Bengalis like to think that today is when Goddess Durga travels from her bridal abode on Mount Kailash to her parents’ house on Earth. She also brings her kids, Saraswati, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Ganesha, with her. Despite being revered in her demon-slaying posture, Durga often depicted with her children at her sides. Together with their animal mounts, the goddess and her offspring are shown. The five days of the real Puja, which run from Sosthi (the sixth day of Navaratri) to Dashami (the tenth day, Vijayadashami or Dussehra), are filled with countless rites and rituals. These are some of the most common customs.
Bodhon
On Soshti, the real Durga Puja starts. It is thought that Rama started this seasonal devotion in order to ask the goddess for assistance in vanquishing Ravana. Therefore, it is necessary to specifically invoke the goddess through the nighttime Bodhon rite. Before this, a number of other rites are carried out during the day, such as preparing the house of worship and ensuring the goddess that all ceremonies would be conducted in accordance with the rules.
Nabapatrika Snan
It is an odd custom that most likely reflects the society’s rural origins. The Nabapatrika (nine leaves) is made up of nine plants, the most noticeable of which is the banana plant. Brahmani (banana), Kalika (colacassia), Durga (turmeric), Kartiki (jayanti), Shiva (wood apple), Raktadantika (pomegranate), Sokrahita (ashoka), Chamunda (arum), and Lakshmi (paddy) are the nine manifestations of the female power Shakti. Nabapatrika is dressed in a sari and positioned beside Ganesha after being taken for a bath (Snan) in the Ganga river in Kolkata. The Nabapatrika is commonly referred to as Kola Bou (banana bride) because the banana plant’s leaves are the most noticeable feature. On the seventh day, Saptami, the Nabapatrika Snan is held.
Pushp Anjali
Everyone else has the opportunity to show their respect through Pushpanjali, or floral offerings created with cupped palms, called Anjali for short, as the priests carry out the rites and ceremonies connected to goddess worship. All three days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami are used for Anjali. Anjali’s lucky time, which is always in the morning, is mentioned in advance. It is traditional to refrain from eating until you have offered the Anjali for the day. After taking a bath and changing into fresh attire, everyone assembled in front of the goddess at the appointed hour, holding a fistful of flowers and bel leaves. In the conclusion, they toss the flowers at the goddess after repeating the chant after the priest. There are three rounds of floral gifts.
Kumari Puja
The eighth day, Ashtami, is when Kumari Puja is held. A prepubescent girl is chosen to be revered as Durga’s living manifestation. She takes the stage alongside the goddess, decked out in new clothing and floral decorations. Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Order, which Swami Vivekananda founded, is one of the most visited locations to see the Kumari Puja.
Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja takes place at the point where Ashtami ends and Navami begins. It commemorates the day the Goddess Durga killed the demons Chanda and Munda by transforming into her enraged Chamunda form. There are one hundred and eight lighted lamps. The mantra is said by the priest. And a wild beat is produced by the dhaki, the drummers. In the past, offering an animal sacrifice was also customary. Vegetables are sacrificed symbolically, though, and it has been mostly abandoned.
Dhunuchi Naach
One of the wild yet enjoyable customs that occurs on the evening of Navami (the ninth day). Charcoal is burned inside clay pots. Taking it in their hands, people begin dancing to the dhaak’s rhythm. The more skilled ones hold the clay pots on their heads, and occasionally they even hold a pot by its teeth. Previously a male specialty, dhunuchi naach is now performed by women as well.
Sindur Khela
Hindu women who have living spouses are customarily seen with the vermillion mark on their foreheads. The deity is said goodbye on Dashami and then transported to the river to be submerged. One of the customs is Sindur Khela, in which married women—but not widows—present the goddess with sweets and vermillion. They then use the vermillion to smear each other. Photographers are thrilled when they do this routine. Recently, some women have begun to challenge the tradition of excluding widows from the holiday.
Bisarjan
The goddess returns to Mount Kailash when she and her offspring are carried out in a procession for Bisorjon, or immersion in the river. The practice of placing the idols on a bamboo platform and carrying them on men’s shoulders is still practiced in certain older homes (bonedi bari). However, the majority transport the idols to the riverbank on a truck. After that, a boat is used to transport the idols to the center of the river for the immersion. Boat excursions are organized by West Bengal Tourism and other private tour companies to see the immersion ritual.
Bijoya
The annual event comes to a conclusion at this point. Elderly people’s feet are touched by young individuals. Young people are blessed by elders. Kolakuli is a hugging motion used by men of the same age. Special treats are given out, particularly Naru, or roundels prepared with jiggery and coconut. In the past, women were responsible for preparing various sweets and savory treats at home to be given out at Bijoya. These days, most individuals purchase their food from stores.
