09 Oct 2024
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Significance: This is the day when the installation of the ghat (a sacred pot symbolizing the Goddess) takes place in temples or homes. Rituals: Devotees begin preparing for the upcoming days, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
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Significance: Preparations for the festival continue, with homes and pandals being decorated, idols being brought, and rituals continuing.
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Significance: Final touches to the idols of Goddess Durga, as artisans make sure she is resplendent before the main puja days.
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Significance: On this day, the idol of Goddess Durga is formally welcomed into pandals or homes, marking her physical arrival. Rituals: Devotees start worshipping the Goddess, and decorations are at their peak.
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Significance: The rituals begin with the invocation of Goddess Durga and the placement of her idol in the pandal. Rituals: The face of the Goddess, which remains covered until this day, is unveiled. This day sets the stage for the grand celebrations ahead.
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Significance: The main Durga Puja starts on this day. Rituals: The Goddess is invoked with rituals like the Bodhon (invitation), Amantran, and Adhibas. Cultural programs and celebrations start in full swing.
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Significance: Saptami is the day when the ritualistic worship of Goddess Durga begins in earnest. Rituals: The Nabapatrika or Kalabou (a banana plant wrapped in a saree) is bathed in the holy river and placed beside the idol of Durga, symbolizing the nine forms of the goddess.
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Significance: The most important day of Durga Puja. Rituals: Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess, takes place. Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, marks Durga’s fierce form when she slayed the demon Mahishasura. Devotees also offer pushpanjali (flower offerings) and anjali to the Goddess.
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Significance: The last day of Durga's battle with Mahishasura. Rituals: Navami begins with special maha aarti, symbolizing the end of evil and the victory of good. People gather for the final round of prayers and festive celebrations. Feasts are organized, and bhog (sacred food offerings) is distributed.
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Significance: This day marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and also symbolizes her departure from earth to her heavenly abode. Rituals: Married women engage in Sindoor Khela, where they apply vermillion on each other, and bid an emotional farewell to the Goddess. The idols are then taken for immersion (Visarjan) in rivers or other water bodies.
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