About Durga Puja
The Durga Puja is the festival that is concerned with the worship of Goddess Durga. It mainly depicts the importance of female power in the form of “Shakti”. The Goddess Durga is worshipped as mother of the universe and signifies love, wealth, power and beauty.
The celebration of the festival is confined mainly within the geographical boundaries of Eastern India (mostly West Bengal) and is observed for about six days as Mahalaya, Shashthi , Saptami, Ashtami, Nabami and the last day “Bijoya Dashami” which gives an account of the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil society.
Durga Puja Legend
Goddess Durga has been mentioned in one of greatest Hindu epics - Ramayana. According to it Lord Rama performed Chandi puja to seek the blessings of powerful Goddess Durga. In order to worship the Goddess, Lord Rama needed 108 blue lotus flowers. However, he could manage assemble only with 107. To attain the miraculous number, he decided to offer one of his eyes, which was lotus-shaped and blue in color, at the Goddess's feet. During the time, Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, blessed him. After receiving the blessings of Goddess Durga, Lord Rama fought hard and acquired victory over Ravana. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Durga helped Lord Rama to kill Ravana, rescue his wife and return to Ayodhya.
Durga Puja Pandal Making
Pandals are like a temporary temple settings during the Puja. The making of Pandal is also a complex and lengthy phenomenon. It has now become a trend to set pandals through community contribution in every colony and street. The pandals are usually financed by the local land-owners or sponsored by the rich people. Making of these pandals follow well-set plans that use bamboo poles, wooden planks and cloth. The designs of the Pandal are done in accordance with space available and budget of the pandal. It has now become a trend to set designer pandals with complex lightings and intricate patterns decorated by lights, flowers and several such items.
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Video by Krishan Mohan on 108 Names of Durga Maa
