punjab then you can travel via Pathankot- Mandi- Bhuntar.

So if you are planning a trip to Manali, Kasol or Kullu and confused with how to reach Bhuntar then these are the most effective and budget friendly methods to reach Bhuntar town.

Things to do around Bhuntar

So here is the list of few things which you can do around Bhuntar town:

Dechen Choekor Monastery

The most famous and beautiful attraction in Bhuntar is the famous Dechen Choekor Monastery. This monastery is located in a small village named Sarabai, at a distance of 2km from Bhuntar town. So if you are planning a trip to Bhuntar then this monastery should always be on your wish list. Completed in 2010 this monastery is an excellent example of Tibetan architecture and is also referred to as one of the most beautiful monastery in the region.

Cafe Kasol 30

If you are in Bhuntar and haven’t been to this cafe then you have missed a great deal. Situated on the left bank of Bhuntar town this cafe is one the best cafe’s in the region. The tricolor nirvana paintings, Graffiti and the its location are something which will surely make your heart pound widely. The owner of the cafe Mr Anil has been running this cafe since a long time. And the way he understands the place nobody does. You can talk hours to this man, asking about his wild trekking experiences in the region.

The best part of  this cafe is that its the only cafe in the region which is located on the banks of river Beas. Just imagine yourself having a meal along with gushing Beas river flowing by your side. So if you are planning a trip to Bhuntar then this cafe should always be on your wish list.

Bijli Mahadev

Bijli Mahadev

Main temple Bijli mahadev

Another major attraction which most of the people miss on their trip to Kullu-Manali is Bijli Mahadev. Dedicated to lord Shiva this beautiful temple is located at a distance of 30km from Bhuntar town in Kullu district. Lush green landscapes surrounded by dense Deodar trees are common sight at this place. Small bike ride from Bhuntar of about 2 hours is all you need to reach this beautiful temple.

Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake

Prashar lake is located at a distance of 54km from Bhuntar town. This splendid place is known for its 2 jewels (lake and temple with the same name). It lies at an altitude of 2,730m from sea level. And is one of the most famous trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. This place has got its name from the sage Prashar(father of Vedvyas). Who used to meditate here long ago and was constructed by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi. It was constructed during 13-14th century and is still remembered for his opulent work. The architectural type of this temple is Pagoda style with slate roof.

The flawless architecture of the wooden carving on the walls is an excellent example of some extraordinary craftsmanship and cannot be delineated in words. Next to the temple lies the Prashar Lake which is believed to have originated when Rishi Prashar used his rod (gurj) next to the temple. This blue water lake is also known for its moving island which changes its position every time you visit this place and is also a topic for science graduates. The trek to this place will take your breath away. Beauty of the temple, tranquilizing effects of the lake and the scenic beauty will become part of your eternal memories. So if you are planning a trip to Bhuntar and confused with what all places to visit then Prashar lake should always be on your wish list.

Parvati Valley

Parvati valley

The famous town of Kasol in Parvati valley is located at a distance of 35km from Bhuntar. This famous town of Kasol is also referred as the mini Israel of India. Every year hundred’s of people visit this place, just to witness the natures beauty at its best. Parvati valley is not only home to Kasol but is also home to villages like Tosh, Pulga, Kalga etc. In the recent times these villages have become so famous that every one wants to visit these secluded hamlets in the Himalayas. So if you are around Bhuntar then you should surely visit Parvati valley.

Have you ever been to Bhuntar/ Kullu ,H.P ? How was your experience. Do share it in the comment box. My instagram handle is https://instagram.com/sinhadrabhilasha?igshid=fpx63b5ysvcc

Follow if you love travelling.

Thank-you for stopping by. :

CR Park Durgapuja 2019. Welcome to Mini Bangal in New Delhi

This year (2019) I was at Chittaranjan Park (the Bengali Quarters of New Delhi) to witness the Durga Puja (Festival of the Goddess Durga). This festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahisasura. So this festival is celebrated to mark the victory of 'Good over Evil'.

During Durga Puja Chittaranjan Park is in an almost carnival type atmosphere. I visited the Puja Pandal (A temporary structure built to venerate the Goddess) of the Co-operative Park, one of the major spot of celebrations in New Delhi. The streets leading up to the pandal were lighted up with bulbs of different hues.

The worshippers (in huge numbers) were dressed in traditional Bengali attire (Men in either Dhoti/Panjabi or Kurta/Pyjama made of either silk or cotton) (Women in either cotton Jamdani or Baluchari sarees or in silk sarees with the latest designs weaved by tantis (traditional bengali weavers) ! Married ladies also had bangles on their wrists and copius amounts of Sindoor, an orange red powder, on the middle of their head). And yes who could forget the large red bindis on their forehead's !!

