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NAVARATRA:
Navratra are observed twice a year, one in the month of
Chaitra, preceding Ramnavami, and then in Ashvin
(September-October) preceding Dussehra. This nine-day
Navratra commences with the new moon of Ashvin and
terminates with Mahanavami, on the ninth lunar day of the
bright half of the month. During these nine days, devotees
keep strict fast and worship Durga. The style of observing
Navratra in different parts of the country may be
different, but its sole aim is to propitiate Mother Durga
and to seek her blessings.
On
Pratipada (first lunar day of bright half of Ashvin) an
earthen pitcher filled with water, its month covered with
green leaves and an earthen lid, is installed with
invocation of Ganesh, the god of learning and wisdom, and
then Durga is invoked and ritually worshipped with durva
grass, flowers, leaves, lamps, incense, new grains,
raiments, etc. Barley seeds are also sprouted and grown in
a pot on this occasion, and the same is worn in caps and
on ears on the final day. Unmarried girls below the age of
ten are also worshiped and given gifts during these nine
days. A clarified butter lamp is always kept burning
before the installed pitcher during the celebration, and
daily Durga-saptashi, Devi Bhagvat Puran and Devi
Mahatmaya section of the Markandeya Puran are read and
recited.
In
Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with great excitement and
festivity and huge puja pavilion, with an idol of
ten-armed Durga is, set up at various places. Durga, the
beautiful , but fierce goddess rides her mount of the
lion, killing the demon Mahishasura. In each of her ten
hands she holds one of the god’s special weapons: Vishnu’s
discus , Shiva’s trident, Varuna’s conch shell, Agni’s
flaming dart, Vayu’s bow, Surya’s quiver, Indra’s
thunderbolt, Kubera’s club, a garland of snakes from Shesh,
and as a charger, a lion from the Himalaya. A fierce
battle raged between Durga and Mahishasura, but finally
she killed him with a spear.
Durga
Puja surpasses all other festivals in Bengal in its
popularity and mass appeal. During the celebration, music,
dance, drama and poetry are performed before the
enthralled audience. The earthern images of goddess Durga
are taken on the final day in triumphal procession from
all corners of coverage on the river where they are
ceremonially immersed. Durga Puja is more than a ritual as
it invests the lives of every one with a new enlightment,
and produces a feverish literacy and artistic activity. It
is believed that Durga visit her parents Himavan and Maina
only during these days in a year. The final day marks the
end of this brief visit when she leaves for Mount Kailash,
the abode of her lord and husband Shiva. Bengali ladies
give an emotion-charged and affectionate send off to Durga,
and the ceremony is characterized with a daughter’s
departure to her husband’s house.
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