Bengal celebrates Goddess Kali, the greatest representation of Shakti, strength, and divine feminine force, on Diwali, whereas much of India honors Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

The goal was to raise awareness of these lesser-known folk tales and expose more people to the cultural diversity of Bengal’s customary Kali Puja festivities.

A special program, Festival of Lights and Love, was held at the ancient Dorjipara Mitra Bari on November 7, 2026.

Five heritage houses, each of which has worshiped Goddess Kali for more than a century, had their Kali Puja celebrations, rituals, and traditions documented in carefully selected short films that were screened at the occasion.

The distinguished chief guest was Sri Pranav Prakash, Deputy Director General and Regional Director of Indian Tourism (Incredible India).

The ceremonial burning of diyas, which represent light, hope, continuity, and the unbreakable link between legacy and generations, marked the program’s conclusion.

The Five Heritage Houses were:

1. Ghosh Bari

2. Hathkhola Dutta Bari

3. Daw Bari

4. Haldar Bari

5. Dorjipara Mitra Bari

Every household is a living example of Bengal’s past, upholding customs that have endured for many centuries.

The goal is to provide audiences with an intimate look into the heritage houses, their ancestral customs, unique rituals, stories, and celebratory cuisine by documenting these exceptional festivities through carefully chosen digital video.

The celebration of Bengal’s living legacy, where faith and history collide, customs and storytelling coexist, and light unites generations, is called the Festival of Lights & Love.

The event has been conceptualised & curated by Luna Chatterjee (Brand Strategist | Influencer | Cultural Curator) and Arijit Mandal (Radio Jockey | Heritage Research Coordinator).

Priyanka Dutta