Durga Puja is one of the grandest festivals celebrated mainly in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and other parts of Eastern India. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, a powerful demon, was granted a boon that no man or god could defeat him. To stop his cruelty, the gods combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, who fought Mahishasura for nine days and finally defeated him on the tenth day — known as Vijaya Dashami.
The festival also represents the homecoming of Goddess Durga to her parents’ home on Earth, bringing blessings, happiness, and strength.
Durga Puja is celebrated to honor the divine feminine power (Shakti) and to remind us that truth and goodness always win over arrogance and evil. It also reflects family love and reunion, as people believe Goddess Durga returns to visit her devotees and family during this time.
It’s not just a religious event but a cultural celebration — showcasing Bengal’s art, music, dance, and unity among communities.
The festival usually lasts for five main days — Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. Gigantic pandals (temporary temples) are built with artistic decorations and beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. Each day, devotees perform aarti, chant mantras, and offer flowers, sweets, and bhog.
People dress in new traditional clothes, enjoy cultural programs, and taste delicious Bengali food like khichuri, luchi, alur dom, and mishti doi. On Vijaya Dashami, the idols are immersed in rivers, symbolizing Durga’s return to her divine abode. The farewell is emotional yet hopeful, marking the promise of her return next year.
