Shimla, Sept. 15 -- The historic 203-year-old Kalibari temple in Shimla on Sunday came alive with colours, flavours, and festivity as the Bengali community celebrated the annual Anondo Mela, a traditional culinary event that marks the onset of Durga Puja.

The mela, considered a cultural prelude to Bengal's biggest festival, saw families and community members put up food stalls offering an array of traditional Bengali delicacies. The proceeds from the event will support the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.

Established in 1822, the Shimla Kalibari has long been a cultural and spiritual hub for Bengalis, playing a significant socio-cultural role in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Shimla region, for over two centuries.

Organisers sa...