India’s festival season has officially kicked off, with communities across the country coming together to celebrate in colorful and joyous traditions, marking a time of unity and festivity.
Durga Puja festivities are in full swing throughout India, drawing thousands to makeshift temples dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. She is revered as the universal mother and celebrated for her benevolence and formidable strength.
It is the largest festival for India’s Bengali community, characterized by the installation of intricately adorned images of the goddess. The celebration includes feasting, music, and dance to honor the triumph of good over evil.
Devotees sway to the rhythm of the “dhak,” a traditional drum that is essential to Durga Puja celebrations, as they dance before the idol.
The festival celebrates the defeat of a demon king by the lion-riding goddess, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The goddess is received with ritual prayers and offerings, staying as a guest until the 10th day. On this final day, her idol is ceremoniously immersed in a nearby river or another body of water.
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Arjun Verma, a student from New Delhi, mentioned that the festival brings people together.
“Durga Puja truly brings people together, and the accompanying music transports you to another realm. It makes you forget you’re in Delhi, a city often associated with pollution,” he said.
In New Delhi, numerous temporary shrines known as pandals have been erected.
The yearly religious festival is also a well-loved social event, featuring an array of traditional Bengali treats for visitors. Among the offerings are Jhalmuri, a spicy puffed rice snack, and Puchka, a popular Indian street food.
During the festivities, attendees move from shrine to shrine, appreciating the public displays of religion and art while enjoying musical performances.
The Durga Puja festival in West Bengal has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
