Hello LG friends,
Durga Puja, one of the main festivals of Bengali Hindus, has begun! This festival will be celebrated for 5 days. Every temple is now decorated in a festive atmosphere. As a Hindu, I am very happy at this moment. Purpose in writing this post is to wish you a happy Durga Puja. 
Let’s learn about this puja festival.
Durga Puja begins with Mahalaya, which marks the arrival of the goddess. The festival and worship begin on Shasthi, or the sixth day. She is worshipped for the next three days. The festival culminates on Vijayadashami (the tenth day of victory), when, to the tune of loud chants and drums, the sacred idols are taken in a grand procession to the local river, where they are immersed. This ritual symbolizes the goddess’s departure to her husband, Shiva’s house.
The main story of Durga Puja:
The slaying of a demon in the form of a buffalo. The story first appears in the Devi Mahatmya, which is part of the Markandeya Purana. In this narrative, a demon in the form of a buffalo fights a cosmic battle against the devas (Hindu male gods) and emerges victorious, only because of a boon. Having usurped the supremacy of the gods, the gods, led by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, combine their powers to create a warrior goddess named Durga. Armed with the male gods, Durga symbolizes their combined power, and she defeats the demon Mahishasura in battle. The shape-shifting demon in the form of a buffalo takes on various forms to attack the goddess, until Goddess Durga finally beheads the buffalo on the tenth day.
Theme for making Durga Idols:
During the Durga festival, Durga is worshipped along with four companion goddesses: Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Saraswati (goddess of learning), and the male gods Ganesha (an elephant-headed deity who removes obstacles) and Kartikeya (god of war). The clay idols are made by artisans and adorned with traditional Indian decorations and ornaments. Usually having ten arms and riding a lion, Durga is usually depicted in the act of beheading Mahishasura. She carries weapons given to her by the gods in her hands; these include Shiva’s trident, Vishnu’s chakra, conch shell, curved sword, and bow and arrow. He is surrounded by Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, who are represented by their respective symbols and vehicles (vahana): the owl, swan, rat, and peacock, respectively.
Sharing some pictures taken during the Durga festival in the past years. The photos were taken from various temples in Manikganj.
May the festival of Durga Puja fill all of your hearts with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
