2023 Calendar Durga Puja: A Celebration Of Good Over Evil
Introduction
Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India, particularly in West Bengal. It is celebrated to honor Goddess Durga, who is believed to have defeated the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated over a period of ten days, with the last four days being the most important. In 2023, Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 10 to October 14.
Personal Experience
I remember celebrating Durga Puja with my family when I was a child. It was a time when we would dress up in new clothes, visit the pandals (elaborately decorated tents), and enjoy delicious food. I also remember the excitement of watching the dhunuchi dance, a traditional dance performed with a clay pot filled with burning coconut husk and incense.
Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja signifies the victory of good over evil. Goddess Durga is believed to have defeated the demon Mahishasura, who had been wreaking havoc in the world. It is believed that during the festival, the goddess descends from her heavenly abode to bless her devotees and restore peace and harmony in the world.
Events and Festivals during Durga Puja
During Durga Puja, the pandals are decorated with elaborate themes and designs. People visit the pandals to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The last four days of the festival are the most important, with each day having a unique significance.
Day 1: Maha Shashti
Maha Shashti marks the beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, the goddess is welcomed with the sound of dhak (traditional drum) and conch shells. The pandals are also opened to the public on this day.
Day 2: Maha Saptami
Maha Saptami is the second day of Durga Puja. On this day, the goddess is worshipped with great fervor. People also perform the traditional dhunuchi dance on this day.
Day 3: Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja. On this day, the goddess is worshipped with great pomp and show. The ritual of Kumari Puja is also performed on this day, where young girls are worshipped as the embodiment of the goddess.
Day 4: Maha Navami
Maha Navami is the last day of Durga Puja. On this day, the goddess is worshipped with great devotion. The day also marks the end of the festival, and the goddess is bid farewell with great sadness.
Q&A
Q: What is the significance of the dhunuchi dance during Durga Puja?
A: The dhunuchi dance is a traditional dance performed during Durga Puja. It involves dancing with a clay pot filled with burning coconut husk and incense. The dance is performed to please the goddess and seek her blessings.
Q: What is Kumari Puja?
A: Kumari Puja is a ritual performed during Durga Puja. It involves worshipping young girls as the embodiment of the goddess. The ritual is believed to symbolize the purity and innocence of the goddess.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is a time for joy, celebration, and devotion. As we celebrate Durga Puja in 2023, let us remember the significance of the festival and seek the blessings of the goddess for a peaceful and prosperous world.