By Famous India
What is Durga Puja?
An annual Hindu celebration called Durga Puja honours the goddess Durga. The final five days of the ten-day event are the most important. In accordance with the Indian calendar, the festival is celebrated in the month of Ashwin, which falls between September and October.
The Story Behind Durga Puja
Durga Puja honors the goddess Durga's nine-day conflict with the formidable monster Mahishasura, who posed a threat to the gods and the world's ability to maintain peace.
The Significance of Durga Puja
The Hindu community celebrates Durga Puja as a major holiday all across the world. It's a time to rejoice in the victory of good over evil and to honour the goddess Durga, who serves as a representation of power, strength, and protection.
How is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Durga Puja in India is a grand celebration marked by pandals, temporarily built with bamboo and cloth, processions, feasts, and cultural events, attracting thousands of worshippers.
Durga Puja in Kolkata
Kolkata, West Bengal's capital, is famous for its magnificent Durga Puja celebrations. The city is home to some of the world's most famous Durga Puja pandals. Every year, millions of people from all across India and the world flock to Kolkata to celebrate Durga Puja.
Durga Puja in Other Parts of India
Durga Puja is also widely celebrated in various parts of India, including Assam, Odisha, and Bihar. The celebration has its own distinct traditions and rituals in each location. In Assam, for example, the event is known as Durga Puja, whereas in Odisha, it is known as Dussehra.
The Different Forms of Durga
1. Mahishasuramardini: Durga as the slayer of the demon king Mahishasura 2. Annapurna: Durga as the giver of food 3. Saraswati: Durga as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom 4. Lakshmi: Durga as the goddess of wealth and prosperity
The Durga Puja Rituals
1. Pran Pratishtha: The ritual of invoking the spirit of the goddess into the idol 2. Pushpanjali: The offering of flowers to the goddess 3. Aarti: The waving of lamps before the goddess 4. Bhog: The offering of food to the goddess 5. Visarjan: The immersion of the goddess's idol in a river or lake
The Cultural Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is more than a religious celebration. It is also a cultural event that honours India's rich heritage and traditions. The event is a time for individuals to gather together and spend time with their loved ones.
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