Characterised by its quintessential pomp and carnival-like spirit, the Bengali Durga Puja has a long history that stretches back several centuries. Over the years, it underwent several complex transformations. While the roots of goddess worship in Bengal can be traced to its tribal traditions, Durga entered the Brahmanical pantheon by the 13 th and 14 th centuries. Over the next few eras, the Durga Puja transformed, responding quickly to social, cultural and political changes in the Bengal landscape.

While Vaishnavism of the 15 th century provided the domestic characteristics of Durga Puja, the political upheavals of 18 th -century Bengal made the ostentatious celebration of Goddess Durga a central aspect of Zamindari households. Durga Puja was integrated into the nationalist upr

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