Durga Puja, the grand celebration of the divine mother’s arrival, is a time of profound spirituality and unbridled joy. It’s a festival that transcends religious boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in celebration. While the essence of Durga Puja is widely known, there are hidden gems within this festival, lesser-known rituals and practices that add layers of depth and significance. In this blog, we will delve into some of these unknown facts about Durga Puja that enrich our understanding and appreciation of this grand event.
The Mahalaya: When Eyes Are Painted on the Goddess in the Dark
The Mahalaya marks the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja, and it is a time of great significance. It is said that on this day, artisans paint the eyes of the goddess in the dark. Legend has it that the goddess comes to life as the first stroke of the paintbrush is made. The Mahalaya is a moment of intense spiritual connection as devotees listen to the enchanting recitations of Mahishasura Mardini and eagerly await the awakening of the goddess.
Kumari Puja: Worshipping Young Girls as Goddess
Kumari Puja is a unique and lesser-known aspect of Durga Puja. It involves the worship of young prepubescent girls as embodiments of the goddess. These girls are considered pure and untainted and are adorned as goddesses, complete with traditional attire and ornaments. Devotees offer their respects to the divine feminine through this ritual, symbolising the power and purity of the goddess.
Neelkanth: When Durga Flies to Meet Lord Mahadev
One of the intriguing aspects of Durga Puja is the inclusion of Lord Shiva in the festival. During the Visarjan, the goddess Durga, accompanied by Lord Shiva, embarks on her journey back to the heavenly abode of Kailash. In this form, Lord Shiva is known as Neelkanth, as he drinks the poison churned from the sea to save the world. This fascinating blend of mythology and symbolism adds depth to the festival’s narrative.
Kola Bahu: Welcoming the Banana Plant
Before the idol of the goddess is installed, a banana plant, known as “Kola Bahu,” is given a ceremonial bath. This plant symbolises the goddess’s arrival. While it is not a common practice in all regions, the Kola Bahu ritual is a fascinating representation of nature’s connection with the divine.
Durga Puja in Autumn: Honoring Nature’s Cycle
Durga Puja takes place during the autumn season, a time when nature is in full bloom. The choice of this season holds a deep connection to the festival’s essence. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, as Durga defeats the demon Mahishasura. Additionally, it is a celebration of the harvest and the bounties of nature. This alignment with nature’s cycle adds a layer of ecological significance to Durga Puja.
The Sandhi Puja: A Merging of Time
One of the most mystical moments of Durga Puja is the Sandhi Puja. It occurs at the juncture of two specific times – the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. It is believed that during this juncture, the divine and the demon battle fiercely. The 100 lotus flowers and diyas play a vital role during this ritual, where they are offered to the goddess to invoke her divine presence and seek her blessings.
Bringing Sand from a Prostitute: A Symbol of Equality
A lesser-known fact about Durga Puja is the inclusion of a handful of sand from the house of a prostitute in the making of the Durga idol. This practice signifies the essence of equality and the universality of the goddess’s blessings. It reminds us that the divine transcends all societal norms and accepts everyone.
Durga Puja’s Unique Modes of Transportation
The arrival and departure of the goddess Durga are a spectacle in themselves. The modes of transportation used are both traditional and creative. Durga Puja processions often feature the goddess travelling on a grand palanquin carried by devotees, while in some regions, she is seated in a boat, symbolising her arrival from the Himalayas. In recent times, helicopters have also been employed, adding a modern twist to the goddess’s journey. The diverse modes of transportation underscore the grandeur of Durga Puja.
Daku Saj: Adding a Dash of Humor to Devotion
Daku Saj is a peculiar ritual where a comical character, resembling a dacoit, is included in the tableau of the goddess’s arrival. This playful figure adds humour and light-heartedness to the otherwise serious occasion, reminding devotees that devotion can also be joyful.
Durga Puja is a festival that seamlessly blends tradition, culture, spirituality, and modernity. These Some unknown facts add layers of depth and understanding to the grand celebration. As we delve into the enchanting world of Durga Puja, we are reminded that there’s always more to discover, making this festival a never-ending source of wonder and devotion.
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