Durga Puja

What is the story behind Durga Puja?

The Durga Puja festival reflects the rich culture of Indian tradition and their heritage. So, the celebration of Durga Puja holds great significance and importance in Hindu mythology and is still being celebrated by devotees on Earth. So, the story behind the celebration of Durga Puja is to honour her for her nine-day fierce battle against Mahishashura. This festival is celebrated when Goddess Durga won against the demon Mahishasura, who was creating havoc on Earth.

Lord Brahma gave Mahishasura a boon that he would be invisible to all the people on Earth and the Gods and Goddesses as well. No human being or God will be able to kill him. So, by taking advantage of this power, he started creating problems and disasters for people on Earth. Furthermore, to stop all the chaos on Earth, all the Gods and Goddess came together to create a powerful Goddess who could defeat the demon Mahishasura.

So, they created Maa Durga, who battled for nine days against him and finally, on the tenth day, Maa Durga Defeated and killed Demon Mahishasura. So, the tenth day is celebrated as the victory of god over evil, which is called Dushera or Vijaya Dashami. This is the story behind the celebration of Durga Puja and the reason behind the festival being so important in Hindu mythology.

What is the significance of Durga Puja?

The festival of Durga Puja holds great importance in the Hindu culture and is celebrated with great devotion and loyalty. This festival is specially celebrated to worship Adi Shakti, who fought against the great demon. The four days of grand celebration remind us that evil power cannot conquer the goodwill and the purity of hearts. Moreover, it is a festival that brings all the people together to celebrate the victory of Maa Durga, irrespective of religion, caste and creed.

Furthermore, worshipping Maa Durga on the festive eve of Durga Puja can bring prosperity, good fortune and good luck. Moreover, the strong power of Goddess Durga blesses her devotees with courage and makes them fearlessly fight any battles in life as she did. So, make sure to celebrate this festival by letting go of all the negativities and starting a new year with the blessings of Maa Durga. Welcome Maa Durga with an open heart and celebrate all the important days of Durga Puja with great devotion and cultural festivities.

What are the Rituals and Remedies involved in Durga Puja?

Several rituals and remedies are performed, and preparations are made to welcome Maa Durga. Here are some of the most important rituals and remedies that double the joy and excitement of the Durga Puja celebration.

Durga Puja Rituals

• This day marks the beginning of Durga Puja, and it is believed that Goddess Durga has begun her journey from Kailash. On this day, people offer jal (waters) to their ancestors who are dead and have left for a heavenly place.
• On this day, the idol of Maa Durga, along with all the gods, is kept in the pandal. The faces of Gods and Goddess are uncovered. After that, the ritual of bodhan and adhibas begins.
• On this day, the kola Bou means geb banana leaves that are considered Lord Ganesha's bride placed near the idol of Lord Ganesha. So, on the day of Maha Saptami, it is placed near Lord Ganesh as a symbol of fertility.
• On the occasion of Maha Saptami, the nine types of planets are worshipped considering the nine forms of Goddess on the auspicious day of Saptami Tithi.
• On the eighth day of Durga Puja, the young girls who are at the age of 8 or 9 are dressed up as Goddess Durga and are worshipped.
• This puja is performed when the maja Ashtami is about to end and the Maha Navami is about to begin. This is the exact time when Goddess Durga slays against demons Chando and Munda.
• This is the last day when all the women apply sindoor to Maa Durga, bidding her farewell and wiping their tears. The women play with red sindoor among themselves, known as Sindoor Khela.
• On the day of Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Durga Puja, devotees celebrate the joy of Mahishasura's death.
• After all the rituals and celebrations come to an end, it's time to immerse the idols of Maa Durga in the water and seek her blessings.

Durga Puja Remedies

• The festival of Durga Puja must give more emphasis on respecting women if you wish to gain the blessings of Maa Durga.
• It's believed that during Durga Puja if you take a bath every day, your life will be filled with luck and prosperity.
• You must refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food (not even onion and garlic) during Durga Puja because it's the time when Maa Durga visits her devotees' homes.
• This is an auspicious occasion, so avoid taking debts or loans during this time. Also, refrain from betraying anyone during this time.
• Take a red-coloured cotton cloth and cover it around a coconut, asking for blessings from Mother Goddess. Repeat your prayer seven times, holding a wrapped and then immerse it in flowing water.

Conclusion

We hope all of you are eagerly waiting for Durga Puja 2023. So this was all you need to know about Durga Puja and the story behind the celebration of Durga Puja. Read about all the Durga Puja facts so that you are well informed about it. Celebrate the auspicious occasion of Maa Durga with open heart, joy and enthusiasm.