All about Durga Puja - Victory of Good over Evil

myNachiketa
Sep 24
4 min read

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्तिता। नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।। Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maatru Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namah.

To that Goddess who lives in all beings in the form of the Mother, we bow to Her again and again.

Durga Puja is a time when we celebrate one of the most powerful goddesses of the Hindu religion, Devi Durga. She rides a lion and holds many weapons; she is a symbol of courage, strength, and compassion. It is a time when families come together, vibrant decorations light up the streets, and the air is filled with joy. This festival is not just a celebration, but a beautiful story about the triumph of good over evil! The Story of Durga Puja

Durga Puja marks the victory of Maa Durga, a powerful goddess who fought bravely against the evil demon, Mahishasura. This demon was fierce and had a boon that made it impossible for any man or god to defeat him. His arrogance grew day by day, and he began terrorising the universe, causing distress to the Devas (gods) and humans. Amidst the chaos, Maa Durga was created by the combined powers of all Devas to save the world.

Maa Durga is shown riding a lion, fierce yet compassionate, symbolising strength and courage. After fighting for nine days, on the tenth day, called Vijaya Dashami, she finally defeated Mahishasura. This day teaches us that goodness can always overcome evil, a lesson that resonates in our daily lives, too.

Celebrating Durga Puja

As we delve deeper into celebrating Durga Puja, we discover that each ritual and tradition holds special significance. The festival begins with Shashthi, where we welcome Maa Durga's idol into beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures). People work hard to create stunning idols that depict Maa Durga, depicting her with numerous arms, each carrying a different weapon symbolising her power.

Throughout the festive days, you’ll see families gathering, enjoying delicious treats, and participating in colourful cultural activities. You might even find yourself dancing to traditional dhak (drums), participating in beautiful aartis, and learning songs dedicated to Devi Durga!

One of the beautiful moments during Durga Puja is when the community comes together to perform the Dhunuchi dance. With excitement and rhythm, dancers sway gracefully with clay vessels filled with incense, sending fragrant smoke into the air as a sign of devotion. The beats of the dhaak fill the atmosphere with energy, allowing everyone to feel connected and joyful.

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Rituals performed during Durga Puja celebration:

Bodhon: The ceremonial welcoming of the goddess.

Sandhi Puja: A significant moment when Maa Durga is invoked.

Dhunuchi Dance: A traditional dance performed during rituals, filled with energy and devotion.

Visarjan: The immersion of the idol in water, marking the end of the festival, signifying Maa Durga’s return to her celestial home.

When the festival culminates on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami, people bid farewell to Maa Durga as her idol is immersed in water. This signifies her return to the mountains, reminding us that she will always be with us in spirit. As we chant and sing, we celebrate not just her departure but also how her strength transforms us into better beings.

Just as Devi Durga fought against Mahishasura, you can overcome your challenges in daily life. Here are some vital lessons to keep with you:

Courage - Just like Devī Durga faced Mahishasura with bravery, you can be courageous in facing your fears, whether it’s a challenging school subject or speaking in front of your friends.
Truthfulness - Always stand for the truth, just as Devi Durga stood against evil. If your friends are copying answers in class, and you know it’s wrong, don’t join them. Instead, be honest and do your own work.
Kindness - Along with being the symbol of strength, Maa Durga is also the symbol of compassion. Always be kind to others, even when it’s difficult. You never know that a small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Unity - Durga Puja reminds us that working together brings strength. Just as communities gather during this festival, always support your friends and family. Together, you can achieve greater things!

Durga Puja is not just about worshipping the goddess; it’s about learning to embody her essence in our lives. By taking part in the festival—whether through helping with decorations, songs, or participating in dances—you bring the festive spirit alive and grow closer to the values of bravery, honesty, compassion, and unity.

As we learn and grow together, let's remember that the power of Maa Durga lives within us. We can overcome challenges and spread joy in our lives and the lives of those around us.

So, my dear friends, as we embrace the joy of Durga Puja, let’s promise to be the guardians of good in our lives, channelling the strength of Maa Durga every single day!