Durga Puja

Football in India: Football fever makes a come-back in Durgapur

2008-09-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

Football in India: Football fever makes a come-back in Durgapur

Durga Puja

2008-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja, also referred as Durgotsab is an annual Bengali festival that celebrates worship of Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the five days observed as Sashthi , Maha Saptami, Mahashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to traditional Bengali Calendar and the fortnight corresponding the festival is called Debi Pokkho. Debi Pokkho is preceded by Mahalaya, the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Pokkho, and is ended on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja.

.
Durga Puja is widely celebrated in West Bengal and Tripura where it is a five-day annual holiday. Not only it is the biggest Hindu festival celebrated throughout the State, but also the most significant socio-cultural event in Bengali society. Apart from West Bengal, Durga Puja is also celebrated in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and in some parts of India including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala. Durga Puja is also celebrated as a major festival in Nepal and Bangladesh. Nowadays, many non-residential Bengali cultural organizations arrange for Durgotsab in the countries like United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Kuwait etc also. In 2006, a grand Durga Puja ceremony was held in the Great Court of the British Museum.

.
The prominence of Durga Puja increased gradually during the British Raj in Bengal. After the Hindu reformists resemble Durga with India, she had become an icon for the Indian independence movement. On the first quarter of 20th Century, the tradition of Baroyari or Community Puja was popularised due to this. After independence, Durga Puja became one of the largest celebrated festivals in the whole world.

.
Durga Puja includes the worships of Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, Kartikeya and Mahishasura also. Modern tradition have come to include the display of decorated pandals and artistically depicted idols of Durga, exchange of Bijoya Greetings and publication of Puja Annuals.

Kolkata
In Kolkata alone more than two-thousand pandals are set up, all clamouring for the admiration and praise of the populace. The city is adorned with lights. People from all over the country visit the city at this time, and every night is one mad carnival where thousands of people go 'pandal-hopping' with their friends and family. Traffic becomes a nightmare, and indeed, most people abandon their vehicles to travel by foot after a point. A special task force is deployed to control law and order.

Siliguri

Hundreds of puja pendal are set up every year in the siliguri mahakuma area. Many attractive colourful pandal, glorious "Protima", and colorful lighting create joy for visitors. During the puja period, visitors come here from all over the world. The city is adorned with lights. Every day visitors come out on the roads with their family and friends. They enjoy the festival through the night.

Origin of the autumnal ceremony 'Sharadiya'

The actual worship of the Goddess Durga as stipulated by the Hindu scriptures falls in the month of Chaitra, which roughly overlaps with March or April. This ceremony is however not observed by many and is restricted to a handful in the state of West Bengal.

The more popular form, which is also known as Sharadiya (Autumnal) Durga Puja, is celebrated later in the year with the dates falling either in September or October. Since the Goddess is invoked at the wrong time, it is called "Akaal Bodhon" in Bengali.

The first such Puja was organised by Raja Nabakrishna Deb of the Shobhabazar Rajbari of Calcutta in honour of Lord Clive in the year 1757. The puja was organised because Clive wished to pay thanks for his victory in the Battle of Plassey. He was unable to do so in a Church because the only church in Calcutta at that time was destroyed by Siraj-ud-Daulah. Indeed many wealthy mercantile and Zamindar families in Bengal made British Officers of the East India Company guests of honour in the Pujas. The hosts vied with one another in arranging the most sumptuous fares, decorations and entertainment for their guests. This was deemed necessary since the Company was in charge of a large part of India including Bengal after the Battles of Plassey and Buxar.
.

United States, Europe and Australia
Durga Puja is organised by communities comprising of Indians in the US ,Europe and Australia. Although pandals are not constructed, the idols are flown in from Kumartuli in Bengal. The desire by the diaspora peoples to keep in touch with their cultural ties has led to a boom in religious tourism, as well as learning from priests or purohits versed in the rites. Also recently, the immersion of the Durga idol has been allowed in the Thames river for the festival which is held in London.

Theme-based Pujas and Pandals
Pandals and idols inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Calcutta since the 1990s. Puja committees decide on a particular theme, whose elements are incorporated into the pandal and the idols. Popular themes include ancient civilizations like the Egyptians or Incas. Contemporary subjects like the Titanic and Harry Potter have also been the subject in some pandals.

