Durga pooja - Dussehra In Bengal

 The celebration of the festival that is Dussehra, as well as Navaratri in Bengal and the eastern region of India, is truly an exceptional event. No different competition everywhere can suit the Pooja season in grandeur, rituals, expression of own circle of relatives bonds, and the sheer length of mass participation. Photo Courtesy: www.Sanakhan.com

Behind The story

There are nine days and nights of "Pooja's In Bengal are the most important days in the Bengali calendar. It is the time when families gather at the first shop till the last drop and then enjoy a full range of events in the home and outside that can be described as wildly joyful. The days begin early, in fact early to the traditional tunes broadcast on radios all over the world. Every day includes a new ritual. It begins with continuous early morning music played on the Mahalaya as the 'Maa' appears. There is a belief that Durga is affectionately referred to in the form of Mother or Maa is a visit each year in order to see her home of ancestral origin after her husband's.

Legend says that Maa Durga was told about the need to eliminate this evil monster Mahishasura. The major gods appear one after another and offer their most powerful weapons to aid her with the task. The events in the first days following Mahalaya represent the gathering of weapons. Weapons and other implements that are that are gathered are honored in the sixth day, prior to the actual fight with Mahishasura, the Mahishasura demon. The victory over Mahishasura will be attained in the 8th day (Ashtami). The day is the day that marks the start of elaborate Poojas accompanied by drum beats, clapping of cymbals as well as Artis that are performed in a dance form. Joy and relief are expressed by these offerings to Mother God for having defeated Evil and for providing a peaceful existence for all. The ninth day is known as Rama Navami, the belief that Lord Rama gained valuable lessons from the victory that was achieved by Mother Durga in his campaign to destroy and defeat the wicked King Ravana.

The celebration

The 10-day Pooja period is the most awaited festival in Bengal that is full of devotion and splendor. It is also the time to buy new clothes and gifts for all the family. It's an activity that engulfs all shops and creates huge sales everywhere!

At their finest, family members go out each evening to go to different 'pandals' created by different groups to honor the goddess. Beautifully sculpted and embellished idols from God or the Divine Mother are erected in every pandal, with backgrounds that vary in themes that reflect current and relevant topics. This uniqueness draws people to participate in 'pandal hops'. The pandals that have the most unique presentation are the ones that get the highest amount of attention.

All over Bengal there are idols representing Durga in a variety of styles, beautifully sculpted and decorated. Poojas as well as Aratis and chants, accompanied by dancing and music in various styles are a great way to create an atmosphere of reverence and joyous celebration. This can only be experienced attending!

When it comes to the conclusion on Navaratri at the end of Navaratri on the 10th dayof the festival, the idol is worshipped with the utmost respect and reverence to be immersed in a procession accompanied by the sound of drums and chants that ring out to the river or to a huge pond. Giving the water over to God symbolizes the deity's departure to her husband's house located in the Himalayas. In the following days, as part of the custom known as Bijoya families meet one another to greet each other and exchange sweets, sweets, and goodwill.

The joy and celebration that is that is evident in every home and on the streets throughout the Puja season really showcases the values of the family and the artistic riches that are typical of Bengal.