Durga Puja is one of Bengalis' most important festivals, and it is mostly observed in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar.
The festival commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, a demon. Despite the fact that the event lasts for ten days, the last five days are considered the most important.
Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Karthik are also revered in addition to Goddess Durga. Durga puja is celebrated throughout India, but it is particularly popular in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar.
This holiday commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Goddess Durga is claimed to have killed the monster Mahishasur on this auspicious day, according to my mythical beliefs.
Check our easy to read article On Durga Puja 2022.
Durga Puja 2022
Why is the festival important?
It commemorates the goddess Durga's assassination of demon king Mahishasur, which marked the triumph of good over evil.
The goddess is said to visit her earthly residence during this period to bless her devotees, according to Hindu mythology. For the Bengali community, Durga Puja is extremely important.
How long is the festival conducted?
Durga Puja is a ten-day festival. On the sixth day, the festival begins. Only Goddess Durga is said to have visited Earth on this day.
Each day of Navmi has its own significance and meaning. According to legend, there was a battle between demons and devas on the first day of Durga Puja.
Date of the festival
Durga Puja will begin on October 1, 2022, which is the first day of the festival. Durgotsava is another name for Druga Puja. Durgotsava refers to the entire five-day festival.
The weekdays when she arrives and departs are crucial and are thought to be a foreshadowing of the days ahead.
History of Durga Puja 2022
The first mention of Goddess Durga in history is from the 1500s. According to legend, the first Durga Puja in Bengal was started by landlords Dinajpur, and Malda.
The first sharadiya or Autumn Durga Puja in Bengal was held in 1606 by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur or Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya.
Significance of Durga Puja
According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates Goddess Durga's return to her birthplace with her offspring. Mahalaya, which commemorates the start of Durga's trip to her house, precedes Durga Puja.
The puja itself begins on "Maha Sashthi," or the sixth day, when devotees greet the Goddess with grandeur and fervour. Durga's goddess is exposed in front of the people on this day.
Several rituals are conducted, and the "dhakis" play the "dhak," a type of drum linked with the puja and Bengali culture, to keep the atmosphere and spirit of the puja alive.
The "Maha Saptami" festival begins on the seventh day. As part of the ritual, a banana tree is immersed in water just before dawn on this day.
Following the ceremonial wash, the tree, or "Kola Bou" (as it is known in Bengali), is draped in a saree, generally a red-bordered one, and placed on Ganesha's right side, signifying that "Kola Bou" is Ganesha's bride.
Several cultural revisionists and historians, on the other hand, have opposing viewpoints, with some believing that "Kola Bou" is another portrayal of Durga.
As a result, they disprove the belief that "Kola Bou" is Ganesha's bride.Another viewpoint is that "Kola Bou" is a sign for nine diverse plant species that constitute a sacred compound.
Before executing the rite, priests tie a bundle of eight plants to the banyan tree's trunk. The nine diverse leaves unite to form "Kola Bou," which is sometimes referred to as Durga's plant form.
The Goddess is said to have conquered "Mahisasura" on "Maha Ashtami," the eighth day of the puja. Feasts are held in various locations and prayers are offered in the form of "Anjali."
On this day, kichdi and other delights are prepared. "Maha Navami" is the name given to the ninth day. Maha Navami begins as soon as the "Sandhi Puja" is completed.
As a final rite, Maha Aarti is conducted. On this day, huge lines are frequent as people come in to participate in "Maha Aarti." The tenth day, also known as "Maha Dashami," is the last day of Durga Puja.
Durga and the other deities are immersed in the Ganga on this day. Married women participate in "Sindoor Khela" before the immersion, where they spread vermillion on each other's faces.
Huge processions are frequent on the day of immersion, also known as "Visarjan." On the route, people dance and cheer to honour the puja's spirit.
Following the immersion, individuals visit their relatives' homes to wish them "Bijoya Dashami," a traditional rite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is Maa Durga coming in 2022?
Maa Durga will appear on the first day of Durga Puja, October 1, 2022.
Q2. What are the 10 days of Durga Pooja?
Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami are the festival's most important days.
Q3. Which Puja is in October?
Navratri is a Hindu festival that takes place twice a year, once in March and April for Chaitra Navratri and again in September and October for Sharadiya Navratri. The Goddess Durga will be immersed on Vijaya Dashami, the 26th of October.
Q4. Which state is famous for Durga Pooja?
Durga Puja, a Hindu religious celebration that lasts ten days in Ashvina, the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, is especially popular in Bengal, Assam, and other eastern Indian states.
For all the information related to Durga Puja 2022, read the above article completely.