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The very sound of dhak, dhunuchi and the mild fragrance of shiuli establish a sense of sheer anticipations in the mind of every Bengalis. It announces the festive occasion, Durga Pooja, a festival, which is eagerly looked forward by them.
Durga Pooja is an important and popular Hindu festival celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. It is predominantly a celebration of life, love, reunion, culture, customs and traditions. Durga Pooja is celebrated at the advent of autumn, in the month of September or October. The celebration is a ten day affair and the occasion is observed with detailed rituals and festivities. The festival is celebrated extensively in the Northern and Eastern states of India, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Tripura, Jharkhand, Assam and Bihar.
Durga Pooja is a festival that is celebrated to worship the Divine Mother, Durga who is known to exist in all its beings. She is worshipped as mother of the universe and she stands as a representative of love, wealth, power, beauty and virtues. Various decorative pandals are erected at every nook and corner of the country. Music and devotional songs, lull the atmosphere of the place.
According to the legendary tales; Durga appeared when the Gods in heaven decided to create an all powerful being to kill their enemy, the demon king Mahishasur. She went to the battle forefront armed with weapons delivered to her by the other Lords. The angry and aggressive aspect of the Goddess Shakti is personified by Goddess Durga. Her success in killing the demon king Mahishasur helped restored peace to the Gods in heaven. She was ever since, invoked as a protector from the dark shadows of evils. Durga Pooja is today, celebrated to commemorate her victory over evil.
In Bengal the Celebration lasts for nine days. It is Mahalaya which heralds the coming of this festive occasion. The main festival in all its elaborate manifestations however, starts on Mahashasthi. Subsequently, three days of rigorous puja rituals are observed on Mahasaptami, Mahaastami and Mahanavami. Rituals are complicated, long and are performed by expert priests. Her image is finally immersed in water on the tenth day, which is known as the Vijaya Dasami.
Tears wells up the eyes of every devotee on the last day. However, they eagerly look forward to celebrate it with greater zeal and vigor the following year. The spirit and charm of Durga Pooja lurks in every mind and heart of the Bengalis.
Last Updated On: 2011/07/04
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