DURGA PUJA
Introduction
The Durga Puja is an annual festival of Hindus which is celebrated by worshiping Goddess Durga. Hindu Goddess Durga is believed to have led the demon Mahishasura. The festival marks 'victory of good over evil'. It is an occasion of great enthusiasm and festivity for the Hindus.
Description of Durga Puja
The Puja is celebrated for ten days, but the image is installed on the seventh day. During the last three days the Puja is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The images are of different designs and sizes.
The idol of Goddess Durga has ten hands and stands on the back of a huge lion. She fights with a demon with ten different weapons. The puja starts from the seventh day of the moon.
Flowers and sweets are offered to them. The priest reads the sacred slokas of “Chandi” and performs the puja.
On the last day, the day of “Vijaya Dashami” images and idols are immersed in water. They are dressed in fine clothes and decked with beautiful ornaments. During the Puja the poor are fed, alms are distributed to the people.
The Vijaya Dashami is considered to be an auspicious day. On the day people visit their relatives. The people of the trading classes begin their new year from this day. At some placed Ramlila is staged and Ravan is killed on the Dashami day.
Stories Connected with Durga Puja
There are various stories connected with the Vijaya Dashami. It is said that Ram killed Ravana on this day and performed the Puja of Goddess Durga. Since then it has been celebrated every year on this day. Another story is that one King Suratha performed the Puja on this day. The third is that Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, a demon, on this day.
By : Abhishek (Student of St. Mark's Sr. Sec. Public School, Janakpuri)
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