Date Fri, 20 Oct, 2023 – Tue, 24 Oct, 2023
Durga Puja/दुर्गा पूजा 2023.
“Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the triumph of Goddess About Durga Puja, over the demon Mahishasura. During this celebration, the divine feminine energy, often referred to as ‘Shakti,’ symbolizes the power of women in the universe. This grand occasion is known as ‘Bada Parai’ and ranks among India’s most revered festivals. Beyond its religious significance, Durga Puja serves as a joyous occasion for families and friends to come together, celebrating their cultural heritage and customs.”
“The Significance of Durga Puja.
About Durga Puja, a prominent Hindu festival, is marked by ten days of rigorous fasting and unwavering devotion. However, the grandeur of the celebration truly comes to life during the final four days: Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami. This vibrant spectacle is most exuberantly observed in India, particularly in Bengal and various other regions around the world.
The manner in which Durga Puja is celebrated can vary significantly, influenced by local customs and individual beliefs. The duration of the festivities fluctuates from place to place, ranging from five days in some regions to seven or even ten days in others. Commencing on ‘Shashthi,’ the sixth day, the festivities culminate with ‘Vijayadashami,’ the auspicious tenth day.”
Durga Puja, a significant Hindu festival, traces its roots to the legendary tales of Goddess Durga’s origin and triumph over evil forces. According to mythology, Goddess Durga was born as the daughter of Himalaya and Menaka before taking on the role of Sati to wed Lord Shiva. One narrative suggests that the tradition of Durga Puja commenced when Lord Rama conducted a puja to invoke the goddess’s blessings, which empowered him to vanquish the demon king Ravana.
In many communities, especially in Bengal, Durga Puja is observed with great fervor. Elaborate ‘pandals’ are erected in various local areas to house the goddess’s idols, while others choose to create a sacred atmosphere in their own homes. The festival culminates with the immersion of the goddess’s idol into the holy Ganga River.
About Durga Puja symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. An alternative legend behind this celebration recounts the fierce battle in which Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. Upon the gods’ appeal, including Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, she emerged to save the world from the demon’s tyranny. This battle raged for ten days, concluding with the goddess’s ultimate victory. The tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashami.
Various rituals are observed during Durga Puja. The festivities commence during Mahalaya, a time when devotees invoke Goddess Durga to descend to Earth. The auspicious Chokhu Daan ceremony involves gazing at the goddess’s idol. After the installation of the idols at various locations, the Pran Pratishtha rituals are conducted on Saptami to infuse the goddess’s divine presence into the idols. These rituals often involve the symbolic bathing of a banana plant, known as Kola Bau, dressed as a bride, in a nearby river or lake to carry the sacred energy of the goddess.
Throughout the festival, devotees offer various forms of worship to the goddess. On the eighth day, after the evening aarti, a traditional folk dance is performed before the goddess. This dance, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, involves participants carrying earthen pots filled with burning coconut shells and camphor to please the goddess.
The grand culmination takes place on the ninth day with the Maha Aarti, marking the conclusion of the major rituals and prayers. On the final day of the festival, Goddess Durga returns to her divine abode, and her idols are immersed in the river. Married women offer red vermilion powder to the goddess and apply it on their foreheads as a symbol of their devotion.
About Durga Puja In conclusion,
Durga Puja stands as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, castes, and economic statuses. This festival, marked by its communal fervor and dramatic celebrations, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Dance performances and cultural displays play a pivotal role, adding to the festival’s vibrancy. The aroma of delicious traditional cuisine wafts through the air, enticing both locals and foreigners alike, with Kolkata’s streets adorned with food stalls offering mouth-watering delicacies and sweets.
During Durga Puja, West Bengal comes to a standstill as workplaces, educational institutions, and commercial establishments close their doors to partake in the festivities. The spirit of celebration extends beyond the borders of Kolkata, reaching places like Patna, Guwahati, Mumbai, Jamshedpur, Bhubaneswar, and even international destinations such as the UK, USA, Australia, and France. Non-residential Bengali cultural organizations across the globe come together to organize Durga Puja, emphasizing the festival’s global significance.
Ultimately, Durga Puja serves as a profound reminder of the triumph of good over evil, urging everyone to tread the righteous path. This celebration not only fosters unity and harmony but also teaches invaluable lessons about the power of righteousness and the universality of joy.
