Durga Puja
Introduction:
Durga Puja is considered as the most auspicious and important festival of Hindus. It is popularly known as Durgotsava. This festival falls during Autumn when the clear blue sky decorates itself with white clouds. It is celebrated across the country with great grandeur and enthusiasm. Durgotsava is mainly celebrated Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Starting of the celebration of Durga Puja:
It is said that celebration of Durga Puja was started in 16th century . And we find the first mentions of the grand celebration of this puja by zamindars or landlords in West Bengal. Devi Durga , killing Mahishasura with her trident riding her vahana, lion. Lakshmi and Ganesha remain at the left while Saraswati and Kartikeya remain at the right. Not only these, there is Kalabou also in the platform.
How is the festival celebrated:
Durgotsava starts from Sixth Navratri, which falls on Shashti Tithi and ends on Dashami Tithi or the 10th day of Navratri. This year, Puja will start from 9th October and it will continue till 13th October, 2024 which is called Dashami. It is a celebration of 5 days. Goddess Durga is worshipped pompously during this time. It is a celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga. This puja is incomplete without beautifully decorated pandals, Traditional Bengali drumming, Flowers offering of Astami, Clay sculptures made from the Ganga River, and Public performances of art and religion etcetera.
Why is the festival important:
This Puja is celebrated to propitiate the Goddess Durga for her blessings. This festival is also celebrated to show her victory over the demon Mahishasur. There is a belief that Lord Rama had worshipped the Goddess Durga to seek divine blessings before undertaking the battle against Ravana.
Significance of celebrating Durga Puja:
