Legends
Behind the Festival :
According to Puranic legend, Durga is believed to be an almighty
Goddess who symbolizes the united might of the divine forces (Brahma,
Vishnu and Mahesh) against the evil and wickedness. Goddess Durga is
said to have relieved the earth from the buffalo demon Mahishasur who
threatened the Kingdom of Gods in heaven. His slaying by Durga
represents victory of the spiritual urge of man against his baser
instincts.
A legend from Ramayana says that Lord Rama performed 'Chandi Puja' to
invoke blessing of Durga Ma to kill Ravana - his wife Sita's abductor
and demon King of Lanka. Pleased with the devotion of Rama Durga Ma
divulged the secret because of which Ram was able to kill Ravana and
rescue Sita. Death of Ravana by Rama is celebrated as Dussehra or
Vijaydashmi.
Rituals of Durga Puja :
Preparations of Durga Puja begins months before the festival as artists
engage themselves in creating new and innovative idols of Goddess Durga.
Massive and artistic pandals are erected which are thronged by devotees
and visitors on all the nine days of the festival. Greater rush can be
seen on the seventh, eighth and ninth day as before that the face of the
goddess remain covered. This is because for six days the Goddess is
worshiped as Kumari or young girl. She comes in her real form on Sashti,
sixth day after the new moon. Thus the greatest fervour for the festival
can be seen on Mahasaptami (the seventh day of the moon), Mahastami
(eighth day) and Mahanavami (ninth day). On Dashami, the tenth day, the
idols are carried in procession to the local river or pond for visarjan
(immersion).
Durga Puja Celebrations :
The atmosphere is quite jubilant at the time Durga Puja celebrations.
People can be seen wearing bright new clothes and enjoying the festival
in the best of spirit. Outside the Devi Pandal there is a fair like
scene. Several eating kiosks besides those selling toys and trinkets
crop up to adding joy to the festivities. Musical programmes are also
organised by several societies for the entertainment of the people.
