Evolution of the Enchanting Durga Puja Festival
Late september/early October each year is marked as the time for Durgapuja festivities
. The dates of the festival are determined as per the Lunar calender. Durga Pooja celebrates Goddess Durga as a form of Shakti. She is revered for her graciousness and her intolerance for any wrong and unfair deed. Durga is the Mother of the Universe and is a symbol of female dynamism. Durga, in Sanskrit means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, She is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of Her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and daughter Jyoti. Destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among Bengalis.
Durga Puja, Dussehra has been celebrated since centuries in India. There are numerous references to this occasion in our history since as far back as the 12th century. Although initially this was considered to be a festival of the rich. But, this approach has changed with the times and today Durgapuja is a community festival. Earlier, it was the most expensive of all festivals and could only be performed by the rich and the powerful like feudal lords, rajas and businessmen. However, it has always evoked deep feelings and enthusiastic fervour among people
The Puja has become cosmopolitan in character with a lot of community involvement in the form of events across society's fabric . This occasion has also evolved in terms of its social and ritualistic significance. Durga Puja festival has now taken a larger than life form, it is an extravaganza spread over the last five days of Navratri culminating in Dussehra. Age-old conch shells and drums have given way to loud film songs and expensive Durga Puja gifts are exchanged among loved ones. On the flip side, animal sacrifices, a must earlier, have been dispensed with at many places.
While earlier Durga was worshiped alone, now it is, more often than not, the goddess with her family. Durga is portrayed as the supreme head; and the presence of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva etc marks a wholesome picture of divinity. In southern India, celebrations constitute a display of images of God and toys at home for nine days. However varied the nature of Durga Puja celebrations, what remains common is the reverence towards Maa durga.
Evolution of the Enchanting Durga Puja Festival
By: dipanegi Comoros, The Country Of Islands Swim Spas: The Natural Way To Unwind And Relax Planning Journey to Amazing Paradise island Myrtle Beach – The Honeymooners' Paradise Pet Costumes - Great Halloween Costume Ideas For Your Dog Tourist Attractions in Mysore Must See Tourists Places In Khartoum, Sudan! Finding Cheap Holidays And Cheap Holiday Deals To Morocco Places You Cannot Miss In London Alaska Native, First Nations, & Native American Can Make Their Economies Work Student Group Tours in India: To the Land of Learning Rhino Poaching in South Africa Travel Tips No Longer Just By Mail