Durga Puja 2010

Durga Puja, also referred to as Durgotsava, is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to the traditional Hindu calendar and the fortnight corresponding to the festival is called Devi Paksha. Devi Paksha is preceded by Mahalaya, the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Pokkho, and is ended on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja It is a celebration of the Mother Goddess, and the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.

When is it celebrated:
Durga Puja is celebrated during the last five days of Navaratri, which is usually in late September/early October each year. In 2010, Durga Puja runs from October 13-17. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.

Where is it Celebrated:
Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal, particularly in the city of Kolkata. It's the biggest and most important occasion of the year there. Bengali communities in other locations across India celebrate Durga Puja as well. Substantial Durga Puja festivities take place in both Mumbai and Delhi.

How is it Celebrated:
Durga Puja is celebrated in a similar manner to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The start of the festival sees huge, elaborately crafted statutes of Goddess Durga installed in homes and beautifully decorated podiums all over the city. At the end of the festival, the statutes are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much music and dancing, and then immersed in the Ganges river.

What Rituals are Performed During Durga Puja:
On the first day of the festival, people welcome the Goddess Durga and perform a special worship to invoke her holy presence into the statues. This ritual is called Pran Pratisthan. Mothers keep a fast for the well being of their children. Prayers are offered to the Goddess every day during the festival. On the second day branches of nine trees are bound together, bathed in water from the Ganges, and worshiped. On the third day, Goddess Durga is worshiped in the form of a small girl. The fourth day concludes the worship, with much food offered to the Goddess. On the last day, the statutes are taken for immersion.

What to Expect During Durga Puja:
The Durga Puja festival is an extremely social and theatrical event. Drama, dance, and cultural performances are widely held. Food is a huge part of the festival, and street stalls blossom all over Kolkata. In the evenings, the streets of Kolkata fill with people, who come to admire the statues of Goddess Durga, eat, and celebrate.