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Durga Puja: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Hindu festival}} | {{Short description|Annual Hindu festival}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} | ||
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| holiday_name = Durga Pooja | | holiday_name = Durga Pooja | ||
| type = Hindu | | type = Hindu | ||
| image = বাগবাজার সার্বজনীন দুর্গোৎসব ২০১৮.jpg | |||
| image = | |||
| caption = Devi Durga killing Mahishasura with her trident riding her [[vahana]] lion . Lakshmi and Ganesha flank the left while Saraswati and Kartikeya flank on the right | | caption = Devi Durga killing Mahishasura with her trident riding her [[vahana]] lion . Lakshmi and Ganesha flank the left while Saraswati and Kartikeya flank on the right | ||
| observedby = [[ | | observedby = [[Bengalis|Bengali]], [[Odia people|Odia]], [[Maithils]] and [[People of Assam|Assamese]] communities as a socio-cultural and religious festival | ||
| longtype = [[Hindu]] | | longtype = [[Hindu]] | ||
| begins = {{Hindu festival date}} | | begins = {{Hindu festival date}} | ||
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{{Hinduism}} | {{Hinduism}} | ||
'''Durga Pooja''', also known as '''Durgotsava''' or '''Sharodotsava''', is an annual [[Hindu]] festival originating in the [[Indian subcontinent]] which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess [[Durga]] and is also celebrated because of Durga's victory over [[Mahishasur]].{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}}{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} It is particularly popular and traditionally celebrated in the [[Indian states]] of [[West Bengal]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha | '''Durga Pooja''', also known as '''Durgotsava''' or '''Sharodotsava''', is an annual [[Hindu]] festival originating in the [[Indian subcontinent]] which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess [[Durga]] and is also celebrated because of Durga's victory over [[Mahishasur]].{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}}{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} It is particularly popular and traditionally celebrated in the [[Indian states]] of [[West Bengal]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Tripura]], [[Assam]] and the country of [[Bangladesh]]. The festival is observed in the Indian calendar month of [[Ashwin]], which corresponds to September–October in the [[Gregorian calendar]]. {{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=106-108}}{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica |2015}} '''Durga Puja''', is a ten-day festival,{{sfn| Doniger|1999|p=306}}{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}} of which the last five are of the most significance.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parmita Borah |date=2 October 2011 |title=Durga Puja - a Celebration of Female Supremacy |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |publisher=EF News International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051716/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 |access-date=26 October 2011}}</ref>{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica |2015}} The [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] is performed in homes and public, the latter featuring a temporary stage and structural decorations (known as ''[[pandal]]s''). The festival is also marked by scripture recitations, performance arts, revelry, gift-giving, family visits, feasting, and public processions.{{sfn|Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}}{{sfn| Melton|2011|pp=239–241}}{{sfn| Amazzone|2011|pp=82-83}} Durga puja is an important festival in the [[Shaktism]] tradition of Hinduism.{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}}{{sfn|Foulston|Abbott|2009|pp=162-169}}{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=7-8}} Durga puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the [[Intangible cultural heritage]] list of [[UNESCO]] in December, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNESCO - Durga Puja in Kolkata|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/durga-puja-in-kolkata-00703|access-date=2021-12-15|website=ich.unesco.org|language=en}}</ref> | ||
As per [[Hindus|Hindu]] scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting [[asura]], [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=215-219}}{{efn-ua|group=note|In the Shakta tradition of [[Hinduism]], many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.{{sfn| McDaniel|2004|pp=20–21, 217–219}}}} Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.{{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=111–112}}{{sfn|Donner|2016|p=25}} Durga puja coincides with [[Navaratri]] and [[Dussehra]] celebrations observed by other traditions of Hinduism,<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2020|title=Durga Puja (Durga Ashtami) 2020: Is Maa Durga Worthy to Worship?|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/durga-puja-durga-ashtami-2020/|access-date=25 October 2020|website=S A NEWS|language=en-US}}</ref> in which the [[Ramlila|Ram Lila]] dance-drama is enacted, celebrating the victory of Rama against Ravana, and effigies of Ravana are burnt.{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|pp=212–213}}{{sfn|Jones| Ryan|2006|pp=308–309}} | As per [[Hindus|Hindu]] scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting [[asura]], [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=215-219}}{{efn-ua|group=note|In the Shakta tradition of [[Hinduism]], many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.{{sfn| McDaniel|2004|pp=20–21, 217–219}}}} Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.{{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=111–112}}{{sfn|Donner|2016|p=25}} Durga puja coincides with [[Navaratri]] and [[Dussehra]] celebrations observed by other traditions of Hinduism,<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2020|title=Durga Puja (Durga Ashtami) 2020: Is Maa Durga Worthy to Worship?|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/durga-puja-durga-ashtami-2020/|access-date=25 October 2020|website=S A NEWS|language=en-US}}</ref> in which the [[Ramlila|Ram Lila]] dance-drama is enacted, celebrating the victory of Rama against Ravana, and effigies of Ravana are burnt.{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|pp=212–213}}{{sfn|Jones| Ryan|2006|pp=308–309}} | ||
