How Bengalis Celebrate Durga Puja: Rituals, Food & Togetherness
🌍 This article is originally written in English. If it appears in Bengali, please click “Show original” or disable automatic translation.
Labels: English Zone, Durga Puja, Bengali Culture
1. What Exactly Is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja—also known as Sharadotsav—is the biggest festival for Bengali Hindus. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. But for Bengalis, it is more than religion—it's a time of joy, celebration, fashion, and family reunions.
2. Key Ritual Days (From Mahalaya to Dashami)
Mahalaya: Beginning of the festive spirit. Devotees wake up early to listen to the iconic “Mahishasura Mardini” chants.
Shashthi: Idol unveiling and the start of pandal hopping.
Saptami: Ritual of Nabapatrika (plant bathing), symbolizing the arrival of the goddess.
Ashtami: Main day of Anjali (flower offerings) and Sandhi Puja.
Navami: Grand bhog (prasad meal), cultural functions, and last night of celebration.
Dashami: Immersion of the idol. Women perform Sindoor Khela (vermillion ritual) and everyone chants “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” (She will come again next year).
3. Pushpanjali – A Morning Ritual
Every morning, devotees offer flowers (anjali) while chanting mantras. It is believed that offering anjali during Durga Puja brings peace and removes negativity.
4. Pandal Hopping & Decoration
Kolkata and other cities become glowing with beautifully crafted pandals. Some replicate temples, some feature social messages. Families and youth roam late into the night visiting pandals and enjoying the sights.
5. Food & Bhog
Bhog: Khichuri, labra (mixed veg), chutney, and sweets are served at pandals.
Street Food: Egg rolls, phuchka (pani puri), chicken kababs, and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.
Even those who fast during the day enjoy these festive meals in the evening.
6. Friends, Family, and Festivity
Durga Puja is also a social festival. Families reunite, NRIs return home, friends gather for addas, and elders bless the young. New clothes, shopping, and nostalgia fill the air.
7. Astrological Significance
According to Vedic astrology, Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha (ancestral fortnight). The Sun and Moon's position during Navratri makes it powerful for spiritual rituals, meditation, and removing obstacles.
8. Celebrating Abroad
NRIs recreate the festival with small community pujas.
Pushpanjali is offered with locally available flowers.
Mahalaya chants are streamed online to feel connected.
🌐 Want more?
You can explore our Bengali Durga Puja article here — or use the “Translate” option above to enjoy our other Bengali articles on Rashifal, Puja, and Lottery predictions.
Note: All astrological guidance is educational and based on traditional beliefs.
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন