Durga Puja & Navratri : Origin & History of celebrations , videos

  


Durga Puja and Navratri are two significant Hindu festivals celebrated in different parts of India, but they share common themes and have evolved over time. 


The Origin of Durga Puja 


The story of how Goddess Durga destroyed Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, is a significant episode in Hindu mythology and is a central theme in Durga Puja celebrations. Here's a detailed account of this mythological event:


*Emergence of Mahishasura:** Mahishasura, a powerful demon with the ability to change forms, performed intense penance to Lord Brahma, who granted him a boon of near invincibility. With this boon, Mahishasura unleashed a reign of terror on Earth, and the gods were unable to defeat him.


**Creation of Goddess Durga:** 

The gods, witnessing the havoc caused by Mahishasura, were distressed and sought divine help. They decided to combine their energies and created Goddess Durga. She is often depicted as having multiple arms, each holding a weapon bestowed by various deities.


**Battle with Mahishasura:**

 A fierce battle ensued between Durga and Mahishasura, lasting for nine days and nights, which is symbolized by the festival of Navratri. Mahishasura assumed various forms, trying to subdue Durga, but she remained resolute and continued her onslaught.


*Final Confrontation:**

 On the tenth day, Durga confronted Mahishasura in his buffalo form. He charged at her, but Durga, with her divine strength and wisdom, beheaded the demon, thereby ending his reign of terror.


*Victory and Celebrations:** 

The victory of Durga over Mahishasura is celebrated with great enthusiasm during Durga Puja, especially on the tenth day known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine.


This mythological story of Durga's triumph over Mahishasura carries a profound message about the defeat of arrogance, ignorance, and evil forces by the divine feminine energy. It serves as a source of inspiration for devotees and is at the heart of the Durga Puja festival, which is celebrated with grand processions, cultural performances, and the immersion of Durga idols in water to bid farewell to the goddess after her victorious battle.



Here's a brief history of how Durga Puja & Navratri is celebrated :


 *Durga Puja:* 


   - Durga Puja is a major festival in West Bengal and other parts of India, primarily dedicated to Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the divine feminine and the triumph of good over evil.

   - Its history can be traced back to ancient times, but the modern form of Durga Puja began in the 16th century when it was patronized by kings and zamindars (landlords).

   - The most famous Durga Puja in Kolkata started in the 18th century when Raja Nabakrishna Deb initiated the first community Durga Puja in the city.

   - It became a major socio-cultural event during the British colonial period and continues to be one of the grandest festivals in India, marked by elaborate decorations, artistic idols, and cultural programs.



 *Navratri* :

   - Navratri is a festival that spans nine nights and is celebrated in various parts of India, with regional variations in rituals and traditions.

   - The word "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nava" (nine) and "Ratri" (night). It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti in her various forms.

   - The history of Navratri can be traced to ancient Vedic texts, but it gained prominence with the rise of Devi Bhakti (worship of the goddess) during the medieval period.

   - In Gujarat, Navratri is associated with the worship of Goddess Amba, while in other parts of India, it is dedicated to different manifestations of the divine feminine.

   - During Navratri, traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas dances are performed as a way to celebrate and honor the goddess.


Both Durga Puja and Navratri signify the victory of good over evil and the worship of the divine feminine energy. They have evolved over time to become not only religious but also cultural and social celebrations, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian traditions and beliefs.


Below are some videos of Durja Puja pandals in Kolkata in 2023 :



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