Durga Puja, the most significant religious festival for Bengali Hindus, is a time of immense devotion and celebration. The word ‘puja’ translates to ‘worship’ or ‘veneration,’ and the festival is centered around the goddess Durga. Durga Puja is a time to bid farewell to evil forces and embrace the values of devotion, truth, and beauty.
The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to ancient times. Goddess Durga is revered by Hindus worldwide, and the rituals associated with her worship are remarkably consistent across different regions. However, over time, Durga Puja has evolved beyond its strictly religious connotations, becoming a more secular and inclusive event.
People from all walks of life and different faiths participate in Durga Puja. The festival has transcended religious boundaries, bringing together Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists. It has become a time for social gatherings, family reunions, and cultural exchange. While the core rituals are performed with utmost devotion and adherence to religious texts, the festival is also marked by various cultural and social activities.
Bengal is renowned for its joyous spirit, and Durga Puja embodies this spirit. The preparations for the festival begin well in advance, with people across the state engaging in festive activities. The sounds of drums, cymbals, and conch shells fill the air as beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) are erected. These pandals showcase intricate artwork and are often themed around various cultural or social issues.
During Durga Puja, women are particularly busy with preparations. They spend countless hours preparing traditional sweets, snacks, and dishes to offer to the goddess and serve to guests. The festival is also a time for new clothes, with people of all ages buying new outfits to wear during the celebrations.
While the exact customs and traditions associated with Durga Puja may vary from region to region, the spirit of the festival remains the same. It is a time for families to come together, for communities to celebrate, and for people to express their gratitude and devotion.
As a child, my mother would often narrate tales of the Prophet and Islamic history alongside Hindu mythology during the pre-dawn meal (Sehri) during Ramadan. I would listen in awe to the epic tales of the Mahabharata and Ramayana that she recounted.
She would describe how Goddess Durga, the benevolent force of the universe, would descend from the celestial abode of Kailash to Earth, her maternal home. Her arrival would be accompanied by natural phenomena like storms and rain, heralding an abundance of crops. She was depicted as a daughter returning to her parents’ home from her in-laws, accompanied by her divine children: Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge; Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity; Ganesha, the remover of obstacles; and Kartikeya, the god of war. This journey and homecoming formed the crux of the grand Durga Puja festival, celebrated with fervor for 10, 15, or even 20 days.
The multi-armed form of Durga always fascinated me. As I grew older, I learned that each of her ten arms symbolized her protection of all ten directions. These arms were adorned with various weapons, signifying her power to combat evil forces. Her lion mount further emphasized her strength and ferocity.
Growing up, I was fortunate to have neighbors from all faiths. Our neighborhood was a melting pot of cultures, and we all played together harmoniously. I never felt any discrimination or prejudice. However, it saddens me to see the rise of religious intolerance and violence in recent times. Political leaders and extremists often exploit religious sentiments for their own gain, sowing discord among communities. It is high time we put an end to such divisive rhetoric and work towards fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Many of my Hindu friends, no matter whether they’re in India, America, or Canada, harbor a deep longing for their homeland. The pain of leaving their country, even temporarily for immigration, is something they can’t seem to shake off. A pull towards their homeland is something they always feel. However, the younger generation may not experience this pain as intensely.
Our childhood memories, transitioning into adolescence, are filled with vivid recollections of the grand celebrations surrounding Durga Puja. Not just Hindu students, but all students in our educational institutions would be swept up in the festive fervor. Even those of other faiths would participate. The days of Durga Puja were filled with joy as we visited various temples with friends, participated in dances, songs, cultural programs, and relished a variety of delicious foods.
Even today, Durga Puja remains a festival of boundless joy. To fight against injustice and falsehood with devotion, it’s essential to celebrate the puja according to the rituals. Unfortunately, in recent times, some people have resorted to vulgar practices during the puja. Pure joy is one thing, but obscene dances, songs, drug abuse, excessive lighting are quite another. In the past, devotional music would be played on loudspeakers in cities and villages. Times have changed, and now we hear band music. Durga Puja exemplifies how Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, regardless of their religious affiliations, can come together and celebrate. There was no religious bigotry or narrow-mindedness; we had a broad-mindedness that the West later adopted. Canada and America learned multiculturalism from us, while our own worldview and philosophy have undergone a silent evolution. The political decline is evident. It’s difficult to eliminate evil forces today. However, to suppress evil forces and establish a society based on truth, beauty, and justice, the collective efforts of everyone are needed. To build a better society, we must abandon ego and promote a society based on justice, combining religion and art.
Our Hindu beliefs and the cultural mindset of the Indian subcontinent are similar. We see class disparities among the upper echelons. We must use the occasion of Puja to reduce disparities among people. Anything that helps us forget differences of class, religion, and caste is, in essence, the true human religion. With the active participation of people from all religions, the festival transforms into a universal celebration. Durga Puja is a prime example of such a universal festival.
As a food lover and music enthusiast, the sweets, offerings, and special songs of Durga Puja have always held a special place in my heart. I remember, as a child, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the festival and the new Puja songs. Even the elders in our family shared this excitement. The timeless Puja songs of Lata, Asha, Kishore, and Manna, played on loudspeakers, created a heavenly atmosphere. Ah, visiting the Puja pandals was another festival in itself.
It’s important to note that Bengali Eid and Puja songs are not predominantly religious. ‘Puja songs’ are simply tunes recorded to celebrate the autumnal festival of Durga Puja, fulfilling the year-long wait of Bengalis. Many of these songs are steeped in nostalgia, with memorable lyrics and compositions. Songs of adoration and worship, like Brahmosangeet, are also commonly associated with Puja. These songs have been a part of our lives since childhood. In the past, songs were played on loudspeakers. Whether it was the soulful voice of Nayan Sarkar or the romantic tunes of Asha Bhosle, these songs held a special charm, especially during Puja. Manna Dey, Arati Mukherjee, and Bappa Lahiri’s upbeat songs were also popular. I remember the lines from a song by Protima Bandopadhyay: ‘Looking out of the window of memory, whatever light enters my eyes fills my heart.’
The beauty of this festival lies in its ability to transcend religious boundaries. I often reminisce about these moments with my friends, even though we’re scattered across the globe. With time, our bodies and minds change, and so do our surroundings. The exuberance of childhood and the wildness of youth gradually fade.
Any form of religion would fail if it doesn’t blend art and beauty. Durga Puja, by eliminating evil forces, ushers in a new era of goodness. This festival plays a crucial role in fostering harmony and unity among people, irrespective of their religion or caste. Let us continue to celebrate Durga Puja and strengthen the bonds of togetherness.
