Table of Contents
The Spiritual Myth Behind “Durga”
Durga has two appearances. First She was born in the form of ‘Sati’ and secondly, She was born in the ‘Parvati’. Sati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha. After giving Durga Pooja. Find here 2024 Durga Puja Festival in India – History, Specialties & All.
When did Durga Puja started in India ( Also in Bengal )?
Durga Puja 2023 in India will begin on 11 October Monday to 15 October Friday.
‘Asatoma Sad-Gamaya
TamasoMaaJyotir-Gamaya
Mrytyor-MaaAmritamGamaya
Om ShaantihShaantihShaantihi
Om ShaantihShaantihShaantihi’
The five lettered words “Durga” infers the unbeaten woman’s power. As a daughter of Mountain and a companion of Lord Shiva, Durga was once the saver of Goddess from evil superiorities. The word “Durga” boosts leverage into the whole mortal esprit.
Birth to twenty-three daughters, Sati was born as the embodiment of God in the lap of Daksha’s wife, Prasuti. In her childhood Brahm, once blessed her and confided to marry Lord Shiva. So that grew up Sati determined to get married to Shiva, who was then a yogin. Sati meditated with tremendous attention and at last, achieved Shiva as her husband. But Sati sacrificed her body in the yogic fire at the place of Daksha. Having shocked Lord Shiva went to a subtle convulsion. Next, the foyer of Parvati came up. Parvati was the daughter of Himavat and Meena. She received proper guidance and education from Himavat. Once Narada predicted that Parvati was the second birth of Sati and would to the marry Lord Shiva. But Parvati also had to keep vow to secure Lord Shiva as her husband. There was the prior life of Durga.
Now if we halve the word “Durga”, for articulation it will be ’dur’ and ‘ga’. Durga is also asserted as ‘durg’. According to Sanskrit, ‘Du’ means arduous and ‘ga’ means to move on. In the Holy book “SrimadBhagwatam” it is inscribed that this material world is full of obstacles and there is trouble at every notch,
which is tough to overcome. And to remove all these obstacles ‘Durga’ is born.
The Birth History Of Durga
There was a devil, the son of Rambha, called Mahishasur. He always yearned for revolting against the Gods and was seeking to be the equal of All Mighty. For his overconfidence and distress, the Gods became nauseous. It was revealed that only a woman’s power could be able to destroy Mahishasur. But there was not a single woman who was as strong as Mahishasur. Then the Gods resolved to create a woman power to fight back against Mahishasur. They accomplished deep meditation. All their strength and intentions gave birth to the Queen of superpower “Durga”. Lord Shiva developed her face, Lord Vishnu put on her arms and Lord Brahma formed her legs. Other Gods offered her sari, ornaments, and weapons. In this way, “Durga” Devi was ascertained.
Symbolism Of Her Appearance
As Devi Durga originated from various Gods, so each God provided her javelin with some specialty. Even her body structure also was related to specific connotations in ‘Brahma Sanhita‘.
- The first attractive thing is that Devi Durga has ten arms. For which She is named “Dashavuja”. The ten arms represent that She can perform ten activities together.
- Riding on the lion throws heroic power to all demons.
- Inhibiting the Mahishasur with the trident portraits the capacity to throttle against impurity.
- Standing concurrently with his sons Kartikeya, Ganesha, and daughters Laxmi and Saraswati represents the great motherhood, love, and affection towards her every child in the material world.
- The weapons in her hands point out the unlimited leverage to compete with the enemies or evil power.
The Forms Of Devi Durga
As Durga is not only for a specific class, in every state and culture Devi Durga is admired. So that She appears in various forms in various shastras. The distinguished nine forms of Devi Durga are in the following.
Shailaputri,
Brahmacharini,
Chandraghanta,
Kushmanda,
Skandamata,
Katyayani,
Kaalratri,
Mahagauri,
Siddhidhatri
Every form has its specific indication.
