Durga Puja Starts 2024, primarily celebrated in West Bengal but also across various parts of India and the world, is a grand festival marking the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. It typically spans over five days, from Shashthi to Vijayadashami, though the preparations and pre-celebrations begin well before that. Here’s an overview of how Durga Puja is celebrated, private car & driver hire in Inida car rental Agency.
Preparations and Pre-Celebrations
Idol Making:
Kumartuli in Kolkata: Artisans start crafting clay idols of Durga and her children months in advance. These idols are beautifully painted and adorned with ornaments and traditional attire.
Pandal Construction:
Temporary structures called pandals are constructed to house the idols. These pandals are often elaborately designed, some replicating famous monuments or contemporary themes.
The Five Days of Durga Puja
Shashthi (Sixth Day):
Bodhon: The ceremonial unveiling of the idol.
Kalparambha: The ritual to mark the beginning of the Puja.
Amantran and Adhivas: Inviting the goddess to accept the puja.
Saptami (Seventh Day):
Nabapatrika: A ritual involving nine different plants symbolizing the nine forms of Durga is performed.
Pran Pratistha: Invoking the goddess into the idol through mantras.
Ashtami (Eighth Day):
Sandhi Puja: A special puja performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, marking the moment when Durga killed Mahishasura.
Kumari Puja: Young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the goddess.
Anjali: Devotees offer flowers and prayers to the goddess.
Navami (Ninth Day):
Maha Aarti: A grand ritual performed to conclude the day’s worship.
Bhog: Special food offerings are made to the goddess and later distributed among the devotees.
Vijayadashami (Tenth Day):
Sindoor Khela: Married women smear each other with sindoor (vermillion) and offer it to the goddess.
Visarjan: The immersion of the idols in rivers or other water bodies, symbolizing the departure of the goddess to her celestial abode.
Processions: Elaborate processions with music, dance, and chanting of “Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai” accompany the immersion.
Cultural Aspects
Cultural Programs:
Dance and Drama: Performances depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
Music: Traditional Bengali songs, Rabindra Sangeet, and devotional music.
Competitions: Various art, dance, and music competitions.
Fairs and Food:
Food Stalls: Pandals and surrounding areas are filled with stalls selling Bengali delicacies like puchkas, kathi rolls, luchi-alur dom, and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.
Fairs: Temporary fairs with rides, games, and stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and other items.
Modern Celebrations
Theme-Based Pandals:
Modern pandals often follow themes ranging from historical, and environmental, to pop culture, drawing huge crowds and media attention.
Eco-Friendly Practices:
Increasing awareness has led to the adoption of eco-friendly materials for idols and decorations, reducing environmental impact.
Global Celebrations:
With the Bengali diaspora spread worldwide, Durga Puja is celebrated in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others, often with a mix of traditional and local cultural elements.
Community and Togetherness
Family Gatherings: Durga Puja is a time for family reunions, visiting relatives, and spending time together.
Community Bonding: Neighborhoods come together to organize and celebrate, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural heritage.
Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but a cultural extravaganza that brings people together, transcending religious and social boundaries.
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