Introduction
One of the largest and most elaborate Hindu festivals in West Bengal, the Durga Puja is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in the neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. It is a festival which unites people from all social backgrounds.
The history of Durga Puja dates back to the Hindu epic, Ramayana. In an attempt to save Sita from Ravana, Lord Ram tried to vanquish him. However, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, Ravana could not be conquered. Lord Ram who worshipped Goddess Durga, the wife of Lord Shiva, asked for her mercies and blessings to save his wife from the clutches of Ravana. Although the religious festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is held in spring, Lord Rama in a desperate attempt to save Sita performed the rituals of the Durga Puja in autumn and is hence known as Akal Bodhan.
Description
The five days of Durga Puja is a time of the year when all social, political and economic barriers are overpowered by the sense of celebration and festivity. The Durga Puja seems more of a social and cultural gathering rather than a religious one.
One of the most important festivals of Orissa, Durga Puja is celebrated on a grand scale. Durga Puja is celebrated differently in different parts of India. The celebration in Bengal and Orissa begins with the building of pandals where the goddess is venerated. The artisans of the city show their work of art by creating innovative and artistic pandals. The rituals include recitation of sholaks and aarti. Devotees dress in new clothes and take active part in the rituals.
Time to celebrate
Durga Puja, Orissa is celebrated over 5 days between the 6th and the 10th day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashwin according to the Bengali calendar which corresponds to the months of September and October.
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