Mythology Of The Beginning Of DurgaPooja
In the 14th century manuscript, it was first spoken of the worship of DurgaPooja. Devi Durga is worshipped twice a year in two aspects.
- “AkaalBodhan”: Both words “Akaal” and “Bodhan” are Sanskrit. ‘Akaal’ means not in the particular time and ‘Bodhan’ means deification. The story behind “AkaalBodhan” is in the ‘Ramayana’. The evil power Ravana kidnapped Sita, the wife of Rama, and took her to Lanka. When Rama went to Lanka to fight with the Ravana, he wanted to put up with the blessing of Devi Durga. He heard that if he could offer 108 blue lotuses to her, She would be gratified surely. But he was able to collect 107 lotuses. At least he contributed one of his eyes, as his eyes were called blue lotuses. And lighted 108 lamps. After this Devi Durga was delighted and blessed him a lot. The fight between Rama and Ravana ended on the tenth day which is known as Dashami. Ravana was demolished by Rama. This period is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in the name of ‘SharodiyaDurgaPuja’.
- “BasantiDurgaPuja”: The story was like that a king named Raja Surath relinquished his dominion. So that he started to wander in the forest. There he met Samadhi Vaisya, who also forfeited his kingdom. In the forest, they came across a sage named Medha Muni. He depicted that if they performed BasantiDurgapuja, they would be blessed to have their lost kingdom again. In that time they arranged for Durgapuja in the Garh Jungle of West Bengal. And this puja is popular in the title of BasantiPooja.
Durga Puja Of Zamindars
In the 17th century when the Bengal’s Nawab shattered the treaties with Mughal empower, some minor landlords had emerged. They were the kings of their own restricted territory. As Nawab was the higher authority still then so that the zamindars were not solely cited by the political rewards. So to convey their political sovereignty and financial vitality they stared DurgaPooja in their houses. Their DurgaPooja is noteworthy for both political and civil changes in West Bengal. The East India Company first found out a little city called Calcutta. The merchants mainly sifted in Calcutta for business purposes. There they started DurgaPooja to demonstrate their financial liberty and political strength. And that’s how DurgaPooja was started as “Bonedi Bari-r Pooja.”
The DuttaChaudhuryzamindar family stated DurgaPooja in the year 1609. KashiwarDuttaChaidhuryfirst operated this puja. It is said to be the oldest DurgaPooja in zamindar culture. After that in 1610, the Sabarna Roy Chaudhury family had started DurgaPooja at Barisha. But among all of these the Sbobhabazar Rajbari Durga Pujabecome too much popular. In 1757, Nabakrishna Deb inaugurated DurgaPooja at her house. The pomp and gaiety of their celebration of DurgaPooja fixed a fashionable pattern among the merchants of Kolkata. Even the foreigners came to attend the RajbariDurgaPooja which raised their prestige in the society. They arranged some cultural programs and lots of food and beverage for entertaining the foreigners. Later RaniRashmani commenced DurgaPooja at her premises traditionally. She allowed theatre or jatras for the villagers rather than to entertain the foreigners.
Barowari Durga Pooja
20th century vowed the necessity of community Durga Puja that was additionally sometimes organized publically. the primary Barowari Durga Puja was organized in the metropolis by Bhowanipore Sanatan Dharmotsahini Sabha in 1909 at Balaram Bose stairs Road, Bhowanipore. On this event, Sri Aurobindo revealed the known Durga Stotra in his Bengali journal, Dharma, “Kartika” wooed 1316 AD.
The Experiment Of Idol And Decoration Related To DurgaPooja
TheFirst clay Durga idol was built with her two sons and daughters within a structure. It is called “ek-chala”. ‘Ek’ means one and ‘chala’ means cover. The whole Durga family within one cover. Then more beautification was gradually added.
The two exaggerations were invented later. One is ‘sholarsaj’ and other is ‘dakersaj’.
Next, the committees noticed the decoration of the stage where the idol was kept and its surroundings. They hired some folk to make a structure with bamboo and cover the structure with colorful fabrics. This was given name as ‘pandals’. After that, the various lightings were started to add in the pandals. Gradually the decorations became part of the competition among the numerous DurgaPooja committees. That’s how we enjoy our pooja festival now.
