Durga Puja Celebration In India | History, Traditions, & Facts

Durga Pooja, a vibrant and grand celebration, holds a significant place in the hearts of millions of Indians. Durga Puja 2023 marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is a time of joy, devotion, cultural extravaganza, and communal harmony. The Durga Puja celebration also marks the agricultural cycle, as it coincides with the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season.

Durga Puja 2023 dates are October 20th, 2023, to October 24th, 2023. The festivities usually span over five days, culminating in the grand immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga.

Durga Pooja: History And Significance

Durga Puja is a festival with a rich history that has evolved over time. One of the most fascinating tales of Durga Pooja centers around Uma, also known as Parvati, the daughter of King Daksha. Her marriage to Shiva, the god of transformation and destruction, was a divine union that paved the way for her to become the protector of both the celestial and netherworld realms.

This transformative role resulted in her being able to eliminate Mahisasura, a demon who had been causing chaos in the world. Another story of Durga Pooja is rooted in the blessing bestowed upon Mahisasura by Brahma, which made him nearly invincible. However, the gods pleaded for help, and in response, the Trideva gave a remedy that only a woman could kill Mahishasura, and as a result, the Gods used their powers to create Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga's strong determination and unwavering strength helped her defeat evil and show the triumph of good over evil.

Durga Pooja also holds significance in how it empowers women in India. Goddess Durga’s courage and strength motivate women all around India to be independent and strong. There are various government schemes for female entrepreneurs in India that allow women to start their businesses and upskill themselves, helping them become financially independent.

How To Celebrate Durga Puja In 2023?

Durga Puja is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm in various parts of India, but it holds special significance in Kolkata. Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals are constructed to keep the intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her four children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Devotees flock to these Kolkata Durga Puja Pandas to offer prayers, seek blessings, and admire the artistic splendor. Durga Puja in Kolkata is a time for a huge celebration by devotees, which may also cost them a lot of money. A personal loan in Kolkata by SMFG India Credit can be your trusted resource for the Durga Puja celebration in the right way.

What Traditions Are Observed For Durga Puja 2023?

During the vibrant night of Durga Puja in 2023, an array of joyous festive events and traditions unfold, each holding its own significance:

1. Bondhon

As the sixth day, Sosthi, arrives, the true essence of the Durga Puja celebration takes its course. It's believed that Lord Rama initiated this autumnal devotion to seek Goddess Durga's assistance in vanquishing Ravana. Hence, during the nightly Bodhon ritual, the goddess is especially invoked to grace the occasion.

2. Anjali

It’s an opportunity for all during Durga Pooja to display their reverence. Anjali involves making a Pushpanjali, a flower offering, by hand. All three days - Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami - witness Anjali, with the auspicious timing typically in the morning.

3. Kumari Puja

On Ashtami, the eighth day of the Durga Puja celebration, the Kumari Puja unfolds. A young teenage girl is chosen to personify Goddess Durga. Adorned in new attire and adorned with floral embellishments, she shares the stage with the Goddess.

4. Dhunuchi Naach

The spirited Dhunuchi Naach occurs on Navami, the ninth day of Durga Pooja. This involves lighting charcoal within clay pots and dancing to the beats of the dhaak, a traditional drum.

5. Sandhi Puja

Sandhi Puja transpires at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami in Durga Puja 2023. A total of 108 lamps are illuminated as the priest recites mantras and drummers (dhakis) set a frenetic rhythm.

6. Sindoor Khela

On Dashami, the tenth day of Durga Pooja, as the idol of the Goddess is prepared for immersion, a ritual known as Sindur Khela takes place. Married Hindu women apply sindoor, or vermillion, to the goddess and then to each other, bidding her farewell and expressing solidarity among themselves.

7. Visarjan

As Durga Pooja comes to an end, there is a special ceremony called "Visarjan," which means immersing the idol of Goddess Durga in the river. The idol of Goddess Durga, along with the Nabapatrika, is placed in the river. The water from the immersion spot, known as "Shanti Jal," is collected and sprinkled on the devotees, bringing a sense of calmness.

8. Bijoya

Concluding the ten-day Durga Puja celebration is Bijoya, observed on the tenth day. This is a time for men to exchange the "kolakuli," a traditional hugging gesture. Special sweets, including Naru made with jaggery and coconut, are shared among the community, marking a sweet end to the annual festival.

Conclusion

Durga Pooja is a time to celebrate the power of the divine feminine and the energy within us. Everyone in India, especially women, worships and takes part in the Durga Puja celebration wholeheartedly. To ensure that a lack of funds does not come in the way of their celebration, SMFG India Credit offers a personal loan in Kolkata as well as across India to help you celebrate with your Devi the way you want. Our personal loans for women come with a 100% online application process and flexible terms ranging from 12 to 60 months at attractive personal loan interest rates. Check your personal loan eligibility and EMI and take a personal loan today to celebrate Durga Pooja with your Devil in the best way!