Durga Puja is more than a holiday in West Bengal; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and spirituality that transcends religious boundaries. It is a dramatic event that commemorates the triumph of good over evil; yet, for Bengalis, it is also a time for family reunions, communal bonding, and reflection on artistic brilliance. People eagerly await the spectacular homecoming of Goddess Durga, who is sometimes regarded as a daughter returning to her family home, months before the festivities begin.
A Grand Occasion with a Year-Long Wait
In West Bengal, the enthusiasm for Durga Puja starts as soon as the previous year’s festivities end. Durga Puja is more than just a holiday for Bengalis; it is an emotional experience, a time of sheer delight, and an important cultural event. People plan for this holiday all year, planning their purchases, decorations, pandal-hopping routes, and family gatherings. The streets of Kolkata and other parts of Bengal are converted into a festive wonderland, filled with larger-than-life pandals (temporary structures), artistic idols, and cultural performances.
From newborns to the elderly, everyone enthusiastically participates in this festival. The excitement rises with each passing day, culminating in the final five days of the festival. Durga Puja is literally the beating heart of Bengal, representing the region’s peculiar culture.
Durga: A Daughter of Her Own House
Goddess Durga is often portrayed as a daughter who comes to her parents’ home every year for Durga Puja. Durga, according to mythology, visits Earth for ten days, bringing with her the warmth, love, and blessings of a daughter returning home after a long absence. The concept of Durga as a cherished daughter is deeply embedded in Bengali society, adding a personal dimension to the festival.
Durga’s image as a mother and protector is well-known around the world, but in Bengal, she is also seen as the girl of her own house, whom the family greets with open arms and weeps when she leaves. This special emotional connection is clear at the festival’s conclusion, when her departure is hailed with happiness for the moment.
The Folklore of Durga Puja
The story of Durga Puja is based on Hindu mythology, notably the battle between Goddess Durga and the monster Mahishasur. According to legend, Mahishasura had grown so powerful that he planned to dethrone the gods and control the heavens. In despair, the gods combined their powers to form Goddess Durga, the embodiment of feminine strength and celestial might. Durga mounted a lion and fought Mahishasura for ten days, killing him on the final day, known as Vijaya Dashami. Durga Puja celebrates the triumph of goodness over evil.
In Bengal, folklore has a deeper, more personal significance. The goddess is depicted as a daughter visiting her earthly home, bestowing joy, prosperity, and protection on her believers. Durga Puja is distinct from any other occasion because of its mythology and cultural significance.
Mahalaya – The Tarpan Occasion
The auspicious ceremony of Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, Goddess Durga is reported to begin her journey from Mount Kailash to her mother’s residence on Earth. Mahalaya is also a day for performing ‘Tarpan,’ a rite to honor ancestors. Devotees rise before dawn to pray and make offerings for their departed loved ones.
Mahalaya is also intricately associated with Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s renowned recital of the Chandipath (verses from the sacred scriptures), which is broadcast throughout Bengal. This nostalgic chant sets the tone for Durga Puja celebrations, instilling a sense of spirituality and devotion.
Chandipath – A Nostalgic Chant by Birendra Krishna Bhadra
Many Bengalis believe Mahalaya is incomplete without the Chandipath, a devotional hymn sung by the great Birendra Krishna Bhadra. For decades, Mahalaya has relied on his seductive voice and delivery of sacred lyrics. The sound of the Chandipath fills the air early in the morning, heralding the official start of Durga Puja festivities.
The lyrics describe Durga’s creation, her battle with Mahishasura, and her eventual victory, invoking feelings of reverence and pride in all listeners. Despite later versions of the Chandipath, Bhadra’s rendition remains unrivaled and treasured in every Bengali household.
The Ten Days of Puja
Durga Puja is a ten-day festival, with the last five days—Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami—being the most significant. The first day of the festivities marks the public unveiling of the Goddess Durga idol. From Shashti onward, the rituals and festivities take center stage.
Each day features a distinct ceremony, such as flower offerings (Pushpanjali), prayers, and the dhunuchi naach (a traditional dance with incense burners). The ten days are a whirl of activity, with people visiting pandals, performing rituals, and enjoying the city’s diverse cultural activities.
Ashtami – The Biggest Day with Anjali
Ashtami, or the eighth day of Durga Puja, is considered the most significant day of the festival. On this day, hundreds of devotees come together to offer Anjali (prayer) to the goddess. This day also commemorates the Kumari Puja rite, in which a young girl is revered as a living embodiment of the goddess.