Read more- Navratri 2021- The Significance Of Navratri Colours
Rituals Of Durga Pooja
Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu
The holy moment of DurgaPooja is started from the ‘Mahalaya’. People believe that Durga is their Therepeopleer, whose parental house is our earth. So we commemorate DurgaPooja to celebrate her coming from the bridal house that is Mount Kailash. She appears on the earth with her two sons and two daughters. And people also believe that after stepping to the earth Devi Durga must destroy all the evil powers. There are some rituals in her worship.Bodhon: As Lord Rama started to worship Devi Durga in autumn to enhance his strength. So that DurgaPooja is started with Bodhon. This is called Sasthiaccording to the DurgaPooja festival. On this day the ritual is performed in the evening.
Nabapatrika Snan or Saptami: Nine plants are wrapped together to make Nabapatrika. The nine plants refer to nine different forms of Devi Durga- Brahmani, Kalika, Durga, Kartiki, Shiva, Raktadantika, Sokrahita, Chamunda and Laxmi. Then Nabapatrikais carried to the river for bathing. Wrapping with a sari it is kept beside Ganesha. As the banana leaf is largely seen so that it is called ‘Kola Bou’. The bathing ritual of Nabapatrika is held in Saptami.
- Ashtami: After the day of Saptami, when the priests are worshipping Devi Durga with flowers, prasad ritually, the common folk also wants to convey respect to Devi Durga. Common folk believes that if they contribute ‘Anjali’ with flowers, Devi Durga will fulfill their wishes. Even KumariPoojais also a part of it. A girl child below 12 years from a particular caste, decorating with sari and jewelry is honored like Devi.
People choose to follow the rich bengali tradition during this time. They obey some proper rules to worship “Ma Durga”.
- Navami: Ashtami ends and Navami begins with SandhiPooja. The priest lights 108 lamps at that time.
It signifies the destruction of Chanda and Munda, the two demons. The special portion of DurgaPooja is Dhunuchi Nach. People hold a clay pot with burning charcoal in it and dance with the rhythm of Dhak. It is the most popular and pure dance form. It can bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- Dashami: Now the day comes to bid farewell to Devi Durga. The farewell day of Durga is called Dashami. On this day, the married women wear vermillion after the baranof Devi Durga. They smear each other the vermillion and distribute sweets.
Bisarjan: The divinity and her kids square measure taken come in a parade for Bisorjon or immersion within the watercourse, implying her come to Mount Kailash. Even today, a number of the previous households (bonedibari) follow the custom wherever the idols square measure placed on a bamboo platform and held upon the shoulders of men. However, most haul the idols on a truck up to the watercourse bank. Then the idols square measure placed on a ship and brought to the center of the watercourse for the immersion. State touristry and plenty of non-public tour operators prepare for boat cruises to look at the immersion ceremony.
- Bijoya: This is the nicest occasion of the DurgaPooja festival. On that day the younger touches the feet of every elder. And the elders give blessings with sweets and another refreshment. The same ages hug each other to wish “SubhoBijoya”. But the people become sad to think that the great festival has ended. They start to count from that day for the DurgaPooja of next year.
Durga Puja in Kolkata
Basically, there are no fixed dates for the Durga puja. It is held in Autumn. Mostly the dates vary from September to November. Durga pooja is the biggest celebrated festival in Hindu Culture. People celebrate this season with lots of joy and happiness.
And Kolkata is the center attraction to visit the best Durga Idols, pandals, and lighting. People from foreign nations come to attend Kolkata’s famous DurgaPooja. The reasons behind the chirm are in the following.
