INDIA, September 8, 2014 (by Anindita Dev, zeenews): It’s that time of the year for the Bengali Hindus and Assamese, who wake up to the Dhak (drum) beats every morning, following the ten-day long festival of Durga Puja. Durga Puja is also referred to as Durgotsava in Bengali, which marks the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. The celebration of Durga Puja is culturally significant and holds emotional value for the people of Bengal, Assam and adjoining areas.
Throughout the 6 days of this festival, the cities their cultural milieu. Pandals are set up in all the nooks and corner of city, wherever possible. The Deities are creatively crafted by the potters, out of clay and the life-size Deities of Durga along with her children are installed in the pandals. Community puja or Sarbojanin puja, take up the role of organizing the puja in their locality by housing Deities in pandals and make-shift temples. The five-day worship of the Goddess ends with a grand procession of immersing the Deity in the nearby river. This marks an emotional moment, as She leaves Her home to reunite with Shiva, marked by Vijayadashami. This indicates Durga’s victory over the evil and in Northern part of the country, it is known as Dusherra which marks Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana.
During the five-day celebration, devotees abstain from alcohol, meat, onions, and wheat. This is something similar to people observing fasts during the Navratras.The end of Navratri calls for an auspicious time for new business or considered lucky for any new work, following a number of rituals which leads to Shubho Bijoya.