Festival - The Purbottar

30 Oct

The Story Behind 14 Diyas: Understanding the Rituals, Placement, and Significance on Choti Diwali

sunny EditorFestival

Lighting 14 diyas on Choti Diwali, also recognized as Naraka Chaturdashi, carries profound spiritual significance by symbolising the illumination of the fourteen realms, offering prayers for prosperity, guarding against premature death, and preparing for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi during this festive occasion celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Hindu month of Kartik to honor Lord Yama and commemorate Lord Krishna's triumphant victory over the demon Narakasura, where the choice of exactly fourteen lamps is rooted in Vedic astrology and Hindu scriptures starting with the main four-wick mustard oil lamp dedicated to Lord Yamraj, the God of Death, which…

29 Oct

Diwali 2026 Vastu Guide: Essential Changes to Make at Home for Lasting Prosperity and Abundance

sunny EditorFestival

With Diwali just around the corner and homes beautifully decorated to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, Vastu Shastra outlines key steps to maximize festive energy, beginning at the main entrance where a brightly lit doorway featuring a marigold or mango leaf toran encourages positive energy flow, especially if the door faces North, East, or North-East, complemented by a solid brass or copper Urli on the right side filled with clean water, fresh flower petals, and floating diyas to neutralize negative energy, while avoiding shoe racks, broken mirrors, or dirty rugs in front of the threshold; inside the home, the crucial Diwali Puja…

28 Nov

Rhino Goes to School raises awareness of conservation among 600 students in the MNP

Sonakshi SarkarFestival

Manas National Park (Assam), Nov 28: Three ‘Rhino Goes to School” (RGS) outreach initiative was carried out across schools surrounding Manas National Park on November 25 and 26, with the primary aim of building a strong foundation of knowledge and awareness on Greater One-horned Rhino conservation among young students. The programme was hosted at Good Shepherd English School in Salbari under the Bhuyanpara Range, Manas ME School, and Seuj Jyoti Vidyalaya of the Basbari Range, engaging around 600 students over two days. The central and most significant component of the programme was an in-depth, interactive session led by Aaranyak researcher…

02 Aug

Bright Academy students meet Dr. Sukanta Majumdar

Sonakshi SarkarFestival

Girl students from Classes I to V of Bright Academy School made a special visit today to Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Hon'ble Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region. They were accompanied by the school’s Director/Principal and dedicated teachers. The visit was part of a Raksha Bandhan celebration, during which the young students tied Rakhis to the Hon’ble Minister and also presented him with the Indian National Flag, expressing their patriotic spirit in the lead-up to Independence Day. Dr. Majumdar warmly welcomed the students and was visibly touched by their heartfelt gesture. He spent time interacting…

31 Oct

Regarding preparations for Kali Puja in Siliguri Commissioner C Sudhakar holds meeting with officials

Ashish MajumderFestival

In anticipation of Kali Puja, Siliguri Police Commissioner C Sudhakar actually convened an administrative meeting to discuss preparations. Actually the meeting included Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Traffic) Bishwa Chand Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Headquarters) Tanmoy Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP East) Rakesh Singh, several ACPs, ICs, OCs of various police stations under the Siliguri Police Commissionerate, as well as officials from other departments. In fact Commissioner Sudhakar noted that preparations are underway for over 600 Kali Pujas to be celebrated in Siliguri. Actually the meeting aimed to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivities, ensuring prompt…

30 Oct

In Siliguri DCP inspects ongoing preparations of Kali Puja pandal

Ashish MajumderFestival

Recently Siliguri is preparing for Kali Puja with the final preparations in full swing. Officials from the Siliguri Metropolitan Police, including the DCP, are closely monitoring the arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the city’s residents during the celebrations. On Tuesday morning, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rakesh Singh, along with the Officer-in-Charge (IC) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) conducted an inspection of several pandals across the city. Actually the police officers assessed the preparations and security measures at the Ram Krishna Byam Siksha Sangha located at Panitanki More. During the inspection, police officials stated that Siliguri is…

22 Oct

Recently fireworks mela begins ahead of Diwali in Siliguri’s Kawakhali

Ashish MajumderFestival

Recently a fireworks fair has commenced at Kawakhali ground in Siliguri ahead of Diwali. The fair was actually inaugurated in the presence of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jalpaiguri Dhiman Barui, Chairman of Sara Bangla Atasbazi Unnayan Samiti Babla Roy, and other officials. In fact this year, the fireworks mela in Kawakhali features 50 stalls. ADM Dhiman Barui and Babla Roy inspected the stalls, ensuring that only green firecrackers are being sold. Fireworks fairs are being held throughout the state, with an increase in the number of fairs compared to last year. Babla Roy, Chairman of the Sara Bangla Atasbazi Unnayan…

08 Oct

NMBA Durga Puja 2024: Celebrating peace in Navi Mumbai

editorFestival

Navi Mumbai Bengali Association (NMBA) Vashi has announced its 45th Durga Puja celebration, scheduled from October 9-13, 2024, under the theme "PEACE." As the largest Durga Puja celebration in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this year's event emphasizes the significance of peace amid global tensions. Ashim Dey, a member of NMBA, emphasizes the significance of this year's theme in fostering unity and harmony within the community. The stunning pandal will feature exquisite decorations crafted from full white Sola wood, creating a breathtaking visual experience. The use of white, symbolizing tranquility and harmony, aligns with the ethos of Goddess Durga, who…

19 Sep

Recently Cheques distributed to 72 Puja Committees in Rajganj

Ashish MajumderFestival

Recently the distribution of Durga Puja grant checks has commenced in Rajganj. On Thursday, Rajganj police actually distributed cheques to 72 puja committees. In fact it is to be noted that the state government has a tradition of supporting puja committees through these grants. Actually this year, the grant amount has increased from last year’s 75 thousand rupees to 85 thousand rupees per committee. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the grant will be raised to one lakh rupees next year. As in previous years, the distribution is being carried out through the local police station. Checks were presented…

31 Jul

‘Prayas’ delivers smiles with new outfits

editorFestival, Lifestyle

The organization ‘Prayas’ made a special effort to help 205 underprivileged girls by giving them new clothes and beauty products. Each girl received items worth Rs.1,200, and their faces lit up with happiness. ‘Prayas’ wants to make sure these girls never feel alone and that their childhood is as joyful as any other child’s. The organization’s kind action is being celebrated and admired. You can also be a part of this wonderful effort by supporting ‘Prayas’ and helping to spread more smiles among these children. It’s a great way to show your kindness and make a positive impact on their…