- Durga pooja in Kolkata is not just an issue of religious belief. It is also the prestige of the city. Durga pooja helps to become Kolkata a meeting place for detached people, abroad person, and the foe also. The craftsmen start their work with bamboo, colorful clothes, various glittering materials from six to eight months before the DurgaPooja’s dates. At the time of Sasthito Dashamiwalking on Kolkata street can give a hit of positive vibrant. Anyone can fall in love with the charming atmosphere
- We can’t imagine how a craftsperson gives a unique look to the idol of Devi Durga. So people create a crowd to visit the idols at various destinations. From bonedistyle to modern look, you can be the witness of every style of MaaDurga in Kolkata.
- The pandals are just beyond any compliments. The craft persons take a minimum of five to eight months to establish the exact look of what they have thought. The pandals consist of various themes. Some years they utilized wastage stuff and create decent pandals. Some years they used hand fans and create a cool look. In the ancient days, the thermocol is used to create a house like a pandal. Pandals hopping is the charm among the people. Younger relish the pandals hopping.
- The lighting is the most glamorous thing in this festival. The streets are decorated with various kinds of lights. Chandan Nagar lighting is so popular. The kids are mostly entertained to see various thematic lighting on the streets.
- Now another vital point is to keep calm your tummy. In this great festival, the streets are loaded with so many delicious foods. From fuchka or golgappato chow mein, biryani everything is available on Kolkata street from day to whole night.
Top 10 Famous Durga Puja In Kolkata
Now we are going to inform you of the ten best DurgaPooja destinations in Kolkata.
1. Bagbazar
Location- It is near the Bagbazar Launch Ghat. The adjacent metro station is Shyambazar.
2. Kumartuli Park
Location– Near Sobhabazar Metro and Sobhabazar Launch Ghat in North Kolkata. It is just before Bagbazar.
3. College Square
Location– Near Kolkata University, 53 College street. The Mahatma Gandhi Road and Central Metro are the closest railway station.
4. Mohammad Ali Park
Location– It is in Central Kolkata
5. SantoshMitra Square
Location– It is near BB Ganguly Road, Bow Bazar area. Central is the closest railway station.
6. BadamtalaAsharSangha
Location– Close to Kalighat Metro Railway Station in Kalighat, Nepal Bhattacharya Street.
7. Ballygunge Cultural Association
Location– Its location is 57 Jatindas Road, HemantaMukherjeeSarani, Lake Terrace, Ballygunge.
8. SuruchiSangha
Location– It is in New Alipore. The nearest railway station is Majherhut and Kalighat.
9. Ekdalia Evergreen
Location– In Gariahut. The closest railway stations are Ballygunge and Kalighat.
10. Jodhpur Park
Location– At Jadavpur Thana, Jodhpur Park. The closest railway station is Dhakuria.
Benefits Of Devi Durga’s Worship
Yadevisarvabhuteshu, shantirupenasangsthita
Yadevisarvabhuteshu, shaktirupenasangsthita
Yadevisarvabhuteshu, matrirupenasangsthita
Yaadevisarvabhuteshu, buddhirupenasangsthita
Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namonamaha
Chanting this Durga Mantra gives aesthetic pleasure and storage power to fight against the demons of our real life. Devi Durga is the saver of all kinds of miseries. Even she motivates us to work forward positively. She is the source of our material strength. She blesses her with name, fame, wealth, prosperity, and good health.
So every year people from low to high class are eagerly waiting for DurgaPooja and say, “Bolo Dugga Mai Ki Joy.”
Conclusion– Let’s make the upcoming Durga Puja festival brighter and glorious. Stay with us and like share and follow us for more update. Let’s tuned with it.
See Also – Diwali Festival History
Related Searches –
How is Durga coming to 2021?
When was Durga Puja invented?
How many days is Durga Puja celebrated?
When did Durga Puja started in Bengal?
Why do we celebrate Durga Puja?
How do we celebrate the festival of Durga Puja?
What Durga Puja means?
Which festival is also known as Durga Puja?
durga puja festival in English
durga puja festival is celebrated in which state
durga puja 2021
why durga puja is celebrated
durga puja 2022
durga puja 2020
how durga puja is celebrated in India
durga puja in kolkata
