The four days of Durga Puja (Autumn Festival) starts from October 9 to October 12. The sixth day of the full moon that follows the Mahalaya and ends up with the Bijaya Dashami. According to Hindu scriptures, Durga is the wife of God Shiva, the Hindu Goddess emerged when evil forces threatened the very existence of the Gods. Durga killed the powerful demon Mahishasur.Durga Puja is celebrated with joy all over India especially West Bengal.People send Durja Puja gifts to dear ones and express good wishes to them.
The Dhaki (drummer) held the dhak (drum) on his shoulder and is beaten with two sticks.
The 10 handed Goddess Durga made up of clay is on top of a lion.Her hands carry different weapons in them except two which holds the spear which has been struck into the chest of Mahishasura(demon).The four children are accompanying Durga-Laxmi,the goddess of wealth,Saraswati,the Goddess of knowledge,kartik,the god of warship and Ganesha,the elephant faced god representing everything that is good.
Last day of the immersion of the Goddess Durga is called Bijaya Dashami. Married women smear one another with sindur (vermillion) and pray for long and happy married lives. They bid Mother Goddess with with tearful eyes and heavy heart.
File Photos Courtesy: Arun Lodh
