Rituals of Durga Puja

 Durga Puja is one of the most auspicious and grandly celebrated festivals which is marked by various rituals and customs, especially in West Bengal. The nine days of Navratri mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil Mahisasur. It is a popular belief among Bengali people that during this time Maa Durga arrives on earth and bestows every household with her blessings. The significance of Durga Puja is omnipresent across India, however, nothing matches the level of celebrations in West Bengal. To enhance the grandeur of this festival, most people follow many rituals that we will discuss today!


1- Pushpanjali



The first ritual on our list is Anjali which is done on Ashtami, in this ritual priests perform rites to worship Goddess Durga and everyone else pays their tribute by Puspanjali. This basically means to offer the leaves of bel and fragrant flowers on the feet of the goddess. It is usually done in the morning, for which everyone bathes, dresses nicely, and participates in the puja. 3-5 rounds of the floral offering are presented to the goddess after the repeated mantra recitation with the priest.



2- Sindoor Khel



Sindoor Khel is a ritual that occurs on Dashami, on this day people bid farewell to Maa Durga as the Navratri comes to an end. Married women wear the traditional attire for Sindoor Khel and offer sindoor along with sweets to the goddess and also put the same sindoor on each other's faces. After this, the figurine of the goddess is taken out for immersion in the river.



3- Dhunuchi Naach



During the night of Durga Puja, a devotional dance is performed to thank Maa Durga for her presence and blessings. This dance is performed on energetic beats of Dhak and is also known to be very purifying, thus it is an essential ritual that enhances the liveliness of the festival.

4- Kumari Puja



This custom takes place on Ashtami in which little girls are dressed up like Durga Maa because they are considered the avatar of the goddess, this is followed by people worshipping the little girls just like they worship the real goddess.


5- Visarjan



Lastly, the nine days of Navratri come to an end and it's time for bidding goodbye to the Devi. So, the figurine of goddess Durga is taken out for immersion in the river which is believed to assist her return to Mount Kailash. Every year, again the Devi comes and the same rituals are conducted to worship her and attain her grace. 


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