Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is the grandest festival of Bengal, symbolizing the victory of Goddess Durga over the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura. It is not just a religious ritual; it is a five-day carnival of art, music, street food, and community bonding.
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is the grandest festival of Bengal, symbolizing the victory of Goddess Durga over the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura. It is not just a religious ritual; it is a five-day carnival of art, music, street food, and community bonding. For Bengalis worldwide, it represents the emotional homecoming of Maa Durga with her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya). The celebration begins on Sasthi with the welcoming rituals and continues through Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami. Each day has its specific significance. Ashtami afternoon is famous for the grand Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja, while Navami brings the competitive and rhythmic Dhunuchi dance. The festival is a celebration of craftsmanship, shown in the clay idols sculpted by traditional artisans and the artistic structural pandals.