The design and decoration is usually done by art and architecture students based in the city. The budget required for such theme-based pujas is often higher than traditional pujas. They attract crowds and are well-received. Inspired by Calcutta, theme-based pandals are becoming popular in cities in neighbouring states, particularly Orissa (see above). Experimentation with the idols does not happen much outside Calcutta.

Durga in Hinduism
The Great Goddess Durga is said to be exquisitely beautiful. Her form is blindingly bright (devi), with three lotus-like eyes, ten powerful hands, lush hair with beautiful curls, a red-golden glow from her skin and a quarter moon on her forehead. She wears a shiny oceanic blue attire emitting fierce rays. Her ornaments were carved beautifully of gold, with ocean pearls and precious stones embedded in it. Each god also gave her their own most powerful weapons, Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, Brahma's kamandal, Kuber's gada, etc. Himalayas gifted her a fierce whitish golden lion. On the end of the 8th and beginning of the 9th day of waxing moon, Chanda and Munda came to fight the goddess. She turned blue with anger and goddess Chamunda leaped out of her third eye. Her form was the most powerful one with 3 red eyes, blood-filled tongue and dark skin; who finally killed the twin demons with her sword. This form of the divine goddess is worshipped during the sandhikshan of Durga Puja festival, as sandhi/chandi puja. Finally on the tenth day of waxing moon, goddess Durga killed Mahishasura with her trident.
The word Shakti, meaning sacred feminine force, and Durga reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. She is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasura tries to marry her! Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karunamayi (karuna = kindness).
According to the narrative from the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, the form of Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight a demon. The demon's father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahish Asur (the demon Mahish) was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahish means "buffalo"). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasur had the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds.
Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the Holy Male Trinity went down to the river Ganges and prayed the mantra, "Om Namo Devaye", imploring of the great goddess Devi to save their realm from ruin. They were blessed with her compassion when the goddess Durga was born out of the river. source: wikipedia

Durga Puja Discussion Forum

2007-02-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja Discussion Forum

visit Durga Puja Discussion Forum: http://madurgapuja.com/forum/index.asp

Happy Durga Puja

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Kolkata Mahisasur-Mardini Chandipath of Mahalaya

Download Durga Puja Songs

2007-02-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Download Durga Puja Songs

Download Durga Puja Songs
1.	Amar raat pohalo
2.
3.

Durga Puja is one of the most important festivel of Bengalies. The festivel goes on for five days. People play dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli on that occasion. The occasion starts from Mahalaya day, the day durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil

more on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Kolkata Mahisasur-Mardini Chandipath of Mahalaya

Play Online Mahalaya

2007-02-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Play Online Mahalaya

Play Online Songs

Durga Puja Songs

2007-02-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja Songs

1. Play Online Songs	2. Online Bangla Radio
3. Download Durga Puja Music	4. Music Link Site

more on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Germany

Akal Bodhon

2007-02-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

Akal Bodhon

Akal Bodhon : The worship of Ma Durga in the month of Ashwin is called 'Akalbodhan'. It's an uncustomary time for commencement of the worship. Traditionally durga puja is performed during the spring (Basanta). Ram did "Chandi Puja" before his war with Ravana despite the time of year not being right. He invoked the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana. That's why Durga Puja is also called Akal Bodhon (untimely invocation).

Sandhi puja : (108 'Dip' lighted) It is being performed at the end moment of Ashtami and at the................... more on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja USA

Durga Puja Abroad, Overseas Durga Puja

2007-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja Abroad, Overseas Durga Puja

Overseas Durga Puja Guide

ATLANTA Atlanta Puja
215 Weatherwood CIR, Alpharetta
GA, 30004-3445, USA
India Cultural and Religious Center (ICRC)
1281 Cooper Lake Road
Smyrna, GA 30082, USA

Bengali Association of Madison & Bengali Cultural Society of Milwaukee

Location.. Temple Auditorium

Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

Pewaukee (near Milwaukee)

http://www.hindutemplewis.com

Bezirksrathaus Bürgerzentrum

Köln-Chorweiler
Pariser Platz 1
50765 Köln-Chorweiler
Deutschland / Germany

http://durgapujacologne.de

CONNECTICUT Associations of Indians in Connecticut
Rippowam Middle School
High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06095 , USA
(203) 977-4350

Bengali Association of Southern California
14900 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638-4752, USA

complete details here: http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Australia

Five Days of Durga Puja

2007-02-09T06:59:00.000-08:00

Five Days of Durga Puja

Mahashashthi

On Mahashasthi Goddess Durga arrives with her children. People welcome her with beats of dhak. The main ritual on this day is unveiling the face of the idol.

