Inner DarshanDurga Puja: The Festival of the Victory of Good over Evil
Durga Puja is a major and famous festival of Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival is also known as Durga Utsav. It is believed that Goddess Durga achieved victory over evil by slaying the demon Mahishasura. Therefore, this festival is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated with great pomp, especially in states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar.
Significance of Durga Puja Festival
This festival primarily lasts for 10 days, beginning with Mahalaya. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga descends to earth from Mount Kailash to live among her devotees. She also brings Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha to earth with her.
Significance of Mahalaya
The first day of the Durga Puja festival is called Mahalaya. On this day, offerings are made to ancestors. According to mythology, a fierce battle took place between the gods and demons on this day, in which many deities and sages were killed. Mahalaya holds special significance for offerings to them.
Major Rituals and Traditions of Durga Puja
Durga Puja officially begins on the Shashthi date. It is believed that Goddess Durga descended on earth on this day. On Shashthi, rituals such as Bilva Nimantran Puja and Kalpaarambh are performed.
- Maha Saptami: On this day, Navapatrika or Kalabu puja is performed.
- Maha Ashtami: This is considered the main day of Durga Puja. On this day, Sandhi Puja is performed, which lasts from the last 24 minutes of Ashtami to the first 24 minutes of Navami.
- Maha Navami: The festival concludes with Navami puja.
- Dashami: The last day of the festival is celebrated as Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami. Idols of Goddess Durga are immersed on this day. Married women also celebrate Sindoor Utsav, where they apply vermillion to each other.