Durga Puja

Held from 1st Oct - 5th Oct, 2022

Durga Puja is one of the most Important, Annual, Biggest and Religious Festival of Hindus in India and abroad as well. It is a Festival which celebrates Goddess Durga in general and especially the victory of Goddess Durga over a Demon named Mahishasura. Goddess Durga is considered as a 'Mother Goddess' who destroys the evil, protects her devotees and establishes peace and prosperity on earth. She is also known as the 'Goddess Shakti' meaning Goddess of Power'. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are decided according to traditional Hindu calendar and generally fall between the months of September to November according to the Gregorian calendar. According to the Hindu Solar calendar Durga Puja schedule falls on the first 9 days of the month of Ashwin. The days of Puja are calculated on the basis of sun rise and sun set. The time schedules of Durga Puja and its religious performances are based on the lunar month which is divided into two halves; the first called the full moon phase and the second called the new moon phase. It is a 10-9 day Festival varying in days according to different Indian States. It is the most significant event in Bengali society who eagerly await ever year for the arrival of the Festival. That is why this Festival has earned the name as "The Festival of Bengalis". Since the festival occurs in September it is also known as 'Sharodotsav'. The Bengalis celebrate this event in a very grand and colourful manner as Goddess Durga the most revered figure which represents power and victory of Good over Evil. It is also widely celebrated in the Indian states of Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa  and Tripura, where it is a five-day Annual Holiday. It is a major Festival in Nepal and in Bangladesh. Durga Puja includes the worships of Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartikeya.

History

End of Mahishasura - According to Hinduism, a Demon named Mahishasura, the King of Asuras (Demons) was granted a Boon by Lord Bramha as result of  years of austerities. The Boon that was granted to him meant that no man or deity would be able to kill him. Feeling proud of his accomplishment Mahishasura wanted to rule all over the world. He started terrorizing heaven and it's inhabitants. Along with his army of Asuras, he plundered and ruthlessly killed people all over the world. Chaos and anarchy reigned. Gods were driven from heaven and Mahishasura usurped the throne. The Gods scared and unable to combat him, requested Lord Shiva, Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu to stop Mahishasura's tyranny. The three Gods came to a conclusion, of creating a feminine entity as Mahishasura could not be killed by a man or a deity. They combined their divine energy and summoned up a feminine form so brilliantly glaring that it illuminated the heavens. This combined power fell on the residence of Sage Kattyana in the krishna chaturdashi (fourteenth day of new moon) in the month of Ashwin (September-October). From the glow emerged Devi Durga, a beautiful yellow woman with ten arms riding a lion. Despite her grace she bore a menacing expression, for Durga was born to kill. Fully grown and armed by the gods, beautiful Durga was named "Kattyani" as she is born in the ashram of sage Kattyana. The sage worshipped her for 'Suklasaptami', 'Asthami' and 'Nabami Tithi' (date) then on the tithi of 'Dashami' she killed Masishasura. She was sent forth against Mahishasura armed by symbols of divine power; Vishnu's Discus; Shiva's Trident; Varuna's Conch Shell; Agni's Flaming Dart; Vayu's Bow; Surya's Quiver and Arrow; Yama's Iron Rod; Indra's Thunderbolt; Kubera's Club and a Garland of snakes from Shesha and a Lion as a charger from Himalayas. A fierce battle took place. Finally when Mahishasura in the guise of a buffalo charged against Durga, she beheaded the buffalo and from it emerged Mahishasura in his original form. Durga pierced his chest with the trident and relieved the world from the evil power. For her evil destroying she was named 'Durgatinashini Durga'.

Rama's Invocation - Another Hinduism practice of celebrating the worship of Goddess Durga is associated with her return in each year in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) which commemorates Rama's invocation of the goddess Durga before he went into battle with Ravana. In Ramayana, it is said that Lord Ram wanted the blessings of the Mother Goddess in order to save his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Satisfied with Rama's devotion, Durga appeared before him and showered her blessings. Since Ram evoked the Goddess during autumn this period of worship is also known as ‘Akalbodhon’ which means 'Untimely Celebration'. It is 'Untimely Celebration' because the the time of worship differs from the conventional period which is 'Basanta' meaning the time of Spring.

Durga's Annual Visit - According to other traditions, it is believed that Lord Shiva permitted Durga to visit her mother only for nine days in a year. This festival of Durga Puja therefore marks her visit to her mother’s place and ends with the Vijaya Dashmi day, when Goddess Durga leaves for her return to Mount Kailash.

Tradition of Celebration - The Origin of public celebrations of Durga Puja can be traced back to the 12th century. With the ascent of the Mughals, Durga Puja became more of a status symbol in those days. Grand celebrations, gala feasts and huge fan fare was part of the very first 'Sharadiya Durgotsab' festivals organized by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606. Annual festival of Durga Puja soon became the most celebrated festival and as a day for merriment with friends, relatives, neighbours and acquaintances.

Events

Durga Puja Traditions in West Bengal - Durga Puja day generally comprises of six days which are observed and known as Mahalaya, Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The main Puja is for three days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami, & Mahanavami. It involves recitation of Mantras and Shlokas, Arati and Offerings which are performed by a Religious Practitioner who is a an expert in such affairs. The fortnight corresponding to the festival is called 'Debi Pokkho' meaning ‘Fortnight of the Goddess’.