Mahasaptami

First day of Durga Puja, pre-dawn bath of Kola Bow.

Mahaastami

Important part of the day is celebrating Durga's victory over Mahishasur.Devotees offer anjali to the Goddess and recite the mantras.

...............................more on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Kolkata

Food during Durga Puja

2007-02-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Food during Durga Puja

SASTHI
BREAKFAST	Luchi Aloo Dum Rossogolla

LUNCH	Narkel Dal Mixed bhaji Dhoka dalna Pabda Mach-er Jhol Tomato chutney Misti Doi

DINNER	Veg Polao Eggplant with Mustard Seeds Red Dal Curry Tomato Chutney
SAPTAMI
BREAKFAST	Koraishutir Kochuri Cholaar Dal Malpoa

LUNCH	Nawabi Biryani Potato-Onion Raita Tomato Chutney Prawn Malaikari

DINNER	Sag Paneer Tandoori Chicken Dal Kofta Curry Fruit Chutney Sandesh
ASTAMI
BREAKFAST	Methi Paratha Payesh

LUNCH	Khichdi Nabaratna korma Eggplant Chutney Bonde

DINNER	Veg. Biryani Boondhi Raita Enchor-er Dalna Mint Chutney
NABAMI
BREAKFAST	Mughlai Paratha Kosha mungsho

LUNCH	Sukto Bhaja Muger dal ilish mach bhaja Mochar ghonto Prawn Malaikari Tomato Chutney Pantua

DINNER	Mushur dal Begun bhaja Mutton kolhapuri Mango Chutney Rossogolla
DASHAMI
BREAKFAST	Plain paratha Mutton ghugni Khir

LUNCH	Hilsha Pulao Tomato Raita Curry Chicken Cabbage Chutney

DINNER	Boiled Rice Mixed dal Cauliflower -Peas Bhaji Palak paneer Macher Kaliya Narkel Nadu

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Silchar

Durga Puja Time Table

2007-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja Time Table 2006

DURGA PUJA 2006
DATE	FESTIVAL
29th September 2006	Durga Puja - Saptami
30th September 2006	Durga Puja - Mahashtami
1st October 2006	Durga Puja - Navami
2nd October 2006	Dussehra - Vijaya Dasami

DURGA PUJA 2005
DATE	FESTIVAL
10th October 2005	Durga Puja - Saptami
11th October 2005	Durga Puja - Mahashtami & Navami
12th October 2005	Durga Puja - Vijaya Dasami

DURGA PUJA 2004
DATE	FESTIVAL
20th October 2004	Durga Puja - Saptami
21th October 2004	Durga Puja - Mahashtami
22th October 2004	Durga Puja - Navami
23th October 2004	Durga Puja - Vijaya Dasami

more details on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja New Zealand

PUSHPANJALI

2007-02-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

PUSHPANJALI

English translation of PUSHPANJALI

OM (AUM) Goddess Slayer of Demon Mahisa, Chanda and Moonda. The Great Illusionist, bestow unto Me Longevity, Restoration to health and Victory. Salutation to thee.

OM (AUM) Spouse of Lord Shiva, the cause and source of all welfare, fulfiller of all ends. Oh: Goddess Uma, Spouse of lord Brahama, celibacy in person, the body in which the entire universe is Exhibited. Be pleased to me.

OM (AUM) Goddess Katyaani endowed with six divine graces, Destroyer of fear, Desire giver, Killer of Death. Thou art Katyaani Salutation to thee.

OM (AUM) Female leader of Gods, formidable, giver of progeny, Amiable Eternity, ameliorator of
Lineage, and Fierce, Bestow me victory. Salutation to thee.

OM (AUM) Goddess Chandi, Thou art Formidable, the destroyer of all formidables. Save me in all
Respects. Oh! Goddess of the Universe Salutation to thee.

