History
According to the Hindu mythology, Durga is the goddess of Shakti
(Power). Legend goes that demon Mahishasur caused great devastation to
the people and vanquished the god and their king Indra who approached
Lord Shiva. Finally they all turned to divine mother Durga, who ventured
into killing wicked Mahishasur. Equipped with all her lethal weapons she
set on, riding a ferocious lion, to put an end to the devastation that
was caused by the demon. Goddess Durga represents infinite power of the
universe. She symbolises female dynamism. People have been worshiping
the Goddess since 400 AD. The great Hindu epics Ramayana and the
Mahabharata bear reference to the Goddess as well. In a broader sense,
Durga is taken as a gentle bride representing family unity.
Celebration
The festival is celebrated in north India on a large scale. Exquisite
images of Goddess Durga is installed in Pandals everywhere. The idol is
worshipped for nine days, and on the tenth day it is taken to be
immersed into the river. A huge procession follows. The ten-armed Durga
sits astride a ferocious lion, equipped with all the lethal weapons.
Mahalaya
The
first day of the celebrations is known as Mahalaya. The Goddess is
worshipped as a young (maid) girl. It is the very day of Mahalaya when
the preparations for the Durga Pooja reach their final stage. The
midnight chants of various hymns mark the beginning of the festival. The
day is considered to be very auspicious by the Hindu community of the
country. It is observed seven days before the Durga Pooja.
Navratari
Navratri is the festival of nights, lasting for nine days. The last
three days are devoted to Mother Durga. She reveals herself in her true
form Mahasaptami (the seventh day of the moon), Mahaashtami (the eighth
day of the moon) and Navmi (the tenth day of the moon). Dashmi is the
tenth and final day of the prayers offered to the Goddess. She is now
taken, followed by a huge procession, to be immersed into in water.
Durga
Pooja, a grand festival of the Hindus, is celebrated to mark the victory of
good over evil. People from all around the country take part in the rituals
and the celebrations with great enthusiasm.
North
India States
