The festival of the Goddess is celebrated with much joy and devotion in the country, esp. in the eastern states of Bengal and Orissa. Every corner of the cities in these states is filled with festivities. One finds idols of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahisasura all over. The ten day long Puja has its own set of rituals and every day has its own significance. For the elderly, it is a time when their families come home to meet them. For the kids a time to celebrate a long awaited vacation.
Durga Puja in Bengal and Orissa is like a way of life. No house remains untouched by it. The famous pandals compete with each other to be the best and it's a visual treat for us to see the result. I remember the famous 'Chandi Medha' (Silver idol) of cuttack. The whole idol of the deity covered in silver from top to bottom. It looks amazing as it sparkles.
Durga Puja celebrations are marked by the culmination of Puja on Dashami (10th Day). It is also celebrated as the day Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana marking the victory of good over evil. Well we all know this story, but what I always look forward to on such occasions is the burning of the Ravana idol filled with crackers. Always such fun to watch. :-)
Celebrating this years Puja away from home. Will surely miss those moments and occasions of visiting family members, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and delicious food.
Well maybe next year! :-)
Thursday September 28, 2006 - 11:59pm (IST)
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