Durga Puja is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in India, especially in the eastern states of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. It is a ten-day festival that celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
The festival typically begins with the installation of beautifully crafted idols of goddess Durga and her family members, which are placed in decorated pandals (temporary structures). The idols are worshiped with great devotion, and various offerings such as flowers, sweets, and fruits are made to the goddess.
One lesser-known myth surrounding Navratri involves the Hindu goddess Shakti and the demon Mahishasura. According to this myth, the demon Mahishasura had received a boon from the god Brahma, which made him invincible against all male beings. Feeling invincible, Mahishasura started to attack and terrorize the gods and humans.
To counter Mahishasura’s reign of terror, the gods created the goddess Shakti, who was a symbol of divine feminine power. Durga, as she is also known, was born with multiple arms, each one holding a weapon gifted by different gods. She rode into battle on a lion and fought against Mahishasura for nine days, eventually killing him on the tenth day. This ten-day battle is celebrated as Navratri.
The festival also includes cultural events such as music, dance, and drama, and people dress up in their finest traditional attire. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, the idols are immersed in water in a grand procession, marking the end of the festival.
Durga Puja is not just a religious festival, but also a social and cultural event that brings people together. It is a time for joy, feasting, and bonding with family and friends. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across India, and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Overall, Durga Puja is a beautiful and vibrant festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine.
