HINDUS celebrate a number of festivals but durga puja is the most important one of them especially to Bengali community.
The Goddess Durga and her four children Saraswati, Ganesha, Kartik and Laxmi are worshipped. The deity is depicted with ten hands, in each of which she holds a weapon to kill the demon Mahishasura who represents evil. This festival honors Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine strength, courage, and femininity. Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration but also a cultural extravaganza that brings people from all backgrounds together in a joyous and harmonious spirit.
The Puja begins on the seventh day of the new moon. On the tenth day the immersion ceremony takes place. These are days of rejoicing and merriment.The celebration of Durga Puja begins with months of preparation. Elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga and her four children, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartikeya, and Ganesha, are crafted by skilled artisans.
On the main Puja day all schools, colleges, offices and courts remain closed. The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to Hindu mythology. According to legend, the goddess Durga was created by the combined powers of various deities to vanquish the demon Mahishasura, who threatened the universe with his tyranny. Durga is depicted as a ten-armed goddess riding a lion, symbolizing her unparalleled strength and fearlessness.
A month ahead of the Pujas, pandals are erected in most localities of the city and are beautifully decorated. Putting up magnificent structures has become very competitive, so much so that reputed companies sponsor the local clubs and organisers who erect these pandals. They are so well illuminated that irrespective of caste or creed, a visit to these pandals by night is a must. The celebration of Durga Puja begins with months of preparation. Elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga and her four children, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartikeya, and Ganesha, are crafted by skilled artisans. These idols are then placed in beautifully decorated pandals (temporary temples), where they are worshipped during the festival.
Men, women and children in their new outfits are seen thronging the puja pandals by the hundreds. During the prayer ceremony the Pujari chants mantras from the Vedas while a small bell is rung continuously, conch shells are blown, two men beat on drums and two others dance to their beat, at the same time offering incense to the deities. One of the unique aspects of Durga Puja is its community-driven nature. Local committees and organizations come together to fund and organize the festival. People from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious beliefs, actively participate in the festivities. The atmosphere is one of inclusivity and togetherness, making it a true celebration of unity in diversity.
After the immersion which is also done in style, with music and dance, people exchange greetings and sweets are distributed to all.
Culmination of the Festival
On the tenth day, Vijayadashami, a grand farewell ceremony takes place. Devotees bid an emotional farewell to Goddess Durga, expressing their gratitude and love. The idols are then immersed in rivers or other bodies of water, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her celestial abode. The immersion is a spectacle in itself, with processions, music, and dancing.
Durga Puja is not merely a religious event; it is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich heritage and diversity of India. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil, the power of feminine divinity, and the importance of unity and harmony. Durga Puja is a festival that transcends boundaries, bringing people from all backgrounds together in a grand celebration of life, culture, and spirituality. It serves as a reminder of the profound cultural and religious diversity that makes India a unique and vibrant nation.
for more informationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga_Puja