OM (AUM) Goddess Durga, Dispeller of distress, destroyer of all evils. Be my eternal benedictor,
Being desirous of piety, wealth, Bestow me fulfillment of desires. Salutation to thee.

more on http://www.madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja UK

Mahalaya

2007-02-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Mahalaya

" Mahalaya day, the day Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil. An invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth - "Jago Tumi Jago".

more on http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Leeds

Demon king Mahishasura

2007-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Demon king Mahishasura

An army of demons was gathered, and its king was the Buffalo,the green skinned demon Mahishasura. His vast army, with its weapons of iron, and its phalanxes of elephants and charioteers marched
on the king of gods, Purandara, defeating him. Then, Mahishasura usurped the throne of heaven. The victory was complete, and all the gods were driven from heaven. They went to the three great gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva........

visit http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Switzerland

The Death of Mahishasura

2007-02-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

The Death of Mahishasura

Mahish, the king of the demons and usurper of the throne of heaven, was shocked and enraged by the disastrous events on the battlefield. He reverted to his own form, a buffalo, and charged about on the battlefield. He ran wildly at Durga's divine soldiers goring many, biting others and all the while thrashing with his long, whip-like tail. Durga's lion, angered by the presence of the demon-buffalo, attacked him. While he was thus engaged, Durga threw her noose around his neck. To escape this trap, Mahishasura discarded the buffalo and assumed the form of a lion. Durga beheaded the lion, and the demon escaped in the form of a man. Without hesitation, Durga dispatched the man with a flight of sharp arrows. Yet again the demon escaped, and this time took the formidable shape of a huge elephant, which battered Durga's lion with a tusk. With her sword Durga hacked at the tusk until it too was broken..........
visit: http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Mahalaya mp3 Download

The Birth of Durga

2007-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Birth of Durga

At a single point, the energy of all the fires coalesced and became Shiva, in the form of a youngwoman. Her face was from the light of Shiva. Her ten arms were from Lord Vishnu. Her legs were from Lord Brahma.
The dispossessed gods were were drawn to Durga. They praised her and gave to her their divine gifts: Pinakadhrik gave Her a trident. Krishna gave her a disc. Varuna, the sea, gave her a conch and the god of fire gave her a missile. From the wind, Vayu, she received arrows. The king of gods, Indra, gave her a thunder-bolt, and the gift of his white-skinned elephant Airavata was a bell. From the god of death Durga received a rod, and...... visit http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Listen to Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Mahalaya mp3 Download

Goddess Durga

2007-02-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

In Sanskrit the word Durga means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." She is the mother of the Universe and worshipped for her terrifying aspect. She is also known for her many other names like Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. Different aspects of Durga described in........

visit: http://madurgapuja.com

Durga Puja Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Durga Puja Kolkata Mahisasur-Mardini Chandipath of Mahalaya

Suba Bijaya and Dashara

2007-02-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Wish you a Subha Bijaya and Dashara
Our Festival of Joy
We Pray
We Meet
We Seek
For Global Peace and Harmony
The Blessing of Maa Durga.

Durga Puja Listen to Mahalaya MaDurgaPuja Download Mahalaya Songs Mahalaya mp3 Download Online Anjuli

Durga Puja

Football in India: Football fever makes a come-back in Durgapur

Durga Puja

Durga Puja Discussion Forum

Download Durga Puja Songs

Play Online Mahalaya

Durga Puja Songs

Akal Bodhon

Durga Puja Abroad, Overseas Durga Puja

Overseas Durga Puja Guide

ATLANTA Atlanta Puja215 Weatherwood CIR, AlpharettaGA, 30004-3445, USAIndia Cultural and Religious Center (ICRC)1281 Cooper Lake RoadSmyrna, GA 30082, USA

Five Days of Durga Puja

Food during Durga Puja

Durga Puja Time Table

PUSHPANJALI

Mahalaya

Demon king Mahishasura

The Death of Mahishasura

The Birth of Durga

Goddess Durga

Suba Bijaya and Dashara

ATLANTA Atlanta Puja
215 Weatherwood CIR, Alpharetta
GA, 30004-3445, USA
India Cultural and Religious Center (ICRC)
1281 Cooper Lake Road
Smyrna, GA 30082, USA