There is a proverb in the Bengali language- “BaroMaasheTeroParbon”, which means they celebrate thirteen festivals in twelve months. You might think that it is not possible to celebrate so many festivals in a year! But trust me, Bengalis are more than roshogolla and mishtidoi.
Their celebration starts with Noboborsho (Bengali New Year) and ends with ChoitroShankranti (the last day of the year). They celebrate every festival with great zeal and energy. However, it is Durga Puja when you find Bengalis in a whole different mood.
It is that time of the year when Durga Maa and her family comes to her maternal house. Durga puja is a five days celebration, and it has meaningful significance for each day. Let us know more about the joyous festival.
MahaSoshti (The sixth day) – Although the mood gets all festive right from Mahalaya, but on the day of MahaSoshthi most of the Durga Pandals are inaugurated, and Maa Durga’s face is revealed to us. On this day, we worship the Devi Kattayani avatar of goddess Durga. She is accessorized, with her jewellery and the ten weapons in her respective hand. It marks the beginning of the Durga Puja.
Maha Saptami – It is the day when the actual puja starts. On Maha Saptami, the ritual called Kola BouSnan is performed by the devotees. It is followed by Praan-daan (or setting the Banana plant beside Lord Ganesh).
Maha Ashtami – The day starts with Ashtamir Anjali, in which devotees pronounce the Mantra and prays to Durga Maa. It is said that Maha Ashtami puja is to prepare Maa Durga for the battle against Mahishasur. Later on that day, Sandhi Puja is performed in which 108 Lotuses are offered, along with 108 lit diyas. It marks the victory of good over evil.
Navami- The end of Sandhi puja marks the beginning of Navami. On this day, Devi Durga is worshipped in her Kumari (young girl) avatar. The day remains incomplete without Navami’s Maha Arti and the MahaBhog. Maha Arti is one of the many puja rituals that we cannot miss.
Vijaya Dasami- It is the day when Durga Maa and her family goes back to Kailash. We perform all the farewell rituals before bidding goodbye to them. Eyes might be overwhelmed with tears, but there is always a hope that Maa will come back in the upcoming year. “AshcheBochorAbar Hobe” is usually the final word before idol immersion into the sacred river.
