Durga Puja, one of the most revered and widely celebrated festivals in India, holds deep cultural and religious significance. This grand festival, dedicated to the goddess Durga, signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with immense fervour, particularly in the eastern state of West Bengal. October 2023 Holidays Calendar With Major Festivals and Events.

Durga Puja 2023 Date & Significance

Following the last four days of Navaratri, this year, Durga Puja will be celebrated from Friday, October 20, 2023, till Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, with his immense power, threatened the heavens and the earth. The gods created Goddess Durga, a fierce warrior, to defeat him. Her triumph symbolizes the victory of righteousness and justice over tyranny and evil.

It is believed that Goddess Durga returns to her parental home on Earth during this festival, along with her children, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The arrival of the goddess is considered a divine event that brings prosperity and blessings to the devotees. Sharad Navratri 2023 Calendar With Puja Dates: When Is Shardiya Navratri Starting? 

Durga Puja Celebrations

Pandal Decorations & Hopping: The heart of Durga Puja celebrations lies in the intricately designed and beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) where idols of Goddess Durga and her family are enshrined. These pandals often follow unique themes, and competition for the most creative and artistic pandal is fierce.

Cultural Extravaganza: Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural extravaganza. Elaborate cultural programs featuring music, dance, drama, and art exhibitions are organized at the pandals. These events showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.

Traditional Attire: People, especially women and children, dress in their finest traditional attire during Durga Puja. It is customary to wear new clothes and seek blessings from the goddess.

Food Delights: Bengali cuisine takes center stage during the festival. Mouthwatering dishes like biryani, sweets like sandesh and rasgulla, and street food delicacies become an integral part of the celebrations. Food stalls and food fairs are a common sight.

Durga Puja Traditional Rituals

Mahalaya: The festival begins with Mahalaya, which marks the arrival of the goddess on Earth. It involves special prayers and rituals to invoke the goddess's presence.

Sindoor Khela: On Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja, married women participate in a playful ritual called Sindoor Khela. They apply vermilion (sindoor) on each other's faces and the goddess's idol, symbolizing marital happiness and the well-being of family members.

Visarjan (Immersion): The festival concludes with the immersion of the idols in rivers or water bodies. This ritual signifies the departure of Goddess Durga back to her heavenly abode, with devotees bidding her farewell with tears in their eyes.

Durga Puja is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of Bengali culture, art, and devotion. It brings communities together and creates a sense of unity among people of all ages and backgrounds. The five-day extravaganza captures the essence of Bengal's rich heritage and spirituality, making it an event to look forward to each year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2023 09:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).