Varanasi: The holy city of Varanasi is all set to plunge into Navratri festivities and Durga Puja celebrations. Puja organisers have started working on unique themes for the Durga puja pandals. Meanwhile, the prominent temples of the city have already made elaborate arrangements for the huge rush of Navratri celebrations.The city turns into mini Bengal during the Durga Puja festivity as the local Bengali community celebrates the festival with traditional grandeur. The celebrations which start with the sixth day of Navratri, continue for five days and conclude with the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga on Vijayadashami.There are several puja organisers including Kashi Durgotsav Samiti, Banarasi Durgotsav Sammelani, Bharat Sevashram Sangh and many others, which celebrate the festival with Bengali flavour and trademark features of Kolkatas Pujo.Abhishek Chowdhary, the secretary of 63-year-old Kashi Durgotsav Samiti (KDS) said, Varanasi is one of the cities with maximum population of Bengalis outside Bengal and hence it is also known as mini-Bengal.It is believed that the Bengalis started settling here when Pala empire was in power. The zamindars of east Bengal and some from West Bengal started building kothis in Varanasi. But the influx of Bengalis commenced after partition in 1948. The Bengali style Durga Puja was started by a Bengali landlord Babu Anandmay Mitra at Bengali Deodhi near Chaukhamba in 1773.And since then Durga Puja is celebrated in a grand style here. Puja pandals, designed on beautiful unique themes, are being erected in several localities of the city.At the same time the city temples have been decorated for Navratri celebrations which started from Sunday. The temples have been beautifully decorated with colourful lights and flowers on the occasion. Many religious programmes are also being organised to mark the festivities.We also published the following articles recentlyBengali association to celebrate Durga Puja in TrichyThe Bengali Association Trichy is planning a five-day celebration of the Durga Puja festival in Tamil Nadu from October 20. The festival will provide an opportunity for the local population to experience the traditional celebration of West Bengal. Prayers and rituals will be held in the morning and evening, with participation expected from people working in various institutes and factories in Trichy. Free food will be provided to around 1,500 people, and special permission has been granted for those outside the Bhel township to attend.Bengali beauties Tina Datta and Mouni Roy unveil their Bengali charm ahead of Durga Puja 2023Indian actresses Tina Datta and Mouni Roy are embracing their Bengali roots as they prepare for the upcoming Durga Puja in 2023. Datta showcases her Mahalaya vibes with traditional Bengali attire and accessories, while Roy combines traditional elements with contemporary fashion trends. Datta adorns herself with heavy jewelry and a red bindi, while Roy opts for a white saree with a printed red border and a bare back. Both actresses inspire people to embrace their cultural heritage during the festive season.Bengali association to celebrate Durga Pooja in TrichyThe Bengali Association Trichy is organizing a five-day celebration of the Durga Pooja festival from October 20. The festival aims to introduce the local population to the traditional celebration of West Bengal. The event will take place at the Kailasapuram club in Bhel township and will include prayers and rituals in the morning and evening. People from different states working in various institutions in Trichy have confirmed their participation. Additionally, free food will be provided to approximately 1,500 people during the festival.

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