The main pandal in the park which housed the idol of the deity was illuminated in orange lights and was looking heavenly. The interiors of the pandal was also decorated in traditional style. As i entered the pandal i was lucky enough to witness the maha Aarati. The worshiper enchanted mantras which was accompanied by the rhythmic beatings of the dhak (traditional drums), smell of the incense sticks, 'dhoono' and flowers. 

https://youtu.be/wephwxbJCEs

After the veneration is over people move on to the other half of the Durga Puja festivities which involves feasting. Their were numerous stalls serving spicy street food native to Bengal in the pandal and people were lining up to savour them. I decided to walk down the street from the pandal and indulge in the Bengali Market of Chittaranjan Park which serve great Bengali Fare.

Five minutes of walking and I was looking around the market for the various stall owners serving Lip Smacking delicacies. Here, I must tell you that Bengali Market is a typical one you would find in Bengal in the sense that the shops sell food items, groceries, raw fish e.t.c. which are usually found in Bengal. The stall owners come and sit only in the evening and it is that period of the day when you should be visiting this market (any time of the year) if you wish to taste delicious Bengali street food. 

Some of the street food which was on offer was Phuchka (Gol Gappa's), Chur Mur (A sweet and sour preparation of crushed Gol Gappas, boiled and diced potatoes, chopped onions, cilantro and various spices e.t.c.), Ghugnee (dried yellow or white peas cooked with gravy Bengali style, served with bhujiya as topping), Mughlai Paratha ( a delicious deep fried stuffed bread), Chops, Cutlets , chinese food stall s, ram Ladoo, momos,e.t.c.

And yes a food binge in the Bengali Market is always incomplete if you don't sample the Bengali sweets like Mishti Doi, Labanga Latika, Komola Bhog, Rossogolla,also the mitha paan stalls e.t.c. which are uniquely different from what you will find in the rest of India.

Chittaranjan Park has the highest concentration of Durga Pujas in Delhi/NCR. The whole area does not look like less than a carnival. The motto is to retain the Bengali traditions, culture & the joy of festivities among the present and the future generations. Their Durga Maa idols and the pandals are very significant and colorful as every year they try their best to maintain the traditional ways of Puja.

Have you ever been to CR Park during durgapuja? How was your experience. Do share it in the comment box. My instagram handle is https://instagram.com/sinhadrabhilasha?igshid=fpx63b5ysvcc

Follow if you love travelling.

Thank-you for stopping by. :

Durgapuja in Kolkata city. Why should you never miss the Celebration

The City of Joy "Kolkata" is famous worldwide for its fascinating cultures, harmonious people and charming festivals. People from all over the map congregate to this happy city every year to witness various festivals celebrated throughout the year. The major festival of Kolkata is Durga Puja.

Durga Puja is the perfect time, if you are planing to visit Kolkata. 

Mythological story of Durga Puja

The most popular story is of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahishasura. This is believed that Mahishasura made the life of the people of the earth and heaven unbearable with his gang of demons. He prayed to Lord Brahma for many years to give him the power of immunity. Lord Brahma was pleased with his austerity and granted his wish. This made him very powerful and arrogant and he started torturing all the gods of heaven and people of the earth. When it became totally unbearable for the lords, then they went to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and prayed to them to save them from the demons. Then the trio created Goddess Durga with their power and named her Devi Durga. Different weapons were given to Ma Durga by different Lords to fight with Mahishasura. Then the goddess lured the demon with her beauty and finally destroyed him and his gang along with her mount lion.

There is also a folk tale that says that Ma Durga visits her father’s house on the earth along with her children every year in autumn for 10 days and then on the 10th day her husband Lord Shiva comes to take her back home in heaven.

 How is Durga puja celebrated in Kolkata?

Durga Puja is celebrated in Kolkata with loads of , enthusiasm, emotions and preparations. 

Mahalya Day which comes 11 days prior to Dusshera or Dashami brings the message of arrival of Ma Durga. After that the countdown begins and Durga Puja is celebrated for the next 10 days. Some rituals are performed on the first 5 days. However, the main festival is celebrated for the next 5 days.

Almost all the local clubs and some residents of Kolktata celebrate Durga Puja in the clubs and houses respectively. The huge ornamented idols of Goddess Durga along with the idols of her children Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Karthik, the demon Ashura and the mount lion are a sight to behold as these idols as a whole tell us the story of Ashura Daman or Defeat of demons by Ma Durga. Huge pandals are built to place the idols and let the visitors get the view of the idols.

Special vegetarian dishes along with sweets called Bhog is offered to Ma Durga. Pushpanjali (flower with Sanskrit chants) are offered to the idols. The beats of dhaks, sounds of conches and bells fill the air with a magnetic aura of divinity. There is also a special dance called Dhunuchi dance where people dance with an incense burner called Dhunuchi in their hands to perform Aarti.

Men, women and kids of different ages dress up each day of the festival and go for pandal hopping to appreciate the artwork and idol of different pandals. People flock to the stalls of variety of food items.

On the last day which is called Dashami, the married women offer Sindoor (vermilion) to the idols to bid them farewell and play Sindoor Khela with other married women by putting the red colour on each other’s faces. Finally, the idols are taken in a truck or lorry to the nearest river and immersed in the water. People take part in these elaborate processions and dance to the tunes of the dhaks.

Why is Durga Puja famous in Kolkata?

The 5-day long festival is not only the most desirable festival to the Bengalis but also to the people of other religions living here.

