Did You Know About These Interesting Rituals of Durga Puja
- Author: Anushka Published: 20th Sep, 2022
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते।
As the festive time approaches, you must be hearing the echoes of ‘Dugga Dugga' around you. Yes, you guessed it right! It’s time when people smear each other with vibrant colours and get lost in the devotion of Maa Durga. One of the most awaited and celebrated festivals of the Eastern part of India, Durga Puja is celebrated with much gaiety, gusto and grandeur. As Goddess Durga killed demon king Mahishasur, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. The entire celebration revolves around a myriad of rites and rituals. Scroll down to know about the most popular ones. But first thing first!
What is the Significance of Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is one of the largest festivals of Hindus that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga against the shape-shifting demon, Mahishasura. The fight between these two lasted for ten long days. And since Goddess Durga killed the demon on the tenth day, the day is celebrated as Vijay Dashami.
Presently, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. The celebrations revolve around elaborate decorations, singing, performing the Dhunuchi dance, fasting followed by feasts and performing grand aartis. Now, let's take a look at some of the significant religious rites.
Some Interesting Rituals Associated With The Festival
Chokkhu Daan - The rituals begin with crafting the idol of Goddess Durga weeks (in fact months) before Durga Puja begins. But did you know there is a special practice associated solely with painting the eyes of the goddess? After days of chiselling the statue of Durga on Mahalaya, sculptors & artisans give the final touch of drawing her eyes which is also known as ‘Chokkhu Dan’.
Kola Bou Puja - On this day, Kolabau, the wife of Ganesha, is given a bath, dressed and transformed into a goddess. This ceremonial bath takes place along the banks of river Ganga on Mahasaptami, the seventh day. A small banana plant is wrapped up in a saree and given a bath before taking out the procession in a palanquin or palki. Alongside, you can hear prayers brimming the entire surrounding.
Anjali - As the necessary rites and rituals, to worship the goddess, are performed religiously by the priests, people offer pushpanjali (flowers filled in cupped palms) to pay their respect to the deity. It takes place on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, in the early morning. Fasting is customary until you have offered Anjali of the day. On the dedicated hour, everyone gets ready, and comes together to pray to Maa Durga with a handful of flowers and also bel leaves. As the priest recites the mantra, they throw flowers at the goddess.
Sindur Khela - Another ritual of Durga Puja is that of Sindur Khela where married women offer vermillion or sindoor and sweets to Maa Durga on the last day of Durga Puja i.e. Vijaydashmi, before her Visarjana. Today, married women put Sindoor all over each other’s faces too and engaged joyfully in dancing to the beats of ‘Dhaki’ drummers.
