THE DURGA PUJA

(Introduction, Celebration, Importance, Conclusion)

Durga puja is the most important festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated with much pomp and ceremony. It is a period of great rejoicing for the Indian people. Every year it falls in the month of Aswina. Durga puja is most popular in West Bengal and Orissa People worship Goddess Durga during this festival. Schools, colleges, offices, factories and public institutions remain closed for this occasion.

Goddess Durga is the universal mother. She gives power and prosperity. People worship her as Mahisha mardinee because she killed the demon called Mahishasur. It is said that in Tretaya Rama Chandra worshipped mother Durga and got her blessings to kill Ravan. Rama killed Ravan in Dusamee for which Dashera is celebrated as Vijaya Dusamee.

People make earthen images of mother Durga, Lord Shiva, Ganesh, Kartikey, Laxmi, Saraswati and worship them in a place. The pandals are decorated beautifully with coloured lights, gredn leaves and festoons, the worship is helf for three days. Priests recite the hymns from "Chandi". In past goats, buffaloes were sacrificed. But now it has been stopped.

In the evening when Arati is offered with beating of drums, raiging of Ghantas and blowing of conches, the devotees stand in silent with folded hands. Crowds of people come to watch the musical performances held infornt of each pendal. On the fourth day which is called Vijaya Dasamee, the idols are immersed in rivers or tanks.

Durga puja is held in public places both in towns and villages. It is a happy occasion for all. People wear new clothes and make merry in various ways. Fairs are held in many places. Friends and relatives meet one another. This festival has great cultural and social importance.

The festival inculcates a sense of unity among the people. People forget their past enmity and embrace each other with love. It is an occassion for joy and amusement.

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