• Sasthi - It is the sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with much fanfare and gusto.

• Saptami - It is the Seventh day of the Durga Puja. It features the commencement of rituals; pre-dawn bathing of 'Kola Bow'.

• Ashtami - It is the most important day of Durga Puja; celebrating Durga's victory over Mahishasur; devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray 'Kola Bou' for her blessings; rituals of animal sacrifices; animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.

• Nabami - It is the Last day of Durga Puja and commencement of 'Sandhi Puja'. Nabami Bhog is the food which is offered to Goddess Durga and which is later distributed among the devotees.

• Sandhi Puja - (108 'Dip' lighted) End of Ashtami and the beginning of Nabami is the time for Sandhi Puja. It was at this moment Devi Durga transformed into Devi Chamunda to kill "Chando" and "Mundo", the two generals of  Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon).

• Dashami - It is the day when Goddess Durga accompanying her children sets for Kailash, her husband's abode. With a heavy heart the Bengalis immerse the clay idol of Durga in the sacred Ganges bidding her goodbye and earnestly waiting to see her again the next year.

• Sindur Khela - Also known as the Vermillion Game, it is a major event of Dashami. Married women apply Vermilion to each other and greet each other with sweets. In the evening the Goddess Durga is immersed in water. Bengalis greet each other with bijoya greetings and men follow the customary 'Kolakuli' (embrace each other). It is a Festival which not only a Religious observation but it is also a socio-cultural celebration which renews kinship with friends and relatives.

Durga Puja Traditions in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Puja is performed each day and devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol or image of the deity. After nine days all nine are removed together. Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with 'Rangoli' and the girls play guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

Durga Puja Traditions in Punjab

People of Punjab strictly observes Navratri. Some Punjabis have only milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma (mother) and perform 'Aarti' at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day. Consumption of alcohol, meat and other form of entertainment is completely avoided. At the end of the fast devotees, feed beggars or worship little girls who spell the Shakti of the Mother Goddess.

Durga Puja Traditions in Gujarat

In Gujarat, Navratri is devoted to Amba Mataji (mother). In some homes, images of Mataji are worshipped in accordance with accepted practice. Same is practised in the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night. The most common form of public celebration is the performance of Garba or Dandia-Ras, Gujarat's popular folk-dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds and streets.

Durga Puja Traditions in Kerala

In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. While Puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it is only the concluding three days which are really important. 'Ashtami' is the day of 'Ayudya Puja', when all the tools at home are worshipped. According to the Custom no tools are used on this day. On 'Navami' day, Goddess Saraswati is honoured by worshipping the books and records at home. Thousands throng the Saraswati temple at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols - only huge mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which indicates that God is within us.

Durga Puja Traditions in Kashmir

Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate their festivals with pomp and show. Their favourite deities are Lord Shiva and 'Sherawali Ma Durga' meaning 'The one who rides the Tiger'. Each Hindu house-hold conducts the Puja at home. All the adult members of the household fast on water. In the evenings, fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots. They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all year. The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of Guardian Goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of 'Navratri', an 'Aarti' is held at the temple after which people break their fast. On Dussehra day, Ravana's effigy is burnt. Devotees also visit the Hari Parbat temple.
 
Social Practices:

• All over India in various states of India, people set up Pandals (decorated tents) which are visited by millions of people.

• Various processions are taken around the city depicting the Goddess Durga and her feats which often feature her riding on a Tiger and killing Masishasura.

• The market is full of all types of merchandise in the forms of idols, earthen lamps, candles, firecrackers, light systems etc.

• The streets are lighted and the various beautiful light displays are arranged at major landmarks, temples and societies which glitter the whole environment.

• Restaurants prepare special traditional dishes and numerous temporary food stalls near the venue of celebrations are opened though out the city.

• On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja people chant Shri Durga Sahasranamam (prayer) with full faith and sincerity and invoke the blessings and good wishes of Durga Ma.

Alternate Names - Durga Pooja.

In Bengali Language:

• Hiia Durgotsab - Meaning 'Festival of Durga’.

• Akalbodhan - Meaning 'Untimely Awakening of Durga'.

• Sharadiya Puja - Meaning  ‘Autumnal Worship’.

• Sharodotsab - Meaning ‘Festival of Autumn’.

• Maha Puja - Meaning ‘Grand Puja’.

• Maayer Pujo - Meaning ‘Worship of the Mother'.

Regional Names:

• In Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala and Maharashtra, it is called Navaratri Puja.

• In Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, it is called Kullu Dussehra.

• In Mysore, Karnataka, it is known as 'Mysore Dussehra'.

• In Tamil Nadu, it is called 'Bommai Koluand'.

• In Andhra Pradesh, it is known as 'Bommala Koluvu' or 'Bommai Kolu'.

• In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala it is known as 'Ayudya Puja'.

• In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala it is known as 'Vidyaramba'.

Holiday Status - It is a Public Holiday.