Durga Puja and Navaratri

Something about Maa Durga:

Maa Durga exists in all kinds of beings in the form of mercy, intelligence, beauty, mercy, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who makes, sustains and destroys this universe. Generally, this festival is observed twice a year, one in the month of Chaitra and another in Aswayuja. It remains for nine days in the honour of the nine manifestations of Maa Durga. During the time of Navaratri (known as "nine nights") devotees of Durga observe a fast. Brahmins are fed all over and prayers are made for the protection of health and wealth not only for self but also for other loved ones. The arrival of summer and the arrival of winter are two very crucial junctions of climatic and for solar influence. These periods are knowns as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother.

Durga Puja Celebration:
The Durga Puja is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles. But the one basic aim of this celebration is to propitiate Shakti, the Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and secular), and all other potent powers. Whatever be the particular or special request that everyone may put before the Goddess, whatever boon may be asked of Her, the one thing behind all these is propitiation, worship and linking oneself with Her. There is no other aim. This is being effected consciously or unconsciously. Everyone is blessed with Her loving mercy and is protected by her.

About Durga Puja / Navaratri Celebration:
Durga Puja or Navaratri starts on the first and lastes on the tenth day of the bright half of Aswayuja. It is held in the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the dangerous buffalo headed demon. In West Bengal, her image is worshipped for continious nine days and then at 10th day (Dashmi) cast into water. The tenth day is known as "Vijaya Dasami" or even Dussera. Processionsare taken out along the streets with her image in the villages and cities. In Bengal, Durga Puja is a huge festival. All who live away from home (Bengal) return during the Puja days. Mothers reunite with their family members sons and daughters, and wives with their husbands. Goddess Durga is believed to exist in so many forms like Bhavani, Mahakali Jagdamba, etc. In some parts of India, the first three, Navratri are devoted for worshipping Durga, then next three days for Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and the last remaining three days for Goddess Sarswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Art).

The Festival
Durga Puja is the most important festival for Bengalis as it is the worship of the devine power (Shakti). It is celebrated all over the state, but with great grandeur in Kolkata (Calcutta city). The familiar sound of Dhaak, Dhunuchi naachh, the mild fragrance of Shiuli, brings a familiar tug at every individual Bengali heart. It is organised and financed by the landlords & the businessman and is participated by all sections of people.

Durga Puja 2008 Calendar:
* October, 05, 2008 Mahashashti
** October, 06, 2008 MahaSaptami
*** October, 07, 2008 Mahashtami
**** October, 08, 2008 MahaNavami
***** October, 09, 2008 Vijaya Dasami
Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata
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The Puja pandals in Kolkata (Calcutta) seems to be going up a better and better every coming year. Having said these, workmen associated with the Puja Pandals work at an astonishing pace. Almost overnight, scruffy bamboo skeletons get into transformed to multicoloured canvas representations of chariots, temples and important landmarks.

Some pictures of Durga Pandals in all over Kolkata city:

Some Durga Puja pictures taken in Kolkata:

Some Navaratri pictures taken in Gujarat and Maharastra:

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