Although Durga Puja is celebrated in many parts of India and outside India, Durga Puja in Kolkata is remarkably unique, especially joyful and culturally significant. This is mostly because of the spirit that can be seen in the people of Kolkata during the festival.

Let me give you a handful reasons why Durga Puja is famous here. They are:

• Pre-puja preparation which includes loads of shopping, gifting clothes or accessories to dear ones, planning for pandal hopping and many more things.
• Beautifully decorated pandals with special themes
• Wonderfully adorned idols
• Several cultural programs of music, dance, drama and recitations hosted by various local clubs and organizations
• Availability of mouth-watering street food at various stalls near puja pandals in every locality
• Adventurous pandal hopping in various places to view the attractive artwork of pandals and lighting
• Sacred and delicious Bhog Prasad( the food offered to God) at different pandals
• Last but not the least the fun-filled Visharjan( immersion of the idol)

What to do during Durga Puja?

You can never remain idle or get bored if you visit Kolkata during Durga Puja. The spirit of the festival is transferred from the natives of the place to the visitors of the city in miraculous ways.

Here are the things you can enjoy during Durga Puja:

• You can visit some of the innumerable pandals and view the magnificent idols of different types and intricate and fascinating theme pandals.
• All the clubs allow everyone to offer Pushpanjali to God. You can also devote your time to God by offering flowers and praying to her.
• You can enjoy the delicious Bhog
• You can enjoy a variety of street food at various stalls near the pandals.
• You can enjoy the vibrant Shindoor Khela on Dashami or take part in the procession for the immersion of the idols.
• Last but not the least, if you have a sweet tooth you can enjoy innumerable variety of sweets sold at various sweet shops during Durga Puja.

 Which places to visit in Kolkata during Durga Puja?

Since pandal hopping is the favourite activity during Durga Puja, you can visit the famous puja pandals of various clubs and associations and explore the city. Some of the famous clubs you can visit are:

• Ekdalia Evergreen in Ballyganj
• Kumartuli Park Durga Puja in Kumartuli
• Bosepukur TalBagan in Kasba
• Shribhumi in Lake Town
• FD Block in Saltlake
• 66 Pally in Kalighat
• Chetla Agrani in Chetla
• Suruchi Sangha in New Alipore
• Naktala Udayan Sangha in Garia
• Ali Park in College Square
• Dumdum Park Tarun Sangha in Dumdum

What to eat during Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is a great festival for foodies as a wide range of street foods as well as authentic Bengali dishes at several restaurants are available for them to splurge on. Street food items like Phuchka, Papdi Chat, Dahi Vada, Kathi Rolls, Mughlai , kebabs, singaras, Ghugni, Pakodas, Chhola Bhatura, Momo, and many more are widely enjoyed by all during the festive time. Some of the best authentic dishes you can try are Maccher jhol, Dhokar Dalna, Chingri Malaikari, Shorshe Ilish, Aloo Posto, Chholar dal, Luchi, Alur Dam, Kosha Mangsho and Pulav etc.

Which are the best eateries to visit in Kolkata during Durga Puja?

Some of the best restaurants or eateries you should visit during your stay in Kolkata are:

• Bhojohori Manna
• Kosher Kosha
• Barbeque Nation
• Arsalan
• Shiraj
• Oh! Calcutta
• 6 Ballyganj Place
• C Das
• China Town
• Jimmy’s Kitchen
• Peter Cat
• La Cucinia
• Baan Thai
• Sigree
• JW Kitchen
• Waterside Café
• Banana Leaf
• Mainland China

Where to stay in Kolkata?

You can stay in various classy and comfortable hotels as well as guest houses in Kolkata. There are also old houses of the British era which have been turned into classy and sophisticated boutique hotels with the best of the amenities and luxuries at affordable rates.

Most of the accommodations in Kolkata provide the best of the facilities and food.

What to buy from Kolkata?

You can shop for various handicraft items, Terracota (red coloured burnt clay) items and jewelleries, handloom sarees, shawls, and dresses, Bengal famous Tant Fabric and Batik print sarees and dresses, junk jewelleries, small idols of Shiva and other gods and goddesses, Jute bags and accessories, to name a few.

Where to shop in Kolkata?

There are many street shops, showrooms, and malls where you can shop from in Kolkata.

Some of the famous shopping areas are:

• Gariahat Market
• New Market
• Vardaan Market
• College Street
• Hati Bagan Market

Some of the famous shopping malls are:

• Quest Mall
• South City Mall
• City Centre 1
• City Centre 2
• Axis Mall
• Mani Square
• Avani Riverside

The moment you arrive in Kolkata during Durga Puja, the city welcomes you with lots of warmth and decorations. There is an aura of comfort and excitement around the city during this festive period.

If you plan to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, you must book your reservations for flight and accommodations early to avoid the last-minute rush.

Have you ever been to Kolkata during durgapuja? How was your experience. Do share it in the comment box. My instagram handle is https://instagram.com/sinhadrabhilasha?igshid=fpx63b5ysvcc

Follow if you love travelling.

Thank-you for stopping by. :