What is special about Durga Puja in Kolkata?
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals of West Bengal and is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm in Kolkata. The festival symbolizes the homecoming of Goddess Durga for five days to her matrimonial home from Mount Kailash. It is a celebration of good over evil as the goddess vanquishes the demon Mahishasura.
What Durga Puja means to me?
As per Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.
What is the importance of Durga Puja?
It celebrates the victory of good over evil as goddess Durga killed demon king Mahishasur. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the goddess visits her earthly abode during this time to bless her devotees. Durga Puja holds great significance for the Bengali community.
What makes Durga Puja so special?
During the four days, the Puja fever grips the heart of everyone in the city regardless of age, caste, class or gender. The entire state of West Bengal welcomes Goddess Durga and her children, along with the mighty demon Mahishasura, with open arms and hearts filled with incomprehensible emotions of togetherness.
How can we worship Durga at home?
How to do Durga Puja at home: Puja vidhi
- Place the picture or deity of Maa Durga on a raised stool or chowki.
- Decorate Goddess Durga with flowers and place the other puja items around the altar prepared.
- Place the clay pot in front of the goddess with soil, barley seeds, betel nuts, coin and put the mango leaves on it.
Why is puja so important?
The system of worship was designed to please a particular deity for obtaining some blessings and rewards. This Puja is for fulfillment of human desires, wants, freedom from sufferings, for off-springs, for marriage, rise in status and position, for health, wealth, and other desires.
What is the significance of Durga Puja in India?
The festival represents female power as ‘Shakti’ in the Universe. It is a festival of Good over Evil. Durga Pooja is one of the greatest festivals of India. In addition to being a festival for the Hindus, it is also time for a reunion of family and friends, and a ceremony of cultural values and customs.
Which is the right foot of Goddess Durga?
The right foot of goddess Durga is on the lion, while the left foot is on the lion. Goddess Durga is seen to have killed the demon with a spear. On the occasion Durga Puja the city of Kolkata erupts in festivity and joy. Schools and colleges are closed during this time.
What is the name of the banana bride in Durga Puja?
These rituals are called ‘Pran Pratisthan’. It consists of a small banana plant known a Kola Bou (banana bride), which is taken for a bath in a nearby river or lake, outfitted in a sari, and is used as a way for carrying the Goddess’s holy energy.
Why does Durga return to Earth after ten days?
Durga to visit the Earth which is regarded as the paternal home of her as a married lady visiting her parents along with her children, only to return to her husband’s home by immersion in the ocean after ten days of festivity and gaiety.