Durga Puja is one of the most famous festival of the Hindu religion. This festival of adoration of Goddess Durga is also known by the name of Durgotsav. The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated for ten days in the Ashwin month. However, in the actual sense the festival commences from the sixth day. In Durgotsav, the days of Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami holds great significance. It is believed that this festival exemplifies the victory of good over evil, as Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. Primarily this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Tripura, Manipur, Bihar and Jharkhand. Moreover, Durga Puja is also celebrated in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and in many other different parts of the country. It is believed that during the time of Durga Puja, Goddess Durga along with Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya came to reside on Earth for her devotees.
Significance of Mahalaya
The first day of Durga Puja festival is known as Mahalaya. It is said that on the day of Mahalaya there was a clash between the demons and devas (demi gods). In this clash many saints and devas (demi gods) were killed.
Tradition of Durga Puja and its Significance
The actual beginning of Durga Puja takes place from the sixth day (Shashthi). It is believed that on this day only Goddess Durga came on Earth. Being celebrated for a span of five days, on the sixth day there exists a ritual of Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambh, Akaal Bodhan, Amantran and Adhivas. On the day of Maha Saptami, Navpatrika and Kolabou Pooja is performed.
While, on the day of Maha Ashtami Durga Ashtami, Kumari Pooja and Sandhi Pooja is performed. On the day of Maha Navami, Durga Balidan and Navami Havan is done. In the end, on the day of Dashmi Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami and Sindoor festival is celebrated.