The primary goddess revered during Durga Puja is Durga but celebrations also include other major deities of [[Hinduism]] such as [[Lakshmi]] (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), [[Saraswati]] (the goddess of knowledge and music), [[Ganesha]] (the god of good beginnings), and [[Kartikeya]] (the god of war). In Bengali traditions, these deities are considered to be Durga's children, and Durga Puja is believed to commemorate Durga's visit to her natal home with her beloved children. The festival is preceded by Mahalaya, which is believed to mark the start of Durga's journey to her natal home. Primary celebrations begin on the sixth day (Shasthi), on which the goddess is welcomed with rituals. The festival ends on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami) when devotees embark on a procession carrying the worshipped clay sculpture-idols to a river, or other water body, and immerse them, symbolic of her return to the divine cosmos and her marital home with Shiva in Kailash. Regional and community variations in celebration of the festival and rituals observed exist. | The primary goddess revered during Durga Puja is Durga but celebrations also include other major deities of [[Hinduism]] such as [[Lakshmi]] (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), [[Saraswati]] (the goddess of knowledge and music), [[Ganesha]] (the god of good beginnings), and [[Kartikeya]] (the god of war). In Bengali and Odia traditions, these deities are considered to be Durga's children, and Durga Puja is believed to commemorate Durga's visit to her natal home with her beloved children. The festival is preceded by Mahalaya, which is believed to mark the start of Durga's journey to her natal home. Primary celebrations begin on the sixth day (Shasthi), on which the goddess is welcomed with rituals. The festival ends on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami) when devotees embark on a procession carrying the worshipped clay sculpture-idols to a river, or other water body, and immerse them, symbolic of her return to the divine cosmos and her marital home with Shiva in Kailash. Regional and community variations in celebration of the festival and rituals observed exist. | ||
Durga puja is an old tradition of Hinduism,<ref name="britannica.com">{{Cite web|title=Durga Puja {{!}} Traditions & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Durga-Puja|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> though its exact origins are unclear. Surviving manuscripts from the 14th—century provide guidelines for Durga puja, while historical records suggest that royalty and wealthy families were sponsoring major Durga puja festivities since at least the 16th-century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/dcc_20210214_202102#page/108/mode/2up|title = Dutta Chaudhuri Ancestry|date = 14 February 2021}}</ref>{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}} The prominence of Durga puja increased during the [[British Raj]] in the provinces of Bengal and Assam.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durga Puja |url=http://online.assam.gov.in/web/durga-puja |website=Assam Online Portal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817122357/http://online.assam.gov.in/web/durga-puja |archive-date=17 August 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} However, in modern times, the importance of Durga puja is more as a social and cultural festival than a religious one, wherever it is observed. | Durga puja is an old tradition of Hinduism,<ref name="britannica.com">{{Cite web|title=Durga Puja {{!}} Traditions & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Durga-Puja|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> though its exact origins are unclear. Surviving manuscripts from the 14th—century provide guidelines for Durga puja, while historical records suggest that royalty and wealthy families were sponsoring major Durga puja festivities since at least the 16th-century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/dcc_20210214_202102#page/108/mode/2up|title = Dutta Chaudhuri Ancestry|date = 14 February 2021}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2022}}{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}} The prominence of Durga puja increased during the [[British Raj]] in the provinces of Bengal, Odisha and Assam.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durga Puja |url=http://online.assam.gov.in/web/durga-puja |website=Assam Online Portal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817122357/http://online.assam.gov.in/web/durga-puja |archive-date=17 August 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} However, in modern times, the importance of Durga puja is more as a social and cultural festival than a religious one, wherever it is observed. | ||
Over the years, Durga puja has morphed into an inseparable part of Indian culture with a diverse group of people celebrating this festival in their unique way while on tradition.{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} | Over the years, Durga puja has morphed into an inseparable part of Indian culture with a diverse group of people celebrating this festival in their unique way while on tradition.{{sfn|Bradley|2012|p=214}} | ||