The traditional Pushpanjali is a beautiful and peaceful occasion in which devotees dress in their nicest and bring flowers to Goddess Durga while reciting mantras. The devotees have a profound spiritual experience as they seek the goddess’ blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Dashami – Farewell with Baran and Sindur-Khela
Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja, honors Goddess Durga’s departure. The day begins with the Baran rite, in which married women present sweets, vermilion, and betel leaves to the goddess as a token of devotion and affection. This is followed by Sindur-Khela, in which females spread vermilion on each other as part of the farewell ritual. The streets are painted red to represent Durga’s marital happiness and the strength of femininity.
Dashami is an emotional day when believers bid farewell to their cherished deity. Durga’s idol is taken to the river and submerged, symbolizing her return to the celestial realm. With sad eyes and aching hearts, the Bengalis bid Durga farewell, hoping for her return the next year.
Dhunuchi Dance and Dhaak-Kashor Beats: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Durga Puja
No Durga Puja celebration is complete without the captivating dhunuchi naach (dance) and the powerful rhythms of dhaak-kashor beats, which serve as the festival’s pulsating musical heartbeat. The dhunuchi naach is a traditional dance that features a clay pot filled with burning coconut husks, incense, and camphor. Devotees hold the smoking pot in their palms and balance it on their heads while doing intricate dance moves in front of the goddess. This ritual is performed at the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) as a form of giving to the Goddess Durga.
The dance is intense and committed, with men, women, and even children performing whirling movements while surrounded by the aroma of burning incense. It expresses spiritual passion, excitement, and devotion, as well as a symbol of entirely devoting to the goddess. The dhunuchi naach is typically accompanied with rhythmic beats from the dhaak (a traditional drum) and kashor (a type of cymbal), creating an electrifying atmosphere. The dance is more than a ritual; it is a type of performance art that captures the heart of Durga Puja celebrations.
The dhaak-kashor beats are a distinctive feature of Durga Puja, and anyone familiar with the festival will identify them immediately. The dhaakis (drummers) play their massive drums with synchronized energy, creating a powerful rhythm that fills the air. The sound of the dhaak is more than just music; it is the festival’s cry, eliciting emotion and enthusiasm from fans. The beats are forceful, resonant, and almost hypnotic, evoking a sense of celebration and reverence. As the celebration progresses, the beat of the dhaak quickens, particularly in the last days, intensifying the rites and festivities.
The combination of dhunuchi naach and dhaak-kashor rhythms is the spiritual and cultural pinnacle of Durga Puja. The festival’s energy reaches its pinnacle during these periods, as followers dance freely, fully absorbed in the joy and spirit of the goddess’ presence. These vibrant customs reflect Bengal’s rich cultural heritage and create treasured experiences for everyone who participates in or witnesses the Durga Puja celebration.
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A Grand Farewell with Teary Eyes – Durga as a Daughter
The departure of Goddess Durga on Dashami evokes mixed emotions. On the one hand, there is joy in her triumph over evil, but there is also sadness in saying farewell. For Bengalis, this is the same as a girl leaving her parents’ home after a brief stay. The goddess is immersed in the river with much fanfare, but behind the drums and acclaim are the tears of believers waiting for her return next year.
Culinary Delights During Durga Puja
Durga Puja, like most Bengali festivities, is incomplete without a feast. The streets are lined with food sellers providing delectable Bengali fare. From khichuri (a traditional rice and lentil dish served as part of the Puja bhog) to street food such as phuchka, rolls, chops, and mishti doi (sweet yogurt), there is something for everyone.
Sandesh, rasgulla, and chomchom are classic Bengali sweets that must be tried during this season. The bhog offered to the goddess, which consists of rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets, is also distributed among the devotees, fostering a sense of community and connection.
A Grand Show of Culture and Artistry
Durga Puja is a wonderful celebration of Bengal’s cultural and artistic traditions. The idols’ creation, pandal ornamentation, and festival performances all demonstrate the people’s artistic talent. The pandals, each with its own topic, typically depict current social issues, historical events, or just creative expressions. Durga Puja’s artistic ingenuity varies from traditional to modern interpretations, and it’s simply incredible.
A Big Boost to the Regional Economy
Durga Puja is not just a religious and cultural celebration; it also has a big economic impact on the region. The festival hires artists, decorators, and workers for pandal construction, idol creation, lighting, and event management. Local businesses, such as food stalls, textile shops, and jewelers, see an uptick in sales during the festival season.
Many industries in Bengal generate the majority of their income during Durga Puja, making it an important time for the local economy.
The Best Time to Visit for Tourists
Durga Puja is certainly one of the best times to visit West Bengal, especially Kolkata. The city comes alive with lights, colors, and festivities. For tourists, it provides an opportunity to learn about Bengali culture.
