Durga Puja is a special puja festival that celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history, rituals, and worldwide celebrations of this vibrant festival.

What is Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal, India, and among Bengali communities. It honors the goddess Durga, who embodies the victory of good over evil.

During this time, elaborate idols of Durga are created and shown in decorated temporary structures called pandals. People participate in prayers, cultural performances, community gatherings, and enjoy traditional foods and sweets. Durga Puja is not only a religious event but also a time for celebration, creativity, and social bonding.

The History of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is linked to several Hindu myths, mainly centered around the buffalo demon Mahishasura, featured in the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana. In this story, Mahishasura battles the gods and wins, as he cannot be defeated by any man. In response, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva unite their powers to create Durga, a warrior goddess. Armed by the male gods, Durga fights Mahishasura and ultimately kills him on the 10th day.

The festival also relates to the story of Rama, who mistakenly awakens Durga at the wrong time, giving people a chance to see her.

The Ramayana tells of the demon king Ravana’s abduction of Rama’s wife, Sita, and the ensuing war. In the 14th century, poet Krittivas wrote a Bengali version of the epic to emphasize Rama’s victory and the autumn celebration of Durga Puja. In this tale, after Rama loses to Ravana and Kumbhakarna, he seeks Durga’s help. She aids him, allowing him to defeat Ravana on the 10th day.

During a prayer, Rama gathers 108 lotuses but finds only 107. Determined, he prepares to pluck out one of his eyes to replace the missing flower. Durga appears and restores the last lotus, explaining that the absence was a test of his devotion. Durga Puja thus celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Another myth suggests that during the festival, the goddess visits her parents on Mount Kailas.

When is Durga Puja in 2024?

Durga Puja takes place in the Hindu month of Ashwin, in September or October. It lasts about ten days and ends with Vijayadashami (or Dussehra), when the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in water, marking her return home. In 2024, Durga Puja will take place from October 10 to October 24, with the main events happening from October 20 to October 24.

 

Rituals and Significance of Durga Puja

Durga Puja lasts for ten days, with daily prayers, rituals, and offerings to Goddess Durga. Families and communities gather for aarti, giving fruits, flowers, and sweets. Each day honors different forms and powers of the goddess.

The festival has deep roots in Bengal, India. Started as a way to honor Durga, it has grown into a major cultural event that blends devotion and art. It starts on the same day as Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine (Shakti).

Durga Puja begins with Mahalaya, marking the goddess’s arrival. Before she comes, worshippers paint the eyes on clay images for the pandals. The last five days are the most important, with daily rituals and prayers, starting with the bodhan ceremony on Shashthi (the sixth day). Over the next three days, devotees honor Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati through different ceremonies.

On Saptami (the seventh day), devotees bathe a banana plant that symbolizes Ganesha’s wife. On Ashtami (the eighth day), they offer flowers and hold special ceremonies, including Anjali. Most evenings end with lamps and chanting, sometimes honoring a girl as the goddess.

The festivities finish on Vijayadashami, when devotees immerse the goddess’s images in rivers, showing her return to Shiva in the Himalayas.

The Art and Aesthetics of Durga Puja Pandals

What is one of the highlights of Durga Puja? The creation of magnificent pandals, temporary structures that house the goddess's idol. Artists put much effort into crafting intricate designs, transforming these pandals into stunning works of art. The idols of Durga are also showcasing the goddess in her powerful form, slaying the demon. These pandals are elaborate art installations that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit.

These structures have evolved from simple bamboo and cloth designs to intricate and themed art pieces. The themes of these pandals vary widely, from mythological tales to modern-day social issues. What remains constant is the community’s enthusiasm and dedication to celebration through Durga Puja through this artistic expression.

Some pandals focus on traditional themes, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology or recreating ancient temples. These modern themes not only make the pandals visually appealing, but also prompt reflection on the world around us…

How is Durga Puja Celebrated Around the World?

Durga Puja is celebrated in India and many other countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, the UK, the US, and Australia. People in these places actively take part in the festival, drawn by its festive atmosphere. Communities set up stalls, host cultural shows, and blend traditional customs with modern practices. This helps keep the spirit of Durga Puja alive around the world.

Nepal

Nepal celebrates it for 10 days, also known as Dashain. The country also celebrates this festival on the same dates as India, with the same kind of celebrations. The King plays a big part in this 10-day festival.

Bangladesh

This country is home to the second-largest group of Bengali Hindus. As a result, they celebrate Durga Puja in a highly decorated and vibrant manner. In fact, people observe the festival in almost every town and district. Moreover, they adorn temples with idols of the goddess. Chiefly the devotees gather to pray and ask for blessings of peace and prosperity.

The United Kingdom

The residing Indian community celebrates Durga Puja with great passion. Several organizers import idols of Goddess Durga and celebrate this occasion in the most authentic Bengali manner. These associations further conduct activities for people to engage with each other. So spread love and unity during this time.

The United States of America

People celebrate the festival in almost every town and district. They are decorated temples with idols of the goddess, where devotees pray and ask for blessings. Because there are a good number of Indians residing there, especially Bengalis.  This celebration of a 5-day festival started here in the early 1970s. Now, people celebrate it in all 50 states of the country.

Several associations across the country organize this 5-day festival with full dedication. Besides people gather, meet, greet, and spend time together to celebrate.

Australia

According to records, 12 families in New South Wales initially started Durga Puja in 1974. It is now celebrated in all the major cities of Australia!

In Sydney, Bengali immigrants, and other members of the Indian diaspora, gather on the first day of the puja. Chiefly they set the ball rolling for further celebrations. In Melbourne, is celebrated in Keysborough, where the puja is a community affair, and everyone takes part in the process.

 

Vijayadashami: The Grand Finale of Durga Puja

The final day, known as Vijayadashami, marks the end of Durga Puja. Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or ocean for immersion.  Also, the march is accompanied by music, chants, and statutes of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Symbolizing his return to his heavenly abode. This act also represents the victory of good over evil, closing the festival with hope and celebration.

 

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