Durga Puja- A festival of Feminine Power!
One of the religious festivals in India is called Durga Puja, and it is enthusiastically observed all around the nation. Durga Puja is one of the greatest festivals for Bengalis and is mostly observed in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar. Some estimate that there are around 4,000 Durga Puja pandals spread out over Kolkata, with millions of people attending. Durga Puja was added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
As the women of the household approach toward the pandals for pujo, they join their voices to chant "Dugga Dugga," asking for a safe voyage through life. The streets of Kolkata are filled with the frantic rhythms of the dhak and the perfume of dhunuchis lighted in every home, park, and alley. The nine days Maa Durga spends in her basha (home) with her four children are filled with nothing but colour and celebration; on the tenth day, she is reunited with her husband Shiva (also known as Vijayadashami). Despite being a 10-day event, the final five days are regarded as the most important ones. Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi, God Ganesha and Karthikeya are also worshipped along with Goddess Durga during the Puja.
The three most mighty Devas (Gods) in the Hindu religion, Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), are said to have combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, according to tradition. The Devi Bhagvatam tells the tale of Durga's birth. The Asura named Mahishasura continuously changed forms during the ten days of combat to disorient the Devi, as all the other Gids failed to kill him due to a boon given to asura by Lord Brahma. Durga promptly decapitated the Asura as soon as he returned to his original form as a buffalo, releasing heaven and earth from evil. As a result, Durga earned the name Mahishasura Mardini (The Killer of Mahishasura). Many of the Devi idols worshipped during the Durga puja have an exact recreation of the final scene. In some idols, Maa Durga's posture when she kills the Asura resembles Shiva's during the Tandava.
It is thought that Goddess Durga is a self-sufficient source of energy. The festival of Durga Puja is observed with the utmost grandeur and enormous ceremonies by the people of India, who hold the goddess Durga in the highest regard due to her incredible strength. You will undoubtedly see one of the greatest celebrating moments in the biggest way in your life if you visit Kolkata during Durga Puja. Every Durga Puja festival is remembered for its enormous and artistic pandals, majestic idols of the goddess Durga, people dancing to the rhythm of the dhaki (drum), and evenings filled with the divine sounds of the goddess' aarti. In addition to enjoying some delectable bhog, beautiful pandal vistas, vibrant fireworks, and tantalising food delights at various food stands set up in every nook and cranny, let the entire city be bathed in the vibrant hues of the festive Durga Puja festival!
Celebrated in the month of Ashvin (September to October), the 10th day of Durga puja (Vijayadashami) coincides with Dussehra, the day that Lord Rama killed Ravana. Mahalaya, which signifies the start of Durga's trip to her house, comes a day before 1st day of Durga Puja. The actual puja begins on "Maha Sashthi," or the sixth day, when devotees formally greet the Goddess. On this day, the public witnesses the unveiling of Durga's deity. The start of "Maha Saptami" occurs on the seventh day. The nine diverse leaves come together to form "Kola Bou," which is frequently regarded as Durga's plant form. Mahishasura was vanquished by the Goddess on "Maha Ashtami," which falls on the eighth day of the puja. "Maha Navami" is a name given to the ninth day. On this day, young, single females who have not yet reached puberty are also worshipped as a version of the Devi at the Kumari Puja. Girls between the ages of one and sixteen are adored in various Durga manifestations. Flowers, treats, and a gift called a Dakshina are offered as offerings to the young Kumari, who appears to be a living goddess. Maha Navami starts as soon as the "Sandhi Puja" is finished. As a closing ceremony, Maha Aarti is done. On this day, long lines are typical because so many people come to participate in "Maha Aarti."
The concluding day of Durga Puja is the tenth day, also known as "Maha Dashami” or “Vijayadashami." Durga and the other gods are submerged in the Ganga on this day.
Even though Goddess Durga has been depicted in a variety of ways, the Puranas refer to her as an impartial supreme power. When Mahishasura and Maa Durga battle off in the Devi Purana, Maa Durga refers to herself as "Adi Parashakti," or a "Formless power." The ultimate kind of energy, which manifests as a powerful force to fight off evil, is created out of love and devotion. All year long, this style of art is practised in Kumartuli, a neighbourhood in Kolkata. The Kumars (potters) have been sculpting the Goddess Durga idol for the puja for many generations.
Different locations have cultural events, and puja organisers compete with one another by creating theme-based puja pandals. Every pandal has a narrative to tell through its artwork and furnishings, which is one of the charms of Durga Puja. People wait in line merely to enter the pandal so they can admire the exquisite artwork and furnishings.
