According to Hindu Mythology, the Holy Trinity of Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva created the divine Goddess Durga to defeat the demon Mahisasur. Durga Puja, literally means worship of Goddess Durga is celebrated over a period of six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Bijoya Dashami. The fastival is an extremely social and theatrical event. Drama, dance & cultural performances are widely held. Food is a huge part of festival and street stalls blossom all over the city.
On the occasion of Mahalaya, the Goddess Durga is invited to decsend to the earth. The eyes are drawn on the idols of Goddess on this day, in an auspicious ritual called Chokkhu Dann. After the idols of Goddess Durga have been installed, a ritual is performed to invoke her holy presense into them. On Shashthi, the Divine Mother arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode. This is the eve of the puja, accompanied by her children and unveilling the face of the idol is the main ritual. Saptami is the firts day of DURGA PUJA.
Day two begins with a recital of sanskrit hymns, as thousands of devotees offered Anjali to the Goddess. Maha Navami is the concluding the day of Durga Puja and a grand send-off is arranged for the Goddess on BIjoya Dashami.
A BHOG or lunch offering is arranged at most Pandals for the public, free of cost, during Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. In the evenings, a number of cultural programs are organised.
I've visited a pandal in Chitranjan Park, New Delhi for some real feel of Delhi's Durga Puja, hordes of happy faces dressed up in brand new clothes, the area wafting with pleasing Bengali sounds, & a lively atmosphere was there.
I enjoyed a lot.
On the occasion of Mahalaya, the Goddess Durga is invited to decsend to the earth. The eyes are drawn on the idols of Goddess on this day, in an auspicious ritual called Chokkhu Dann. After the idols of Goddess Durga have been installed, a ritual is performed to invoke her holy presense into them. On Shashthi, the Divine Mother arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode. This is the eve of the puja, accompanied by her children and unveilling the face of the idol is the main ritual. Saptami is the firts day of DURGA PUJA.
Day two begins with a recital of sanskrit hymns, as thousands of devotees offered Anjali to the Goddess. Maha Navami is the concluding the day of Durga Puja and a grand send-off is arranged for the Goddess on BIjoya Dashami.
A BHOG or lunch offering is arranged at most Pandals for the public, free of cost, during Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. In the evenings, a number of cultural programs are organised.
I've visited a pandal in Chitranjan Park, New Delhi for some real feel of Delhi's Durga Puja, hordes of happy faces dressed up in brand new clothes, the area wafting with pleasing Bengali sounds, & a lively atmosphere was there.
I enjoyed a lot.
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