1. Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a famous festival of West Bengal that is celebrated with great joy. Some festivals are so deeply related to a place and Durga Puja in West Bengal is one such evident festival that is known to all. Also known as Durga Pujo, Akalbodhan, Sharadiya Pujo, Maha Pujo, Maayer Pujo, the popular Hindu festival is marked with the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth along with her clan that includes Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kartikeya. .
Starting with Mahalaya, followed by Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th days respectively, Durga Puja is an elaborate affair of 10 days, with the last five days being the most famous. It is believed that Goddess Durga arrived on earth to destroy Mahishasura who was a demon king with the power of immortality and head of buffalo. Bloated with a boon according to which he could not be killed by any man or animal, he thought he was invincible and therefore wished to conquer all the three worlds; earth, heaven, and hell.
Shakti, the ultimate female power, thereupon took the form of Goddess Durga and killed him after 15 days of fierce war with him. On the 6th day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Katyayani. From this day the pandals are inaugurated. On the 7th day, the Goddess is bathed and invoked by tying nine plants called Nabapatrika. The elaborate ritual of offering flowers to the Goddess is performed on the 8th day while Homa and Bhog are offered on the 9th day. It is believed that on the 10th day the Goddess emerged victorious against Mahishasura.
The day is marked by many rituals and ends with sindoor Khela followed by the procession of clay sculpture idols that are later immersed in the river. It is believed that on this day Durga returns back to Shiva and therefore it is considered an auspicious day for married women and they indulge in sindoor Khela, a ritual for their blissful marital life. This elaborate festival is a true depiction of grand festivities and the excitement in the folks of West Bengal that are beyond the caste or creed.
