One of the greatest festivals among Bengalis, Durga Puja is mostly observed in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar. Additionally, a small number of Sanatanists around the world also observe Durga Puja.
The festival commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura the demon. Despite being a 10-day event, the final five days are regarded as the most important ones. The gods of Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Karthik are also revered in addition to Goddess Durga.
Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami are the festival’s most significant dates. The crucial Durga Puja festival days in 2022 fall on the days listed above.
UNESCO has designated the Durga Puja Festival as a World Heritage Site
The festival of Durga Puja is included in the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is the first festival in Asia to win a coveted award. In addition to the distinction, this will draw visitors from abroad who wish to see Bengal’s Puja in all its splendor.
The UNESCO office in New Delhi tweeted after receiving recognition last year, “Durga Puja in #Kolkata has now been inscribed on the #IntangibleHeritage list! One of the many ways that #UNESCO promotes the promotion and preservation of intangible cultural heritage is through Representative List.
When is Durga Puja> below are the dates when Durga Puja is celebrated in 2022
Maha Panchami> Friday, 30 September 2022
Maha Sashti> Saturday, 01 October 2022
Maha Saptami> Sunday, 02 October 2022
Maha Ashtami> Monday, 03 October 2022
Maha Navami> Tuesday, 04 October 2022
Vijaya Dashami> Wednesday, 05 October 2022
About the 5 days Festival of Durga Puja
One of the most profusely celebrated holidays in the nation, Durga Puja is celebrated for more than a week. Every day is distinct from the next and has its own unique significance. Among them are:
The Maha Shashti: According to the myth, Goddess Durga and her four children—Goddesses Saraswati, Laxmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya—arrived on earth on Maha Shashti. The face of the Goddess Durga statue is revealed on the eve of Maha Shashti. On this day, the ceremonies “Amontron,” “Bodhon,” and “Adhibash” are performed.
Maha Saptami: The Maha puja is held on the eve of Maha Saptami. A banana tree is immersed in holy water shortly before sunrise, and after that, it is dressed in a new sari to resemble a wedded bride. This custom is referred to as “Kola bou” or “Nabapatrika.” The idol of Goddess Durga is kept with a banana tree. Nine plants are also kept as a representation of Goddess Durga’s nine manifestations.
Maha Ashtami: According to folklore, Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura, popularly known as the “Buffalo devil,” on Maha Ashtami. A buffalo was sacrificed in the past to commemorate the event. Sanskrit hymns are sung while people pray and chant hymns. The invocations are called “Anjali.” Under-9-year-old girls are portrayed as Goddess Durga and revered. “Kumari puja” is the name of this ceremony. The “Sandhi puja” is then done.
Maha Navami: Maha Navami begins once the “Sandhi puja” is complete. On the eve of Maha Navami, the “Maha Arati” is conducted. The planning of leisure activities comes next, and everyone is then fed the “Bhog.”
Maha Dashami: The Goddess Durga idol is submerged in the Ganges’ sacred water on the eve of Maha Dashami. In the parade leading up to the immersion, worshipers ride on vehicles while drums are beaten and music is sung and danced to. Married women throw vermillion at one another throughout the procession. People visit each other’s homes in the evening to wish each other “Vijoy Dashmi.” Additionally, special meals are made.
Festive Customs and Activities
On the night of the Durga Puja celebration, a number of fun festive events are planned. Among them are:
Installation of “pandals”: A “Pandal” is a location where the Durga idol is kept. The pandal is where all of the ceremonies and prayers are performed. Beautiful pandals are erected before the puja gets going. Replicas of the world’s most recognizable structures can be found. Also presented are fresh designs.
Street food booths: Many food stalls are set up next to pandals and sell a variety of street delicacies, including golgappas, bajjis, and samosas.
Shopping: According to tradition, individuals in some states, including West Bengal, wear new outfits every day.
Celebration of Durga puja in the different Indian States Including worldwide
Different states in the country celebrate Durga puja in their own unique way. Some of these are:
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Because people in both areas organize the feeding of young girls on the final day of the festival, the Durga Puja celebrations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are extremely similar.
West Bengal and Assam: Grand pandals with various themes are erected all over Assam and West Bengal. The idol is submerged in the Ganges, a sacred river, on the festival’s final day.
Gujarat: The Durga Puja festival is observed as Navratri in Gujarat, and locals participate in nighttime celebrations by dancing the well-known “Garba” dance.
Tamil Nadu: Locals in Tamil Nadu adore the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and Durga during the festival. Young local girls showcase wooden dolls as part of a ritual that is particular to the state of Tamil Nadu.
Moreover, there are other places in India where Durga puja is celebrated grandly in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
Different days are observed as Durgapuja celebrations in London. Numerous Bengali groups in London rejoice and observe tradition in observing this anniversary each year.
1. London Camden Durga Puja – Swiss Cottage Library
2. Panchamukhee Durga Puja in the United Kingdom
3. Wimbledon Cultural Association Durga Puja London
4. Sanatan Bengali Association, Palmers Green UK
5. UTSAB – London Bengali Association Durga puja Orpington
6. Hindu Pragati Sangha Mandir, Mile End, U.K
7. Prabashi Durga Puja in Hounslow London
The temples and mandaps that you can visit with your friends and family during Durga Puja in Dhaka are listed below. Bangladesh also observes the event.
Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir
Dhakeshwari, the name, means “Goddess of Dhaka.” It is the capital’s official Hindu temple. The Puja celebration at Dhakeshwari, one of Dhaka’s largest temples, is a magnificent experience for anyone who desires to enjoy a grand Maa Shashthi Puja during the holiday.
Hare Krishna Temple ISKCON
The ISKCON Hare Krishna temple, which is located on Swamibag Road, began its Durga Puja with an Ulto Rath Yatra, which involved driving Lord Jagannath’s chariot backward from Dhakeshwari Mandir to the temple’s premises on Mahalaya.
Mandap for Banani Puja
The Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Parishad organized one of the largest mandaps in Dhaka at this time.
