What if a festival could transform an entire city into an open-air art gallery, turn clay and straw into a divine presence, and bring millions together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil? Welcome to Durga Puja, where devotion meets art, mythology, craftsmanship and an extraordinary sense of community.
The journey begins with Khuti Puja
Long before the first conch shell announces the arrival of the Goddess, preparations begin with Khuti Puja. Particularly associated with community-organised pujas in Bengal, this ceremony marks the beginning of preparations for the pandal. The word khuti refers to a post or stake traditionally associated with its framework.
To know more about this Puja read my post here:
From this moment, artisans, designers, carpenters, electricians and decorators begin working feverishly. Entire neighbourhoods transform into temporary architectural wonders, with pandals inspired by temples, palaces, historical monuments, folk traditions and contemporary social themes. Months of planning culminate in structures that may stand for just a few days but leave lasting memories.
From clay and straw to the divine
One of the most fascinating aspects of Durga Puja is the making of the idols. In Delhi, the traditional hub of this remarkable craft is Kumartuli at Kali Mandir, CR Park where kumors, or potters, have perfected the art of transforming humble materials into divine forms.
Bamboo frameworks, straw and layers of clay gradually take shape under the hands of skilled artisans. The Goddess emerges with her ten arms, majestic face and intricate ornaments, accompanied by her children and the demon Mahishasura.
Before Mahalaya, the idols are adorned with exquisite traditional ornaments. Two particularly distinctive styles are Sholar Saaj, made from the delicate white pith of the shola plant, and Daker Saaj, traditionally associated with metallic foil decorations historically received through the postal system, or dak. These intricate embellishments give the Goddess a luminous, almost otherworldly appearance.
Mahalaya: When the Goddess awakens
For Bengalis, Mahalaya carries a magic of its own. It traditionally marks the invocation of the Goddess and signals the approaching Durga Puja season. Across generations, the recitation of Mahishasura Mardini, with its stirring chants and devotional music, has become inseparable from the dawn of Mahalaya
It is also associated with Chakshu Daan, literally the offering of eyes. In this delicate and deeply symbolic stage of idol-making, the artisan paints the eyes of the Goddess, bringing an extraordinary sense of life and expression to her face. The timing of this ritual varies by tradition and workshop, and it may take place on Mahalaya or at another ritually appropriate moment.
There is something profoundly moving about watching a face emerge from clay and suddenly appear to gaze back at you. For devotees, it is the moment when the Goddess feels closer than ever. To know more about it you can read my post here
Bodhon: The ceremonial awakening
The arrival of the Goddess is marked by Bodhon, the ritual awakening or invocation of Maa Durga. In traditional Bengali practice, this is associated with the evening of Shashthi, the sixth lunar day, when the ceremonial welcome begins.
The idols are installed in their pandals, and their carefully modelled faces, ornaments and expressions become the centrepiece of elaborate artistic settings. The Goddess is no longer simply an unfinished sculpture in an artisan’s workshop; she has become the focus of a community’s devotion.
Ghatasthapana: Inviting the divine into a sacred vessel
While the magnificent idol is the visual centrepiece of Durga Puja, another important symbol of the Goddess’s presence is often much more modest: a sacred pot. The ritual of establishing this vessel at the beginning of Navratri is widely known as Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. In traditions that observe it, the kalash becomes a sacred representation of divine presence and auspiciousness.
The vessel is commonly filled with water and adorned with mango leaves and a coconut. Depending on the tradition, grains, flowers, sacred threads and other ritual materials may also be used. The water represents life and purity, while the coconut and leaves carry associations with fertility, prosperity and the abundance of nature.
The four great days: Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami and Navami
Shashthi — The arrival. The Goddess is welcomed with rituals associated with Bodhon, Adhibas and Amantran. Pandals fill with visitors, neighbourhoods come alive, and the excitement of the festival becomes unmistakable.
Saptami — The sacred beginning. One of the most distinctive rituals is Nabapatrika Snan. Nine plants, traditionally representing different forms or aspects of nature and associated with the Goddess, are gathered together and ceremonially bathed. The banana plant is the most prominent element of this arrangement. It is dressed in a sari and worshipped along with the other eight plants, forming the Nabapatrika.
The sari-draped banana plant is popularly known as Kola Bou, meaning “Banana Bride”, and is also associated with the ritual ensemble called Nabapatrika, literally the nine leaves or nine plants.
The symbolism is particularly meaningful in a country where agriculture, seasonal cycles and the fertility of the land have shaped religious and cultural life for centuries.
Ashtami — The day of devotion. Maha Ashtami is among the most auspicious days of Durga Puja. Devotees gather for Pushpanjali, offering flowers while chanting sacred mantras. Traditional rituals, devotional music and the rhythmic beat of the dhak create an atmosphere that is both exuberant and deeply spiritual.
The Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture between Ashtami and Navami, is particularly significant. It commemorates the moment associated with the Goddess’s victory over Chanda and Munda, when she manifests as Chamunda. The ritual is traditionally marked by 108 lamps and 108 lotus flowers, where available and according to local practice.
Navami — The celebration reaches its crescendo. Maha Navami brings another day of worship, offerings and community celebrations. In many pandals, bhog is distributed among devotees, creating a shared experience that cuts across age, background and social standing.
The festival is also a celebration of Bengal’s culinary traditions. Khichuri, labra, chutney, sweets and other preparations become part of the festive experience, with menus varying from one community puja to another.
To know more about the Durga Puja celebrations in Chittranjan Park read my Part-1 here and Part-2
This brings Part 1 of my exploration of Durga Puja to a close, but there is much more to discover. In Part 2, I will delve into the fascinating world of Durga’s iconography, exploring the symbolism behind the Goddess, her ten arms, the weapons she carries, her companions, and the deeper meanings woven into every detail of her divine form.
Do look out for the next part as we continue to uncover the stories and symbolism behind this magnificent celebration.
