Durga in Hogwarts School

Goddess Durga, the symbol of shakti, fertility, demon-killer and prosperity showering blessings with her ten hands.

Image by Sandip Kundu

This Pandal (decorated house of Goddess Durga) at Salt Lake FD Block in the City of Joy, is a replica of Hogwarts School from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series. J K Rowling has sued the organisers for copyright violation in the Supreme Court and demanded £25,000 as compensation. Phew!

Kolkata during the Durga Puja is the epicenter of creativity. The entire state of West Bengal displays some of most fascinating work of art in this five day festival . A visual treat for the eyes. For those of you who haven't experienced Kolkata during the Durga Puja, do visit here for more pictures and images from the City of Joy. And make sure to plan your trip next year without fail.

Kolkata is a plastic free city

Dad has come to meet me in Bangalore. I'm happy and even more happier because he shared a wonderful news with me. Kolkata has banned usage of plastic bags in the city. Good to hear small things happening back at home. Kolkata - the City of Joy will surely become a happier city very soon. The state government has passed a bill, banning usage of plastic bags in the city and imposed severe fine on people who disobey the law. The municipal corporation is keeping a strict vigil on the city dwellers. People have started using recycled newspaper/paper - 'thonga' as we call it in Bengali is back by popular demand.

As part of green marketing, I think retailers and grocers across India should immediately start implementing the same. Two clear benefits of using recycled paper bags - 1) keep your city green 2) wonderful opportunity to generate employment.

Yay, there's lot to learn from Kolkata.