Fri Oct 11 13:52:09 UTC 2024: ## Durga Puja Goes Digital: Kolkata Embraces Technology for Immersive Festive Experience

**Kolkata, India** – Durga Puja, the grand annual celebration of the goddess Durga, is witnessing a remarkable fusion of tradition and technology in 2024. From AI-powered itineraries to virtual reality tours, the festival is embracing the digital world in innovative ways.

This year, devotees like Sourya Roy can rely on AI platforms like ChatGPT to create personalized pandal-hopping itineraries. These itineraries include recommendations for restaurants and food stalls along the way, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

**VR Tours and Digital Immersion**

ThePujaApp, a non-profit organization, is offering free VR tours of past and present Durga Puja pandals, accessible through iOS and Android devices as well as VR headsets. The organization boasts a rich archive of 300+ puja pandals, capturing the intricate artistry and vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

“I have been using ThePujaApp for years to showcase the magic of Durga Puja to my friends abroad,” says Soumyajit Chakraborty, who lives in Ireland. “Their VR tours are incredibly detailed and allow people to experience the festivity firsthand, even from afar.”

**The Future of Tradition**

The integration of technology is not limited to VR tours. The Santosh Mitra Square pandal features a giant sphere adorned with 168,000 LED lights and captivating 11D shows, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Apps like Durga Puja Pandal Hopper provide a virtual guide for navigating the city’s diverse pandals, featuring high-resolution images, personalized wishlists, and traffic updates.

Partho Ghosh, a member of the Durga Puja Forum, believes that the use of VR technology helps artists refine their craftsmanship by identifying potential flaws before the final touches are applied.

“We believe that Durga Puja is an immersive experience, and our VR solutions aim to bring that experience to people across the globe,” says Soumyaditya Mukherjee, founder of ThePujaApp.

While technology is enhancing the festival’s accessibility and experience, the core essence of tradition remains unchanged. The deity Durga still descends, but now, she does so on virtual chariots, embracing the digital age. This year, Durga Puja in Kolkata showcases the beautiful synergy between tradition and technology, creating a vibrant and immersive celebration for devotees worldwide.

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