During Navaratri time, Durga puja is celebrated by eastern states of West Bengal, Orissa, Tripura, Assam and Jharkhand. In these states this celebration has a large secular component in the form of music, art, dance and food. Goddess Durga is know as “destroyer of evil”, a “protector of the righteous”. In some parts of the country tents are erected, image of the goddess is installed ceremoniously, and hundreds of people gather for the evening puja.

According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga emerged from the collective energy of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. She is an embodiment of Shakti, power to destroy demon King Mahishasura.

Mahishasura had a head of a buffalo. He worshipped Lord Brahma.  After years of penance, he demanded immortality.  Since Lord Brahma was pleased with his penance, He granted Mahishasura’s wishes. The Boon given by Lord Brahma was, he would not be killed by a man or an animal.  In the end, he was told that a woman will be the end of him.

Mahishasura was greedy and high on power of immortality, he started to attack and captured all of earth, heaven and hell. The gods knew he could not be defeated because of the boon granted by Lord Brahma. So, they approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu in turn consulted with Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. They decided they would combine all their powers to give birth to Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga then fought Mahishasura over a period of 15 days, since he kept changing his shape to misled her. Finally, when he transformed back to a buffalo, Goddess Durga was able to stab him with her trident and that was the end of him.

How to celebrate at home

Items required for puja

• Picture or Idol of Goddess Durga in the Pooja room
• A dupatta or sari to offer to the deity
• Durga Saptshati book
• Plain water in Kalash (pitcher)
• Fresh and washed mango leaves
• Fresh grass
• Sandalwood
• One coconut
• Kumkum
• Turmeric
• Red sacred thread
• Rice
• Betel leaves and betel nuts
• Flowers

Puja

Hindu worship or puja at home requires idols (murtis/deity) and prayers (mantras). Usually the deity(s) or pictures are kept in a quiet place called a puja room. Puja in Sanskrit means “honor” or “worship”. We welcome God or Goddess the same way as we welcome our guests. If time is of the essence, the following steps can be taken for the puja:

• Sit on a small carpet or low stool (raised wood plank) facing North or East.
• Create an altar for Goddess Durga
• Clean the place and Goddess Durga by sprinkling few drops of water. Use a separate cloth to wipe the Goddess and later, apply Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum to the deity.
• Light the lamps and place in front of the alter.
• Keep betel leaves, nuts, flowers and fruits in a plate in front of the altar.
• After keeping the items in front of the Goddess Durga, begin with Ganesh or Vishwaksena puja or prarthana.
• Then, start chanting sholkas or stothram as per your family traditions.
• After worshiping with shlokas, you decorate the Goddess Durga with flowers and offer Naivedyam.
• Light aarti diya and perform aarti.
• Finally, conclude with Pradakshina (circumambulation, which means going in a clockwise direction) namaskar at the end of puja.
• Give everyone present, prasad which you offered as Naivedyam.

If using Kalash for puja, follow the Shodashopachara vidhi (process). There are sixteen steps in this vidhi.  This is included in the website.

Suggested Chants

• Ganapathi Mool mantra
• Durga Sloka

Activity for kids

• Do Durga themed crafts (like mask made of clay and paint it).
• Make Rangoli designs.
• Make string of mango leaves, flower garland.
• Decorate Kalash for Puja
• Read books about Durga Puja, Ramayana and Navarathri
• Teach some dance steps, so the whole family can enjoy doing this.(garba style)