About Durga Puja
In Bengal, there is a popular saying "Bangali-r Baro Maas-e Tero Parbon". It means Bengalis have 13 festivals in 12 months. Though it is literally not 13 but many more, the most colorful festival is undoubtedly the DurgaPuja in fall.
The worship of Devi Durga in fall(autumn) is called 'Akalbodhan'- an uncoventional time for of worship of Goddess Durga by Ramachandra to seek her blessings before his epic battle against Ravan. This is because the period of this worship differs from the conventional period during the spring - 'Basanta'. This festival represents the destruction of evil (Mahishasura) by Goddess Durga. It is celebrated in many other Indian festivals as well, such as Dussehra, Navaratri, and Diwali.
However, we Bengalis add our unique twist to it! Durga is viewed as the daughter of the family, who went to her husband, Lord Siva's abode - the mighty Himalays after marriage. During the puja, she is visiting her parents in the plains of Bengal, two sons and two daughters in tow! Thus, it is a celebration of family reunion. Indeed, the non-resident Bengali tries the mightiest to wrangle a vacation during the week of the Puja. Failing that, a Bengali will get together with others and organize one for everyone to participate in this celebration of life and love.
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The schedule of the Puja rituals is below. Puja and Anjali: 5 pm |
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