The New Nation - Internet Edition

The rhythmic beats of the 'dhak’ herald once again the arrival of Mother Durga on earth. Every year from the sixth to the tenth day of the Bengali month of Ashwin Goddess Durga comes to visit her paternal home in Bengal and it is then that devotees celebrate her arrival through the Durga Puja, a festival where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs and castes participate and enjoy themselves. At the end of the tenth day commonly known as the 'Dashami’ the 'Sharadia Durga Puja’ comes to an end with the immersion of the Goddess.

Goddess Durga is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess and is considered by the Hindus as the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva’s wife, goddess Parvati. The circumstance of her miraculous arrival on earth was the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasur.

Legend has it that through prayers to Brahma, Mahishasur had received the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. Very soon after this he unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds. Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the Holy Male Trinity implored the great goddess Devi to save their realm from ruin. Their prayers were answered when the Goddess Durga ultimately destroyed Mahishasur. The day of Durga’s victory is celebrated as Bijoya Dashmi. Since then the Goddess is invoked for protection from the powers of evil.

Durga Puja is not only a festivity of Good winning over Evil but also a major socio-cultural event.

Photos: Munir uz Zaman & Firoz Gazi / DrikNEWS

Text: Humaira Fatima / DrikNEWS