Indian culture can be smelt by the multiplicity of festivals, which are undoubtedly an integral part of Indians and celebrated all through out the years. However, the magnitude and magnificence of festivals waver terribly and typically area oriented. Durga puja that is regarded one of the prominent festivals of India, is typically a festival of eastern India celebrated with much pomp and glory. Durga puja instantly evokes the name Bengal as during these 4-5 days whole of Bengal dresses in a stunning look. The Durga puja is the biggest social event of Bengal when people living outside of Bengal, both in India and abroad come to their home state to witness the magical glory. It has also a major cultural significance when people who have never tried traditional dresses also flaunt themselves in traditional attire. Not only that, the festival is equally celebrated by non-Hindus irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Perhaps very few festivals in India escape from religious doctrine.
A pleasant weather, beautiful fragrance of shiuli(a sessional flower), the lush green fields, the chanting mantras and joyful surge of people, the ambiance is simply perfect for any festival. Durga puja preparation is done way in advance as the pandals and idols are made in different size and shape before one month in advance. Clay idols of goddess Durga is famous worldwide for their traditional and living look, equally impressive are the huge and beautiful pandals.
Indian cultural ramification is complex when people observe numerous rituals that has strong religious significance. Durga puja is also not an exception. During Durga puja several devotee observe fast to honor the goddess and her victory over evil. Another important aspect of Durga puja is the tradition of wearing new clothes. It is evident during the puja days when people especially children swanks their creaseless dresses, the festival also brings luck to shops as people throng to different shops for their shopping. It is an old tradition to buy new clothes during the festive session.
Religious Significance
Durga is widely worshiped goddess of Shakti(power). Durga puja is not only worship of god in one form but also her other forms like Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. Durga puja is followed by Lakshmi and Kali puja when other forms of goddess Shakti is workshipped. The idol of Durga signify the victory of good over evil. It is the protection of good and show the presence of divine energy. Connotation of goddess Durga also varies from place to place. goddess Durga is worshiped for nine days in Bengal whereas in south India other images of gods, animals, birds and other beings, animate and inanimate also share the common altar with goddess Durga. The day sets the beginning of any type of learning.
Durga Puja In Other States
Maharashtra and Goa- Durga puja in Maharashtra and Goa is more of a fun. The festival is nine days long event where every day puja is performed. Strange rituals are observed like those girls are only invited to eat, play and sing who haven’t attained maturity.
Punjab- In Punjab festival is celebrated as Navratri. Strict devotees have only on milk for seven days. They worship goddess Durga at home and observe their rituals. Puja is different from the Bengal as people strictly avoid any entertainment, meat, alcohol and other intoxication.
Karnataka- Durga puja is celebrated in Karnataka as Dussehra. It is celebrated in a grand style when elephants flaunts with jewelries and colorful robes paraded on the streets. Mysore is the main place where huge processions are taken through the streets of the city.
Gujarat – In Gujarat, people worship Goddess Durga’s other form thats Amba mata. Conventional rituals are to worship idol of Amba mata in homes and most common form of celebration is to play a stick game known as dandiya. This is actually a dance form of rural Gujarat, which is played during nine nights in public square, open grounds and streets.
Kashmir – The festival is celebrated in Kashmir with much unexpected glory. Though the form of Durga is again different and people worship lord Shiva and Sherawali Ma Durga. All the adult member of family observe fast . Kashmiri pandit visit the sacred temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on nine days.
Punjab- In Punjab festival is celebrated as Navratri. Strict devotees have only on milk for seven days. They worship goddess Durga at home and observe their rituals. Puja is different from the Bengal as people strictly avoid any entertainment, meat, alcohol and other intoxication.
Karnataka- Durga puja is celebrated in Karnataka as Dussehra. It is celebrated in a grand style when elephants flaunts with jewelries and colorful robes paraded on the streets. Mysore is the main place where huge processions are taken through the streets of the city.
Gujarat – In Gujarat, people worship Goddess Durga’s other form thats Amba mata. Conventional rituals are to worship idol of Amba mata in homes and most common form of celebration is to play a stick game known as dandiya. This is actually a dance form of rural Gujarat, which is played during nine nights in public square, open grounds and streets.
Kashmir – The festival is celebrated in Kashmir with much unexpected glory. Though the form of Durga is again different and people worship lord Shiva and Sherawali Ma Durga. All the adult member of family observe fast . Kashmiri pandit visit the sacred temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on nine days.
Unique Durga Puja was inaugurated in 2007 when some Bengali techies of London organized in a unique way. They celebrated Durga Puja with 10000 Bengalis in London with the help of stunning power point presentation and that entertain with rock bands. Also entertained people with Bengali cultural songs and theaters.
