Indian festivals are as varied as the people of the country themselves. All communities, all regions and all sections have their own festivals. It is intended to keep alive the memory of those days and personalities and inspire people to emulate their examples.
Most of the religious festivals in India are instances of the victory of the good over evil. The same festival is celebrated in different forms in different areas. Durga pooja is one such festival celebrated in the eastern regions of the country. Goddess Durga is considered as the epitome of power and strength. The festival is celebrated at a stretch for 5 days.
Widely celebrated in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura where it is a five-day annual holiday, Not only is it the biggest Hindu festival celebrated throughout the State, but also the most significant socio-cultural event in Bengali society.
Durga Pooja includes the worships of Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, Kartikeya and Mahishasura as well. According to legends, Mahishasura, a great demon tormented the people of the earth and created a great distress amongst the planeteers. The gods together created the goddess Durga for rescuing the universe from the realms of Mahishasura.
The entire festival is celebrated at a span of 5 days. Each day signifying a particular upshot. These are called the shrashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijaya Dashami. Maha Ashtami is considered as the most auspicious and important of all the days. On these days the streets of kolkatha turn in to an absolute carnival. More than two thousand pandals are set up, all clamoring for the admiration and praise of the populace. The city is adorned with lights. A site that truly abides by the fact that Durga pooja is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the state.
Bijoya Dashami also has a special significance. On this day the idol is immersed in the Bhagirathi river. Prior to which there is sindhur khela wherein ladies play with red powder which is put on the forehead of every married women. Following the immersion of the idol is a fantastic feast that truly brings out the flavors of the festival.
Another legend that surrounds this festival is associated with the epic story of Ramayana. Rama invoked the goddess Durga for his battle against Ravana. Although she was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to contingencies of battle, Rama had to invoke her in the autumn. Today it is this Rama’s date for the pooja that has gained ascendancy, although the spring pooja, known as Basanti Pooja is also present in the Hindu almanac.
Whatever be the reason for celebration for the occasion the main objective is to bring people of different walks of life together. Although it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a back seat on these five days: Durga Pooja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves to the hilt. People all over the country go pandal hopping these days. This is so commonly referred to as the Rio carnival of the east.
Ritu Naiya