Durga Puja days
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The main puja starts from shashthi which is the six day after the new moon, the idol of the goddess is placed on a raised platform in a previously erected enclosure. The goddess is also believed to arrive on the same day, accompanied by her children Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Sarasvati. The priest ceremonially establishes life in the clay image and from now on till the tenth day, the image is treated as the goddess herself. It is obligatory for all worshippers to clean their houses, take a purificatory bath and offer prayers to the goddess adorned in new clothes. Many devotees also observe a fast on this day and break the fast after the evening aarati.
Saptami -
Saptami is the first day of Durga puja. Kola Bow or Nabapatrika is given a pre-dawn bath. This is an ancient ritual of worshiping nine types of plants. They are together worshiped as a symbol of the goddess. The main Saptami Puja follows Kalparambho and Mahasnan.
Ashtami -
Universally accepted as the culminating point of the four day celebrations. It was on this day that Durga had killed Mahishasura. Devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray for her blessings. Rituals of animal sacrificesare held, but animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana. The ritual of 'Sandhipuja' marks Sandhikkhan, the juncture between Ashtami and Nabami. 108 'Deeps' are lighted during 'Sandhipuja'. At this time Devi Durga took the role of Devi Chamunda to kill the Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon).
Navmi -
The ninth day is considered doubly auspicious, as the goddess is believed to
have been conceived and sent to earth by the gods on this day. Nabami Bhog is
the food offered to Devi Durga which is later distributed among the devotees.
Dashmi -
The tenth day is called Vijayadashmi (the victorious tenth day). It was on
this day that the goddess slew the demon and rid the earth of his evil,
but it is also the day when she returns back to her home. The idol of the
goddess is taken to the river to be immersed on this day. With the
immersion, the ten-day festivities come to an end.
This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. The yearly visit
of the goddess is thought to bring well-being and happiness to the people.
Because of her auspicious presence, no meat, or alcohol is consumed at
this time. Bengalis typically wear new cloths on all the four days of puja.
The city of Kolkata almost never sleeps during the last five days. All,
irrespective of caste, creed and religion, participate in this great
festival, giving rise to a brotherly spirit.
The beat of drums, the clash of cymbals, the ringing of bells, dances
before the image of Durga, incense wafting in the air, all form an
integral part of Durga puja. All too soon it is Bijoyam the day when the
images are taken in a procession and immersed in the river Hooghly.
Bengalis go back to their mundane lives to wait another years to welcome
the goddess. On the last day people visit each other's houses. New clothes
are purchased. Shops oveflow with the latest goods. People take to the
streets to visit the thousands of puja pandals which spring virtually at
every street corner.
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