At the heart of Durga Puja is the triumph of good over evil.
The ten arms, the weapons the Goddess carries and the lion she rides symbolise strength and courage in the face of injustice and evil.
Of course, the Devi represents women’s power.
There is a simple story as well.
'Durga Puja' - also means Goddess arriving her parents home with her children. Two daughters Saraswati - Goddess of Learning and Lakshmi - the Goddess of Prosperity - also arrive without their husbands.
God Kartick is the bachelor youngster -- eternally smart and good looking.
According to the Bengali version of 'Bhagavata Purana', when Ravan awakened Kumbhakarna and sent him to fight in the Lanka war, Ram sought help and guidance from Brahma.
Ram - then a human and the eldest son of King Dasarath - was advised to to worship Durga for success on the battlefield. Ram told Brahma that this was not the proper time (akala) to worship the goddess, Brahma assured Ram that he would perform a puja for the awakening (bodhana) of the goddess.
That is why the Durga Puja - Bengalis celebrate is also called Akal-Bodhon.
Basanti Puja or Chaitra Durga Puja is the spring-time 'equivalent' of Durga Puja, celebrated during Chaitra Navratri in March–April.
Durga Puja - 2026, Crossing Republic, Ghaziabad (UP)
It is considered the original (Adi) time for worship before Lord Rama initiated the autumn Akal Bodhan.
Ram agreed and Brahma was the purohita (priest) of the ritual.
When ashtami (eighth day) would end and navami (ninth day) would begin, Goddess proclaimed that she would cut Ravan's heads one after another. Finally, she assured that in the afternoon of Shukla Navami, she would destroy Ravan completely.
C R Park Puja - 2025
Naga-style ::: Modest Mix with Religious Flavour: Dad and Daughter
Scriptures mention three major milestones of Durga Puja
—Mahalaya,
Bodhon, and Sandhi Puja. On Mahalaya, Goddess Durga receives the divine mandate to defeat the demon king Mahishasura.
Mahalaya is considered as ceremonial invocation of goddess Durga -- is observed seven days prior to the initiation of the Durga Puja.
Empowered by the combined forces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, she emerges as `Mahashakti’, adorned with ten weapons and riding a lion, ultimately slaying Mahishasura after a nine-day battle.
For Bengali Hindus and even others - non-believers or even for Bengalis among Christians and Muslims -- beyond the prayers and rituals, these festive days bring something people look forward to throughout the year.
-- The joy of merry making, being together, renewing old bonds and sharing moments with loved ones. And lot of good eating. Jokingly called - Bhuri Bhujan.
For the artisans who make the idols, however, the festival begins much earlier, long before the first beats of the dhak announce the goddess’s arrival.
The work demands patience, precision and a deep understanding of the craft. Bamboo and wooden frames are bound with straw to form the figures. Layers of clay are then applied and left to dry before the surfaces are smoothed, painted and adorned with ornaments.
A 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy will be burned alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad during Dussehra in Delhi.
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| AI generated image: Deccan Herald |
The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises Ramlila in Pitampura, said the insect represents "filth and dirt" and the initiative is part of the "Swachh Bharat" and "Swachh Delhi" campaigns.
Ashok Goel, the committee president and a BJP MLA, said the decision is not politically motivated.
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| PM Modi visited C R Park in 2025 |
According to the Puranas, when the Gods were overwhelmed by the tyranny of Mahishasura, Goddess Durga emerged from their combined powers. After a long battle, she slew the demon.
“Ya devi sarva-bhuteshu bhranti rupena samstitha;
Namastasye namastasye namastasye namo namaha”
(To the Goddess who dwells in all living beings in the form of delusion, we bow to her again and again).
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