Durga Puja is the largest festival of Hindus in Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent. It is a festival that embodies reunion, cultural renaissance and the celebration of traditional cultures. General time for worship of Devi Durga is spring. While Devi Durga is generally worshipped in spring during 'Basanti Puja' (Chaitra, March-April), the autumnal Durga Puja is a unique 'Akal Bodhon' (premature enlightenment), initiated by Lord Ram before his war against demon Ravan. Before going to the war against demon Ravan, Lord Ram did invocation of Goddess Durga in autumn. So, this out-of-season worship is called “Akal Bodhon” (premature enlightenment). This autumnal festival, Durga Puja is observed in Bengali month Ashwin (September-October) every year. Practically, autumnal Durga Puja is the largest festival in our country and also arranged in maximum number.
Shukla Shashthi tithi Goddess Durga is worshipped at bel tree with the hymn to enlightenment. The main worship takes place over three days - Saptami, Ashtami and Navami - each with its specific rituals and significance. “Sandhi Puja” is celebrated in between ashtami and navami tithi. Dashami is the last day of Durga Puja which is also called “Vijoya dashami”.
In ancient times, Mahishasura took away the right of heaven by defeating the gods in a war throughout one hundred years. Expelled from heaven, the gods first sought refuge with Prajapati Brahma and then with Shiva and Narayan (Vishnu). Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu were enraged upon hearing the story of Mahishasura's oppression. At first from the face of Vishnu and then from Shiva and Brahma’s face a gigantic fire (Maha tej) came out from their anger. Then, a surge of fire and power from all other gods, including Indra, emerged and mixed up with that gigantic fire.
These combined powers coalesced into a woman, manifesting at the hermitage of Sage Katyayan in the high Himalayas. Each god and goddess contributed their power to form different aspects of her being and this divine manifestation was Devi Durga. The god and goddesses gave their weapons to Durga. The Himalayas gifted her a lion as her vehicle. The war cry (singhanad) of Devi Durga and her lion reverberated through Tribhuvan (Heaven, Earth and Underworld).
Fearful, Mahishasura then began sending his armies. Devi Durga and her lion fought with immense strength, destroying all the warriors and demons one by one. Finally, Mahishasura himself engaged Devi Durga in battle. Mahishasura magically transformed into various forms, attempting to frighten or seduce Devi Durga. But she did not fail. Mahishasura, drunk with pride, then began to roar.
Devi proclaimed, "Foolish one! Roar on while I drink this honey, for the gods will cheer when I have slain you!" Then, Devi Durga leaped upon Mahishasura, pinning his throat with her foot and finally slaying him by piercing his chest with her pike (or trident). The gods regained their heavenly domain and erupted in joyous shouts. Durga Puja holds multifaceted significance. The united power of all gods, manifested to alleviate suffering, is symbolized by Goddess Durga. The core spirit of Durga Puja is about protesting against the arrogant and oppressors and seeking redress from injustice. Devi Durga embodies divine power. Therefore, Durga Puja signifies self-empowerment and instills confidence.
While people may adhere to diverse faiths, Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries, embodying a truly universal festival. In our country, individuals from all religions, castes, classes and cultures partake in Durga Puja, creating a veritable confluence of humanity. Understanding the deeper significance of Durga Puja reveals that its essence extends beyond the Hindu community; its universality resonates with people of all faiths. All facets of Durga Puja celebrations are open and accessible to everyone. While the core ritualistic worship with hymns is time-bound, the vast expanse of this autumnal festival is for all – a time for communal celebration, harmonious gathering and shared love.
External evil powers create various problems in society, country and the world. On the other hand, human beings are driven to degradation by internal evil forces like “Shararipu”; society, family and state become contaminated. Let us eliminate all external and internal evil forces with the blessings of Goddess Durga. This will help us build stronger bonds and cultivate noble human attributes among us. Terrorism will be eradicated; a corruption-free, non-communal society will be established. However, this should be our commitment and expectation on the eve of Durga Puja.