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The rituals before the puja begins include the following:{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=71-74}} | The rituals before the puja begins include the following:{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=71-74}} | ||
* ''Paata Puja'': The process of making an idol usually begins with 'Paata Puja', on the day of the Rath Yatra that usually takes place around July. 'Paata' is the wooden frame that forms the base for the idols.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/lifestyle/durga-puja-special-rites-rituals-process-making-ma-durga-1502695948.html/amp|title=Paata Puja the process of Durga Idol making also Called Durga Maay Aagmon" |access-date= 12 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
* ''Bodhana'': Involves rites to awaken and welcome the goddess to be a guest, typically done on the sixth day of the festival.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=38-44, 84-87}} | * ''Bodhana'': Involves rites to awaken and welcome the goddess to be a guest, typically done on the sixth day of the festival.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=38-44, 84-87}} | ||
* ''Adhivasa'': Anointing ritual wherein symbolic offerings are made to Durga, with each item representing a remembrance of subtle forms of her. Typically completed on the sixth day as well.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=44-45, 120-127}} | * ''Adhivasa'': Anointing ritual wherein symbolic offerings are made to Durga, with each item representing a remembrance of subtle forms of her. Typically completed on the sixth day as well.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=44-45, 120-127}} | ||
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The process of the creation of clay sculpture-idols (''pratima'' or ''[[murti]]'') for the puja, from the collection of clay to the ornamentation is a ceremonial process. Though the festival is observed post-monsoon harvest, the artisans begin making the sculpture-idols months before, during summer. The process begins with prayers to Ganesha and to the perceived divinity in materials such as bamboo frames in which the sculpture-idols are cast.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} | The process of the creation of clay sculpture-idols (''pratima'' or ''[[murti]]'') for the puja, from the collection of clay to the ornamentation is a ceremonial process. Though the festival is observed post-monsoon harvest, the artisans begin making the sculpture-idols months before, during summer. The process begins with prayers to Ganesha and to the perceived divinity in materials such as bamboo frames in which the sculpture-idols are cast.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} | ||
[[File:Durga statue is being made, Rangpur,Bangladesh.jpg|alt=Durga statue is being made|thumb|Clay statue is being made]] | [[File:Durga statue is being made, Rangpur,Bangladesh.jpg|alt=Durga statue is being made|thumb|Clay statue is being made]] | ||
Clay, or alluvial soil, collected from different regions form the base. This choice is a tradition wherein Durga, perceived as the creative energy and material, is believed to be present everywhere and everything in the universe.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} In certain traditions in Kolkata, a custom is to include soil samples in the clay mixture for Durga from areas believed to be ''nishiddho pallis'' (forbidden territories; territories inhabited by the "social outcasts" such as brothels).{{sfn|Khanna|2015|p=96}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fahy|first=John|date=2018-09-02|title=Samsara|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/19428200.2018.1602407|journal=Anthropology Now|volume=10|issue=3|pages=93–105|doi=10.1080/19428200.2018.1602407|s2cid=218662621|issn=1942-8200}}</ref><ref>{{Cite | Clay, or alluvial soil, collected from different regions form the base. This choice is a tradition wherein Durga, perceived as the creative energy and material, is believed to be present everywhere and everything in the universe.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} In certain traditions in Kolkata, a custom is to include soil samples in the clay mixture for Durga from areas believed to be ''nishiddho pallis'' (forbidden territories; territories inhabited by the "social outcasts" such as brothels).{{sfn|Khanna|2015|p=96}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fahy|first=John|date=2018-09-02|title=Samsara|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/19428200.2018.1602407|journal=Anthropology Now|volume=10|issue=3|pages=93–105|doi=10.1080/19428200.2018.1602407|s2cid=218662621|issn=1942-8200}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ahsanat |first=Moazzam Areeba |date=2014 |title=Identity catapult in a globalizing world: A critique |url=https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:jpg&volume=3&issue=1&article=002 |journal=Journal of Politics and Governance |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=16–22}}</ref> | ||