There are food stands set up everywhere, and restaurants are cooking special Durga Puja delicacies. To create a festive atmosphere, different lights are used to decorate the streets.
If are or planning to visit India during this festival of colours, feminine energy, beauty and grandeur, here are the best to witness the true vibes:
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Kolkata- To not include Kolkata when discussing Durga Puja would be unjust. The most well-known city during Durga Puja is Kolkata. In this metropolis, Durga Puja is all about having fun, from pandal hopping to indulging in delectable Bengali cuisine, from donning new clothing to visiting family and friends. On the final four days of Puja, the city is very gorgeous. You will always find individuals having some of their greatest times during these days, no matter what time you leave your house.
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Kullu- Kullu observes the holiday in its own particular fashion. During this event, pandals are hard to come by in this area. However, processions and other events may be found in the Kullu Valley's Dhapur Maidan. In this area, Ram's victory is commemorated for ten days. When the procession reaches the River Beas after ten days of celebration, the ceremony is concluded with the burning of a piece of wood and a clump of grass.
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Patna- Beautiful views of Bengal may be viewed here as enormous idols of the goddess Durga are positioned in pandals. The celebrations here started with "kalash sthapna" on the first day of Puja. With "Ravan vadh" ceremonies, it will end on "Vijayadashami." In order to commemorate Durga Puja, several puja committees throughout the city display the distinctive themes of their pandals with performers and statues of Goddess Durga, among other popular sights.
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Ahmedabad- In Ahmedabad, different customs are observed to commemorate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. You can view fireworks all night long throughout the celebration. Dramas are played on stages that have been set up. People participate in those plays, songs, and dances that recount Ram's life and the manner in which he defeated Ravana. Additionally, Dandiya performances can be seen all throughout the city.
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Delhi- This celebration is recognised as Ram's victory in Delhi. The tale of Lord Ram has been the subject of numerous elaborate dramas. During this occasion, kids dress as mythological creatures. The highlight of the celebration is when a huge Ravan’s effigy is set ablaze as a sign of the triumph of good over evil. The greatest location to attend the festivities is Ramlila Maidan, where a sizable Raavan structure is burned following a spectacular dance and music production illustrating the Ramayana. Other places to celebrate in opulence include the Red Fort area and Subhash Maidan.
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Mumbai- One of the best cities in India to travel to for Durga Puja is Mumbai. Bengalis who were unable to travel to their homes in Bengal for Durga Puja started the trend of Durga Puja here. As a result, they built pandals in Mumbai and began Durga Puja there as well. Throughout these four days, you can witness a good number of celebrities visiting pandals.
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Guwahati- Similar to other regions of the nation, Guwahati also uses pandals to commemorate the event. But Assam goes over and above by planning fairs and exhibitions. You may expect a mad rush of shopping if you travel to Assam during this event. Toys, home goods, clothing, Chinese goods, and other items are popular purchases from these vendors.
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Varanasi- This time of year, Varanasi commemorates Ram's victory over Ravana. During the event, kids dressed as Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman can be seen. Varanasi becomes congested during the holiday season as many sages visit the city in addition to city residents converging to enjoy the festival.
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Chennai- Known in the region as Sharada Navratri, a staircase made entirely of dolls is used to celebrate this festival, and it is on exhibit for nine days. Locals like having tourists and other visitors to their home to view their doll collection. These dolls include miniature gods, mythological figures, and contemporary buildings. These dolls are typically made of clay or ceramic. On the last three days Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati are worshipped.
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Pune- This city is renowned for its upscale pandal-served bhog menu. Along with the delicious foods, the pandals are well-known for their cultural performances of dance, music, theatre, and other arts. The Mulshi Dam, Aga Khan Palace, Dagadusheth Ganapati Temple, Malshej Ghat, and other locations are the ideal places to visit to take in this celebration in the city. The navmi bhog is the greatest treat available.
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Mysuru- A ten-day event called Mysore Dasara is held around Navratri and lasts all the way up until Vijayadashami. Due to its raucous atmosphere, this festival is frequently referred to as the Royal Festival and is one of the most anticipated events in the small city of Mysore. There are many things to do in Mysore during this festival, like taking part in the dancing, music, and processions, travelling to the different exhibitions and Food Melas held there, or simply taking a heritage tour to see the city's glamour and splendour up close. A sight to behold is the gorgeously decorated Mysore palace, which has more than 1 Lakh lightbulbs adorning it.
