Durga Puja, the most famous festival of Bengalis………..

Durga Puja, the most famous festival of the Bengalis, all over the world each and every Bengali celebrates their heart's joise connecting with family, friends and relatives.

Durga Puja is an occasion which is enriched by the familiar sound of Dhak, an array of “Dhunuchi Nachh”, the mild fragrance of “Shiuli Flower”, all these gives a happily romantic touch to every Bengali’s heart.

Goddess Durga is a form of “Sakti” worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. She represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism.

There are endless aspects of Devi Durga described in the Puranas. In her ten arms, she holds Sword, Conch, Discus, Rosary, Bell, Winecup, Shielf, Bow, Arrow, & Spear. She is called by various other names, such as “Singhabahini”, “Parvaty”, “Kali”, “Ambika”.

Durga Puja festival is also celebrated with different names in various parts of India. In Bengal, Durga Pooja is also known as Maayer Pujo (worship of the Mother), Akalbodhan (untimely awakening of Durga), Durgotsab (festival of Durga). This festival is also called Navratri Puja in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi. It is celebrated as Kullu Dussehra in Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

During Durgapuja, a bhog (Puja Prasadam) is offered to all devotees who come and have Darshana to Goddess Durga. The Bhog consists of yummy stuffs like Khichdi, Aloo Sabzi, Beguni (Bringal Pakoda), Tomato Chutney with Khejur, and finally finished with Rasogolla.

Here are few moments captured in my camera during Durganavami in the pandal of Rajajinagar & Malleswaram in Bangalore. Apart from these two there are few other places in Bangalore like Koramangla, Jaynagar, Ulsoor (this year they have shifted to Palace Ground) where Durgapuja is celebrated. The Bengalis of these areas have established their associations since long back and they celebrate their favourite occasions like Durgapuja, Kalipuja, and Saraswatipuja every year….