Durga Puja 2023: Rituals That Make This Festival Memorable

While contemporary theme-based celebrations have gained popularity, the timeless rituals remain an integral part of the festivities, upholding their irreplaceable significance.

Rituals That Make Durga Puja Memorable

Source : Swagata Banerjee

Durga Puja is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Bengal, embodying the very essence of the state's age-old traditions. Each year, the grandeur of Durga Puja is celebrated with unwavering enthusiasm. While contemporary theme-based celebrations have gained popularity, the timeless rituals remain an integral part of the festivities, upholding their irreplaceable significance. Let's delve into the ancient customs and traditions that lend an irreplaceable charm to Durga Puja:

Mahalaya

Mahalaya serves as the inaugural chapter of Durga Puja celebrations. It marks the day when the formidable Goddess Durga descended to Earth, vanquishing the malevolent demon Mahishasura. This occasion heralds the commencement of Devi Paksha and the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a period of mourning. Goddess Durga embarks on her week-long sojourn with her children, Ganesha, Kartik, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, riding a conveyance of her choice, be it a palanquin, a boat, an elephant, or a horse. Mahalaya is observed approximately a week before Durga Puja. Every Bengali household awakens before dawn to the resonant recitation of "Mahishasura Mardini" by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. It is a time when the familiar strains of 'Mahishasura Mardini' reverberate from Bengali homes across India and, perhaps, the world. It is also the day when the enchanting eyes of the Goddess are painted on the idols.

Bodhon

Bodhon, the invocation of Goddess Durga, holds a pivotal place in Durga Puja rituals. On the evening of "Shashthi," Bodhon, which involves revealing the countenance of the Goddess and awakening her, is conducted. This ritual symbolizes a formal invitation to the annual celebration.

Nabapatrika Snan

On Saptami, the seventh day of Durga Puja, nine symbolic plants are ritually bathed in the Ganga River or other bodies of water. These nine leafy tokens, tied together, represent the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. After their sanctifying bath, the Nabapatrika is adorned with a crimson saree and embellished with vermilion. It is then respectfully placed on a beautifully adorned pedestal, typically positioned to the right of Lord Ganesha. Subsequently, the Nabapatrika is venerated with sandalwood paste, flowers, and incense before being positioned.

Anjali on Ashtami

Maha Ashtami is a significant day in the Durga Puja festivities. While Pushpanjali, an offering of flowers, is made on all days of the puja, Durga Ashtami holds the utmost sanctity for offering Anjali to Goddess Durga. Bengalis often ensure they offer Anjali on this day, if not daily. During the puja days, many devotees observe day-long fasts, concluding them after performing Pushpanjali to Maa Durga in the evening.

Kumari Puja

Kumari Puja, also known as Kanya Puja or Kumarika Puja, is a significant ceremony during Durga Puja. On Ashtami, Kumari Puja is performed, where young girls symbolize the nine forms of Goddess Durga. A lady bows to the young girl, treated as Goddess Durga, and receives her blessings. During Kumari Puja, the young girl is seated on a special pedestal, and her feet are washed as mantras are recited in reverence to Goddess Durga.

Sandhi Puja

Sandhi Puja holds immense significance in the Durga Puja celebrations, conducted at the precise juncture where Ashtami ends and Navami begins. This transition, known as Sandhikhan, encompasses the final 24 minutes of Ashtami and the initial 24 minutes of Navami. It is during this time that the concluding offerings to Goddess Durga are made, usually an elaborate affair involving 108 lotuses, 108 clay oil lamps, fruits, hibiscus flowers, a saree, uncooked rice grains, jewelry if available, and 108 bel leaves.

Dhunuchi Naach

As one enters a Durga Puja pandal in the evening, the ambiance is filled with the resonant beats of the dhak, the aroma of incense sticks, and the mesmerizing spectacle of Dhunuchi Naach. This devotional dance, performed during Durga aarti, features dancers clad in vibrant attire, skillfully balancing clay bowls containing coconut husks, burning charcoal, and powdered incense in their hands and mouths, all while moving to the rhythmic beats of the dhak.

Sindur Khela

On Vijayadashami, married Bengali Hindu women apply sindur on the goddess's forehead and feet before exchanging it and offering sweets. This ritual symbolizes a woman's protective role in her family, seeking blessings for her husband and children. Through Sindur Khela, Bengali Hindu women pray for enduring marital bliss for one another.

Visarjan

Durga Visarjan marks the culmination of Durga Puja celebrations, signifying the tradition of immersing the Goddess Durga idol in water. It is believed that Maa Durga returns to Mount Kailash on this day. A grand procession is organized for the immersion, accompanied by traditional songs and dhak beats, as devotees bid farewell to the Goddess.

Bijoya

Following the departure of Goddess Durga, the auspicious "Bijoya" period commences, extending until Diwali. This period celebrates the victory of good over evil. After the idol immersion, people share warm greetings of "Shubho Bijoya" and engage in traditional practices. Visiting friends and family, and seeking blessings by touching elders' feet, is a customary way for the younger generation to express their respect.

These time-honoured customs and rituals are the heart and soul of Durga Puja, preserving its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.