Bengali Devotees Celebrate Navratri at Shimla’s Historic Kalibari Temple
In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, the Kalibari Temple is bustling with activity as Navratri festivities attract many devotees. This temple, over 200 years old, holds special significance for Bengali tourists, especially during Navratri and Dussehra. Sanjay Das, a visitor from West Bengal, expressed his joy at experiencing a familiar festive atmosphere in Shimla, reminiscent of Kolkata. He mentioned that the ongoing 15-day Durga Puja festival in Kolkata coincides with their holidays, making it a tradition to travel during this time. After the pandemic, this year they finally made it to Shimla, enjoying the perfect weather. Anupriya Vishwas, another visitor, shared her sense of peace after visiting the temple, encouraging others to witness its beauty. The temple’s head, Naveen Kumar Banerjee, emphasized the strong connection between the Bengali community and Kalibari Temple, noting the ongoing Ashtami and Navami prayers and the upcoming Vijayadashami idol immersion. He described the temple as an extension of Bengal, where Bengalis in Shimla seek blessings from Maa Kali.
Doubts Revealed
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of India, including West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh.
Kalibari Temple -: Kalibari Temple is a famous temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is a popular place for Bengali devotees, especially during festivals like Navratri and Dussehra.
Shimla -: Shimla is the capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular hill station known for its beautiful scenery and cool climate.
Bengali Devotees -: Bengali devotees are people from the Indian state of West Bengal who follow the Hindu religion. They often celebrate festivals like Navratri and Dussehra with great devotion.
Durga idol immersion -: Durga idol immersion is a ritual where the idol of goddess Durga is immersed in water, usually a river or sea, at the end of the festival. It symbolizes the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode.