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As Navratri festivities sweep across India, the temples of Himachal Pradesh are bustling with devotees, drawing large crowds of worshippers.
In the state capital of Shimla, the historic Kalibari Temple has become the focal point for Bengali tourists, especially during the auspicious Navratri and Dussehra holidays. Known for its deep cultural and spiritual significance, the more than 200-year-old Kalibari temple is not just a religious site, but also a nostalgic home away from home for Bengalis who visit from West Bengal and other parts of India. Sanjay Das, a tourist from West Bengal, shared his joy at finding a familiar festive atmosphere in the hill town of Shimla. "Every year, I travel to different parts of India during Navratri and Dussehra. This year, I decided to visit Shimla, and visiting Kalibari Temple gave me a feeling of being back home in Kolkata. The atmosphere here is festive, and the devotion in the temple is overwhelming." "Right now, a 15-day Durga Puja festival is going on in Kolkata, and we have holidays there. It's a tradition for many of us to travel to different parts of India during this period. After the pandemic, this year we finally made it to Shimla, and it feels like home, especially in Kalibari Temple. The weather is perfect, unlike the previous year when we had to cancel our plans due to bad weather. From here, we will head to Kinnaur," he added.The Kalibari temple's spiritual atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains, offers a unique experience for tourists. Anupriya Vishwas, another visitor, expressed her sense of peace and fulfillment after visiting the temple. "This vacation has been different. Visiting Kalibari Temple gave us the feeling that we have seen the Mother Goddess herself. I would encourage everyone to come here and witness the beauty of our temple." she said.For these tourists, Kalibari Temple is not only a symbol of faith but also a cherished tradition that bridges the distance between Bengal and Himachal. The temple's head, Naveen Kumar Banerjee, highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the Bengali community and Kalibari Temple. "Kalibari has been a symbol of faith and devotion for centuries. Today, both Ashtami and Navami prayers are being conducted here, and tomorrow on Vijayadashami, the Durga idol will be immersed. We have always had a special connection with Bengali devotees, and every year we see many of them returning for the puja," said Naveen Kumar Banerjee. He added, "Shimla's Kalibari is like an extension of Bengal itself. All Bengalis in Shimla visit the temple to seek Maa Kali's blessings. It is a sacred space where the spirit of Durga Puja is alive, and every Bengali who comes to Shimla makes it a point to visit and pay their respects." (ANI)
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