Durga Pooja

Practice

These ten days coincide with the ten days of Dussehra. Nine nights are spent in worship and the tenth day is devoted to goddess Durga, who occupies a special position in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. Durga is Shakti, the cosmic energy that animates all beings. According to legend, the demon Mahishasur vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva for deliverance.

They in turn sought the help of the divine mother Durga who, equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, killed Mahishasur. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga. Idols of durga are made by artisans who specialise in the craft These idols are installed in pandals (pavilions). A lot of creativity, money and competition go into these pandals, with each locality vying to make its pandal the best or, at least, special.

Each of the nine evenings sees the local community mobilising its best talents in music, dance for bringing the people together at the pandal. The money for all this is voluntarily contributed. After nine days of pooja, the idol is immersed in water on the 10th day. For Bengalis, Durga Pooja is the most important festival.

Time: The ten-day festival starts on the first night of the month of Ashwin (September/October)

· Place: Most notably West Bengal but in general all over the country.