Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India, particularly in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the country. It is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, who is the embodiment of strength and power.
The festival is celebrated for ten days and marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and joy, and is marked by elaborate rituals, grand processions, and colorful decorations.
History of Durga Puja
The origin of Durga Puja can be traced back to the ancient Vedic texts, where it is mentioned as a celebration of the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Durga fought a fierce battle with the demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights.
On the tenth day, she emerged victorious and the day was celebrated as Durga Puja. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved and is now celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
When to Celebrate Durga Puja
Durga Puja is usually celebrated in the month of Ashwin, which falls between September and October according to the Gregorian calendar. It is usually celebrated for ten days, starting from 1st day of shukla paksha of Hindu calender’s Ashwin month and ending on Vijaya Dashami.
This year it is celebrated from 15th October to 24 October. On the first day, the goddess Durga is welcomed into the homes of devotees. On the sixth day, Shashthi, the goddess is worshipped and on the 7th day, Saptami, the goddess is decorated with flowers and ornaments.
On the 8th day, Ashtami, the goddess is offered special puja. The hawans are performed .Small girls are worshipped as they are considered as devis. The gifts and halva -puris are offered to them. On the 9th day or 10th day the idols of durga are immersed in water.
Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the country. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and is a reminder of the power of faith and devotion.
The festival is also a time of joy and celebration, as it marks the coming of the autumn season. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the festival with great joy and enthusiasm.
How to Celebrate Durga Puja
Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the country. The rituals and customs associated with the festival vary from region to region. In West Bengal, for example, elaborate pandals are set up and decorated with colorful lights and ornaments.
People gather in these pandals to offer prayers and worship the goddess Durga. In Assam, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, with the idols of the goddess being taken out in grand processions.
Summary
Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India, particularly in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the country.
It is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, who is the embodiment of strength and power. The festival is celebrated for five days and marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
This festival is celebrated with great fervor and joy, and is marked by elaborate rituals, grand processions, and colorful decorations. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and is a reminder of the power of faith and devotion.
You can explore other festivals such as Akshaya Tritiya and Gudi Padwa.