Durga Puja 2023

Durga Puja is one of the most famous festival of the Hindu religion. This festival of adoration of Goddess Durga is also known by the name of Durgotsav. The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated for ten days in the Ashwin month. However, in the actual sense, the festival commences on the sixth day.

In Durgotsav, the days of Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami hold great significance. It is believed that this festival exemplifies the victory of good over evil, as Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. Primarily this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Tripura, Manipur, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Moreover, Durga Puja is also celebrated in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and in many other different parts of the country.

It is believed that during the time of Durga Puja, Goddess Durga along with Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya came to reside on Earth for her devotees.

Day 1 Shashti - Kalparambha	20th October 2023 (Friday)
Day 2 Saptami - Navpatrika Puja	21st October 2023 (Saturday)
Day 3 Ashtami - Durga Puja Ashtami	22nd October 2023 (Sunday)
Day 4 Navami - Maha Navami Puja	23rd October 2023 (Monday)
Day 5 Dashami - Dussehra	24th October 2023 (Tuesday)
Day 5 Dashami - Visarjan	24th October 2023 (Tuesday)

The tradition of Durga Puja and its Significance

The actual beginning of Durga Puja takes place on the sixth day (Shashthi). It is believed that on this day only Goddess Durga came to Earth. Being celebrated over a span of five days, on the sixth day there exists a ritual of Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambh, Akaal Bodhan, Amantran and Adhivas. On the day of Maha Saptami, Navpatrika and Kolabou Pooja is performed.

While, on the day of Maha Ashtami Durga Ashtami, Kumari Pooja and Sandhi Pooja is performed. On the day of Maha Navami, Durga Balidan and Navami Havan is done. In the end, on the day of Dashmi Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami and Sindoor festival is celebrated.

Origin of Durga Mata - The Mythology

Devi is the great goddess of the Hindus; the consort of Shiva and she is worshiped in various forms corresponding to her two aspects: benevolence and fierceness. She is Uma, "light"; Gauri, "yellow or brilliant"; Parvati, "the mountaineer"; and Jagatmata, "the mother of the world" in her milder guise. The terrible emanations are Durga "the inaccessible"; Kali, "the black"; Chandi, "the fierce"; and Bhairavi, "the terrible."

Descent of the Goddess

Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger, was the first appearance of the great goddess. The circumstance of her miraculous arrival was the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasur, who through terrific austerities had acquired invincible strength.

The gods were afraid of this water buffalo bull because neither Vishnu nor Shiva could prevail against him. It seemed that the joint energy of Shakti was only capable of vanquishing Mahisha, and so it was the eighteen-armed Durga who went out to do battle.

Battlefield

She went to battle on her ferocious mount lion, armed with the weapons given to her by the other Gods. Durga is one of the angry and aggressive aspects of the goddess Shakti, whose role in Hindu mythology was to fight and conquer demons and also personify the Sakti or female aspect of any male deity. In the battle, she fought and killed the evil Mahishasura and restored heaven to the Gods. Since then, the goddess is invoked for protection from the powers of evil. Durga Puja is observed in her honor, to celebrate her victory over evil.

Revered Mother

She has been worshiped from about 400 AD, but probably earlier, to the present. Her literary references are chiefly the Ramayana and Mahabharata, epic and Puranic texts, and she is mentioned by name in Vedic literature. In general, Durga is regarded in northern India as the gentle bride epitomizing family unity while in southern India, she is revered more for her warrior aspect.

About Goddess Durga

Durga, in Sanskrit, means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." Goddess Durga is a form of Sakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, she is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of Her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and her daughter Jyoti. A destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among Bengalis.

Her Appearance

There are endless aspects of Durga described in the Puranas and Agamas and the iconography is consequently very varied. She is usually pictured as having ten arms holding Sword, Conch, Discus, Rosary, Bell, Winecup, Shielf, Bow, Arrow, and Spear. She is most often shown riding a lion from which comes Her august name, Simhavahini, "She who stands astride the king of beasts".

She is gorgeously dressed in royal red cloth and has several ornaments decorating Her personage. Her hair is dressed up in a crown (Karanda makuta) which then flows out in long luxuriant tresses that are darkly luminous and soothing to the eye. The various tools reflect the eminent supremacy that helps in controlling the universe and obeying Her will.

Welding Energy

Goddess Durga exists eternally, always abiding in her own sweet nature, and inhabits the hearts and minds of her ecstatic devotees. As Shakti’s power, she shapes, nurtures, and dissolves names and forms, while as subtle spiritual energy called Kundalini, she lights the lotuses of the seven centers of awareness in the sacred human body.

