Why is it celebrated?
In earlier times, a demon Mahishasura pleased Lord Brahma with severe penance and devotion to the god. As a result, Lord Brahma gave him a boon that he will not be killed by any man or deity. Taking disadvantage of this gift, he started reigning over both earth and Heaven, killing people and assaulting Gods and Brahmans. He overthrew Indra and took the throne of heaven. Humiliated, all the Gods went to seek refuge of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, which were enraged hearing their tale. Their anger gave birth to Durga, an invincible woman who then defeated Mahishasura.
Importance:
Common in the Bengalis (part of Hindu sect) durga Puja is celebrated with great vigour. Durga Puja gives us a message that no matter how powerful the evils may be they meet a brutal end in the long run as its depicted in the mythology that all the Gods devoted on their powers when evil was on its peak uncontrollable and formed a figure that emerged from Shiva in Kailash and that Shakti was called Durga. Durga came down and brutally killed Mahishasura and this pious deed of hers is depicted in her idols.
How is it celebrated?
The lighted, lively, buzzing, noisy, chaotic and enthusiastic streets of Kolkata have started attracting people towards them. The earthen beautiful, gorgeous iconic idols of Durga-“The Goddess of Shakti” in the pose of killing the evil demon Mahishasura are on display on the streets partially or wholly completed by the skilled craftsmen and painters and the erected platforms or pavilions called “pandals” have also begun to set up with all the neon and argon light bulbs along with the sound systems adding an extra ardour to the festive mood of the people. The ‘mishti’ Kolkata has been lit up all in the mood to celebrate to what we are talking about-Durga Puja. The sweets, ‘rasogullas’, ‘sandesh’,’ malai paan’ are all prepared and kept decorated like the newly wedded bride behind the glass jars making everyone’s mouth water.
People dance, cherish and keep themselves awake throughout the night. After the prayers, bathing in Ganges the idols are immersed in the seas and they pray to the Goddess to come again a new year. With a message and dreams in their eyes they march off back.
Where is it celebrated?
Celebrated all over the world in U.S.A., U.K., parts of India, Canada and even Kuwait , Durga Puja is one of the most lavishly celebrated of all the Hindu festivals.
When is it celebrated?
Falling in the month of October probably in its ninth day Durga puja preparations are on months prior to the festival. It is a part of the ‘NAVRATRA’ and is celebrated on the ninth day just before Vijaylakshmi.