DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja: Everything To Know About The Epic Victor of Goddess Durga
Durga Pooja also referred to as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a yearly Hindu festival observed on the Indian subcontinent that honors and reveres the Hindu goddess Durga and commemorates Durga’s triumph over Mahishasur. It is very popular and widely observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, and Assam, as well as in the nation of Bangladesh.
The event is held during the month of Ashwin in the Indian calendar, which correlates to September–October in the Gregorian calendar. Durga Puja is really a ten-day celebration, with the last five days being the most important. The puja is done in both private and public settings, the latter of which includes a temporary stage with structural embellishments (known as pandals).
Additionally, scripture recitations, performing arts, partying, gift-giving, family visits, eating, and public processions are all part of the holiday. Durga puja is a significant celebration in Hinduism’s Shaktism tradition. Durga puja in Kolkata was included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in December 2021.
What Is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is an auspicious five-day holiday that originated in the Indian subcontinent and pays respect to the goddess Maa Durga. It commemorates the goddess Durga’s triumph against demon ruler Mahishasur. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess pays a visit to her earthly residence around this period to bestow blessings on her worshippers.
Durga Puja is very important to the Bengali people. However, it is also widely observed in other states like Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand with much fanfare. People begin preparations for the goddess’s arrival on Mahalaya, which was observed on October 6. Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra marks the conclusion of Durga Puja and the nine-day-long Navratri festivities. Vijay Dashami commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over demon ruler Mahishasura. On the other side, Dussehra or Dasara commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana.
The Significance of Durga Puja
According to Hindu legend, Lord Brahma bestowed upon the demon Mahishasura the blessing of invincibility, which meant that no man or deity could slay him. After obtaining the blessing, Mahishasura assaulted the gods and chased them from heaven. To defeat the demon ruler, all the gods united in devotion to Adi Shakti. Maa Durga was formed by the holy light that emanated from all the gods during the puja.
Maa Durga and Mahishasura fought for 10 days. On the tenth day, Goddess Durga vanquished the demon ruler, and hence the day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, signifying the triumph of good over evil. On the last day, worshipers immerse Goddess Durga’s statue in the Ganges’ sacred water. It is referred to as Durga Visarjan. Prior to the immersion, believers parade through the streets, accompanied by drumming, singing, and dancing.
