When autumn arrives, the Bengalis attach special meaning to the bright blue sky, the tiny clouds drifting over it, the soothing scent of Shiuli, and the occasionally blowing gentle breeze.
Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami are the five days of Durga Puja.
Durga Puja is the most significant Hindu holiday. People celebrate annually in Bengal to mark the return of Goddess Durga and her offspring for a few days.
The Bengali people celebrate Durga Puja 2022, for over five days. Almost all Bengalis dress up for the holiday in traditional and vibrant clothes. It is the time of year when everyone dresses in their piety and gets ready to give prayers in the shape of Anjali. People can pray to the deity in the numerous designated muharats.
It is a common misconception that Devi rides in and out of a vehicle that foretells the lives of individuals for the upcoming year. There are numerous versions, each with a distinct meaning, including Palki, boat, horse, elephant, etc. For instance, the departure on a horse represents destruction and arriving by boat represents natural blessings like a successful harvest.
Mahishasuramardini, a two-hour radio talk show that has gained a following among society since the 1950s, sets the tone for Durga Puja. While it was first conducted in life, later broadcasts started to feature a taped version.
On Mahalaya Day, Bengalis customarily awake at four in the morning to tune into All India Radio to hear the mesmerising hymns from the Devi Mahatmyam by Birendra Krishna Bhadra and Pankaj Kumar Mullick. On this day, many perform the Tarpan ritual—praying to their ancestors—at the city’s riverbanks.
Also read: Auspicious colours to wear on 9 days of Navratri 2022
Shasthi – 14th Ashwin 1429, Durga Puja (October 1, 2022 – Saturday)
“Kalparambho” 7:03 am to 9:29 am Shasthi Puja ‘BODHON,’ ‘Amantran,’ and ‘Adhibas’ Durga late at night.
The Hindu festival of Shasthi marks the arrival of Goddess Durga and her four children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesh. This day marks the unveiling of the handcrafted, vibrant goddess idols occupying the centre of the festival.
Saptami – 15th Ashwin 1429: Durga Puja (October 2, 2022 – Sunday)
People celebrate Durga Devi’s “Nabo Patrika,” “Kola Bou” bathing, and “Saptami Puja” Durga Puja between 9:29 am and Midnight (11:03 pm–11:51 pm).
. The day starts with the Kola Bou bath, in which a banana tree—known as “Kola Bou,” or the banana bride—is bathed in a river. Devotees perform before sunrise while wearing a sari to symbolise her impending nuptials. This tree employes to carry the goddess’ energy.
Ashtami – 16th Ashwin 1429, Durga Puja (October 3, 2022 – Monday)
Within the hours of 7:01 and 8:29 to 9:29, Ashtami Puja.
Bolidan: after 4:00 p.m., Sandhi Puja: 3:36 p.m. to 4:24 p.m.
Durga Puja: 17th Ashwin 1429 (Navami) Nabami Puja Between 7:01am and 8:30am-9:29am (October 4, 2022 – Tuesday).
The last day of devotion, known as Navami, ends with a maha aarti to signify the conclusion of the prayers and rites. Commonly renowned as Mahishasuramardini, the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon, Goddess Durga, is adored on this day. People believe that Goddess Durga had destroyed the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Everyone dresses to the nines in their most opulent attire. Goddess’ favourite food is cooked to present to her and later, is offered to the devotees.
Dashami – 18th Ashwin 1429, Durga Puja (October 5, 2022 – Wednesday)
Within 8:30 am, the Bisharjan and Dashami pooja.
When the time arrives for Goddess Durga to return to her parent’s home in Dashami, the idols are brought for immersion. Married women worship the goddess by rubbing themselves with scarlet vermillion powder (this powder denotes the status of marriage, and hence fertility and bearing of children). Following the immersion, folks pay visits to their loved ones and friends to bless them. People love sharing sweets and expensive meals to celebrate the day. The day’s attire is conventional and formal.
Particularly in West Bengal, Hindus mostly like to present each other with new clothes during Durga Puja. They wear beautiful clothes every evening while visiting the pandals built throughout the cities.
Even though it’s a Hindu holiday, religion isn’t as important throughout these five days. Particularly in Bengal, Durga Puja is a carnival that welcomes participation and unbridled delight from people of all origins and religions.
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