Goddess Durga killed the powerful demon Mahesh and all his great commanders. When demonic forces create imbalance, all gods unite becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

Different Forms of Goddess Durga

As the ten-armed Goddess, Goddess Durga presents a radiantly beautiful form that is bewitching to behold. That special form is somehow simultaneously wrathful and benign and transmits profound spiritual teachings in an exacting manner.

The nine-day period from the new moon day to the ninth day of Ashvina is considered the most auspicious time of the Hindu Calendar and is hence the most celebrated time of the year as Durga Puja. The nine different forms of Devi are worshiped over the nine days. These are the most popular forms under which she is worshiped:

Shailputri Mata

She is a daughter of Himalaya and the first among nine Durgas. In the previous birth, she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. i.e. the wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there.Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of her husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In another birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married to Shiva. As per Upanishad, she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv are capable of getting Shakti from you."

Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of her husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In another birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married to Shiva. As per Upanishad, she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv are capable of getting Shakti from you."

Brahmacharini Mata

The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is a rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in her left hand. She is full of merriment. One story is famous about her.

In the previous birth, she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him."

There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma became familiar.

Chandraghanta Mata

The name of the third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular moon on her forehead. She is charming and bright. She is Golden in color. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc.

She is seated on Lion and ready for going to war to fight. She is an unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villains, demons, and danavas.

Kushmanda Mata

The name of the fourth Durga is Kushmanda. The Shakti creates an egg, ie. Universe by mere laughing. She resides in solar systems. She shines brightly in all the ten directions like Sun. She has eight hands. Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore, her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

Skanda Mata

The fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married to Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated on her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Katyayani Mata

The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan was born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result, she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore, her name is "Katyayani". She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Kalratri Mata

The seventh Durga is Kalratri She is black like night. Durga’s hairs are unlocked. She has put on necklaces shining like lightning. She has three eyes that are round like the universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring from the nose. She rides on Shava (dead body).

There is a sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in a blessing mood. The burning torch (Mashal) is in her left hand and her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."

Maha Gauri Mata

The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon, and Jasmine. She is eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on a bull She has four hands. The above-left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and the lower left-hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has a tambourine and the lower right hand is in blessing style.

She is calm and peaceful and exists in a peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightning. Therefore, she is known as "Maha Gauri".

Siddhidatri Mata

Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis, they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhis. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhis by worshipping Maha Shakti.

With her gratitude, the half body of Shiv became of Goddess, and therefore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has become famous. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshiped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas, and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.

Durga Puja Across India

Durgapuja, over the years, has outgrown its religious connotations to a large extent as people all over India celebrate it with gusto. There are various ways in which Ma Durga is worshiped. The rituals and customs vary due to vast differences in the culture of Indian States. But, all of these follow the century-old tradition and practice that intermingle with historical ethos.

Durga Puja in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Durga Puja is a fun occasion. Puja is performed each day and devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol or image of the deity. After nine days all nine are removed together.

Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with rangoli and the girls play guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

Durga Puja in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Durga Puja is five days of festivity. It hinges around Mahalaya day, a week before the actual celebrations begin. It was on this day that Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil. So the familiar pose of Durga unleashing her wrath on an outpowered asura (demon).

The legend goes that Ram wanted to invoke the blessings of Durga before his great war with Ravan. He performed the Durga Puja despite the time of year not being right. That is why the puja is also known as Akal Bodhon or untimely invocation.

Durga Puja in Punjab

The people of Punjab strictly observe Navratri. Some Punjabis have only milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma and do the aarti at home.

Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day and intoxicating drinks or meat and other forms of entertainment are completely avoided. At the end of the fast devotees feed beggars or worship little girls who spell the Shakti of the Mother Goddess.

Durga Puja in Gujarat

Navratri is devoted to Amba Mataji. In some homes, images of Mataji are worshiped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night.

The most common form of public celebration is the performance of Garbha or dandiya-ras, Gujarat's popular folk dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds, and streets.

Durga Puja in Kerala

In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. While puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it is only the concluding three days that are really important. Ashtami is the day of Ayudya Puja when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom dictates that no tools be used on this day. On Navami, day, Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home.

Thousands throng the Saraswati temple at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols -- only huge mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which indicates that God is within us.

Durga Puja in Kashmir

Hindus are a minority in Jammu and Kashmir but they celebrate their festivals with pomp and show. These days, festivities are subdued, though. The favorite deities of Kashmir are Lord Shiva and Serawali Ma Durga, the one who rides the tiger. Pundits and Muslims alike vouch that Navratri is important. No big pandals here, each Hindi household does the pooja at home.

All the adult members of the household fast on the water. In the evenings, the fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots. They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all year.

The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of Navratri, an aarti is held at the temple after which people break their fast. On Dussehra day, Ravana's effigy is burnt. Devotees also visit the Hari Parbat temple.