Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu
Shakti rupena samsthita I
Namestasyai IINamestasyai II Namo Namah II
Indiyanamadhishtatri, bhutanam chaakhileshu yaa I
Bhuteshu satatam tsayai, vyptyai devyai namo namaha II
Chitirupena ya krtsnametad vapya sthita jagat I
Namestasyai IINamestasyai II Namestasyai II Namo Namah II
The auspicious festival of Durga puja is an annual 10 days celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent which pays homage to the goddess Maa Durga. It celebrates the victory of good over evil as goddess Durga killed demon king Mahishasur. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the goddess visits her earthly abode during this time to bless her devotees.
Durga Puja’s first day is Mahalaya, which heralds the advent of the goddess. Celebrations and worship begin on Sasthi, the sixth day. During the following three days, the goddess is worshipped in her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The celebrations end with Vijayadashami (“Tenth Day of Victory” ), when, amid loud chants and drumbeats, sacred images are carried in huge processions to local rivers, where they are immersed. That custom is symbolic of the departure of the deity to her home and to her husband, Shiva, in the Himalayas. Images of the goddess—astride a lion, attacking the demon king Mahishasura—are placed at various pandals (elaborately decorated bamboo structures and galleries) and temples.
Durga’s Vahana
The Bengalis believe in the 9 forms of Ma Durga but the form that is worshipped is where she kills Mahishasura. In Hindu mythology, ‘Vahana’ or vehicle on which God or Goddess mount is the representation of some extraordinary power. When Goddess Durga killed Demon king Mahisasur, she was offered a white lion that is symbol of strength, braveness and life.
How Bengalis celebrate Durga Puja?
Durga puja is celebrated in various ways across bengal. It is more than just a puja. Durga puja has been a feeling, a moment of nostalgia, joy and pride for Bengalis for which they wait every year. Men, women and children start shopping, every home brings new garments, there is a smile on every little face across the street. Some typical ways of celebration are :
• Hoping Magnificent Pandals
• Traditional Bonedi bari puja
• Feasting
• An excuse of getting together, sitting together and sharing stories
• Wonderful lighting decorates Kolkatta like a bride
May She blesses every little soul on this earth. Wishing everyone reading this a very Happy Puja…
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