পূজার সাজ * The decorations for Puja

আশ্বিনের মাঝামাঝি উঠিল বাজনা বাজি, পূজার সময় এল কাছে। It's the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar.. The air is frangraced with the sweet Shiuli and Kaash flowers... It is the time for India's grandest of festivals, Durga Puja

Durgotsava or Sharadostav is a festival that goes way back to the mythological era which has etched the triumphant moment of Goddess Durga over the evil who blends a half demon and half buffalo, known as Mahishasura.

The sword represents the cosmic intelligence & wisdom.

The trident (trishula) has been gifted to the goddess by Lord Shiva. It represents the past, present and future and the goddess rules all three.

The thunderbolt (Vajra) is a gift of Lord Indra. Vajra symbolizes firmness of character, determination, and supremepower.

The Sudarshan Chakra represents the sphere of life which keeps on revolving till we are alive. It says us that time destroys everything but with inner awakening one goes beyond time.

Bow and arrow given by Vayu signifies determination and focus.

The spear, a gift from Agni (fire), symbolises auspiciousness, purity and fierce power.

The conch is the  symbolizes the ‘Pranava’ or the mystic word ‘Om’ (Aum). A gift from Varuna.

The lotus is the symbol of Brahma, and represents wisdom, as well as liberation through knowledge.

The club is to kill the evil. Gifted by Vishwakarma.

The Vahana of goddess Durga is Lion, the most powerful animal that bows down to the goddess. It symbolises power should be accompanied with control and consciousness.

‍

The festival also marks the celebratory event of daughter Parvati descending down on Earth to see her parents. The entire village is decorated with lights and flowers. Streets are flooded with stalls of sweets and home made snacks. Everyone awaits this auspicious occasion in their own ways. Children wait for this moment whole year through when their parents gift them new set of clothes and shoes.

The festival has retained its ethnicity among every passing generation. Bengalis all over the world celebrate Puja split across the last 5 nights of Navaratri (the 9 nights) where each day has its own set of customs and rituals. Entertainment, preparations as well as the spirit of bonding is at its peak during this occasion. People enjoy the very famous ‘pandal-hopping’ that's hopping from one puja celebration to another. Men and women dress up in their choicest of traditional outfits and adorn themselves with jewellery. Even the pandals are decorated with artistic structures, lights, flowers and silk cloth. Women do আলপনা, a folk art of Bengal, that's white motifs of rice flour hand drawn on the floor.

The Woman has recreated the divine goddess in Jute and cowries, to give it a very earthy and sophisticated look. The centrepiece is the goddess in her triumphant moment of having defeated the Mahishasura. This elegant piece of work will be a fine addition to your saree worn during the অঞ্জলি ceremony (offering prayers to the goddess) of Maha Ashtami, the 8th day of Durga Puja.

‍

‍