Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals of India. Though it is celebrated across the country, it is widely celebrated in West Bengal, Delhi, Odisha, Assam, Tripura and Gujarat. Goddess Durga appears in nine manifestations in the nine days of Navratri. Today is Maha Shashti.
Maha Shashti: Significance and puja
For Bengalis, Durga Pujo begins today. Mothers keep fast for the long life of their children. Maa Durga's face is unveiled on sashthi. Mothers do not eat rice, oniomn and garlic on this day. They wear new clothes and offer 'anjuli'.
Maa Sati or Adishakti incarnated as Goddess Parvati, she was born in the house of sage Katya, hence she was named Katyayani. Maa Katyayani is the warrior form of Goddess Parvati. Being the most violent form of Goddess Parvati, Maa Katyayani is also the warrior Goddess. Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri.
Durga Puja in 2017: When it is celebrated, Calendar
In 2017, Durga Puja calendar is as follows:
19 September: Mahalaya
25 September: Maha Panchami
26 September: Maha Shashti
27 September: Maha Saptami
28 September: Maha Ashtami
29 September: Maha Navami
30 September: Maha Dashami or Vijayadashami (Dussera)
On the last four days, puja pandals are thrown open for people to seek the blessings of Maa Durga.
Bengali calendar
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated for 6 days. West Bengal Durga Puja is known as Durgotsav and refers to six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami.
Puja Pandals in Delhi NCR
CR Park puja pandals are famous across Delhi. Magnanimous idols of Goddess Durga are placed and there is a lot of celebration. Kashmere Gate, New Delhi Kali Bari, Safdarjung Enclave, Aram Bagh, GK II, East Delhi puja pandals are some of the famous ones. Vasundhra Enclave, Balco are some of the famous pandals here. Noida, Indirapuram too celebrate the festival with a lot of pomp and show.
