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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