The clay base is combined with straw, kneaded, and then molded into a cast made from hay and bamboo. This is layered to a fine final shape, cleaned, painted, and polished. A layer of a fiber called [[jute]], mixed in with clay, is also attached to the top to prevent the statue from cracking in the months ahead. The heads of the statues are more complex and are usually made separately.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} The limbs of the statues are mostly shaped from bundles of straws.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} Then, starting about August, the local artisans hand-paint the sculpture-idols which are later dressed in clothing, are decorated and bejewelled, and displayed at the puja altars.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}}{{sfn|Amazzone|2012|p=57}} | The clay base is combined with straw, kneaded, and then molded into a cast made from hay and bamboo. This is layered to a fine final shape, cleaned, painted, and polished. A layer of a fiber called [[jute]], mixed in with clay, is also attached to the top to prevent the statue from cracking in the months ahead. The heads of the statues are more complex and are usually made separately.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} The limbs of the statues are mostly shaped from bundles of straws.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}} Then, starting about August, the local artisans hand-paint the sculpture-idols which are later dressed in clothing, are decorated and bejewelled, and displayed at the puja altars.{{sfn|Chitgopekar|2009|pp=95–98}}{{sfn|Amazzone|2012|p=57}} | ||
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Shakta Hindu communities mark the slaying of Mahishasura and the victory of Durga with a symbolic or actual sacrifice. Most communities prefer symbolic sacrifice, where a statue of the ''asura'' is made of flour or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion, symbolic of the blood that had spilled during the battle.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=204-205}} Other substitutes include a vegetable or a sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.{{sfn| McDermott|2011|pp=204–205}} In certain instances, devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, and practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.{{sfn|Katznelson|Jones|2010|p=343}} | Shakta Hindu communities mark the slaying of Mahishasura and the victory of Durga with a symbolic or actual sacrifice. Most communities prefer symbolic sacrifice, where a statue of the ''asura'' is made of flour or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion, symbolic of the blood that had spilled during the battle.{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=204-205}} Other substitutes include a vegetable or a sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.{{sfn| McDermott|2011|pp=204–205}} In certain instances, devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, and practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.{{sfn|Katznelson|Jones|2010|p=343}} | ||
In communities performing actual sacrifice, an animal is sacrificed, mainly at temples.{{sfn|Ghosa|1871|pp=60–65}} In Nepal, West Bengal and Assam, animal sacrifices are performed at Shakta temples to commemorate the legend of Durga slaying Mahishasura.{{sfn| Phillips|Kerrigan|Gould|2011|pp=98-101}} This involves slaying of a fowl, goat or a male water-buffalo. This practice is rare among Hindus outside the regions of Bengal and Assam.{{sfn|Fuller |2004|pp=46, 83–85}} In these regions, the festival season is primarily when significant animal sacrifices are observed.{{sfn|Fuller |2004|pp=46, 83–85}} | In communities performing actual sacrifice, an animal is sacrificed, mainly at temples.{{sfn|Ghosa|1871|pp=60–65}} In Nepal, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, animal sacrifices are performed at Shakta temples to commemorate the legend of Durga slaying Mahishasura.{{sfn| Phillips|Kerrigan|Gould|2011|pp=98-101}} This involves slaying of a fowl, goat or a male water-buffalo. This practice is rare among Hindus outside the regions of Bengal, Odisha and Assam.{{sfn|Fuller |2004|pp=46, 83–85}} In these regions, the festival season is primarily when significant animal sacrifices are observed.{{sfn|Fuller |2004|pp=46, 83–85}} | ||
The [[Rajput]]s of [[Rajasthan]] worship their weapons and horses in the related festival of Navaratri, and some historically observed the sacrifice of a goat, a practice that continues in some places.{{sfn|Harlan|2003|p=22}}{{sfn|Hiltebeitel|Erndl|2000|p=77}} The sacrifice ritual, supervised he the priest, requires slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.{{sfn|Harlan|1992|pp=61, 88}} The ''Kuldevi'' (clan deity) among these Rajput communities is a warrior goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.{{sfn|Harlan|1992|pp=107–108}}{{better source needed|reason=The source does not have anything on animal sacrifice, Navratri or Durga puja. Perhaps the content can go in the article on Shaktiism|date=September 2019}} | The [[Rajput]]s of [[Rajasthan]] worship their weapons and horses in the related festival of Navaratri, and some historically observed the sacrifice of a goat, a practice that continues in some places.{{sfn|Harlan|2003|p=22}}{{sfn|Hiltebeitel|Erndl|2000|p=77}} The sacrifice ritual, supervised he the priest, requires slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.{{sfn|Harlan|1992|pp=61, 88}} The ''Kuldevi'' (clan deity) among these Rajput communities is a warrior goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.{{sfn|Harlan|1992|pp=107–108}}{{better source needed|reason=The source does not have anything on animal sacrifice, Navratri or Durga puja. Perhaps the content can go in the article on Shaktiism|date=September 2019}} | ||
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[[File:Chaudhury Bazar Chandi Medha.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Sculpture-idols in Cuttack, Odisha for Durga puja, bedecked with jewellery.]] | [[File:Chaudhury Bazar Chandi Medha.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Sculpture-idols in Cuttack, Odisha for Durga puja, bedecked with jewellery.]] | ||
In Odisha, Durga puja | In Odisha, Durga puja is the most important festival of the people of the state. Durga puja is a very important festival for Odias, during the 4 days of the festival, the streets of the city turns into a wonderland throughout the state, people welcome the arrival of their maa by rejoicing themselves, eating tasty food, wearing new clothes, seeing different pandals across the city, family gathering and gift givings. In 2019, ninety-seven pandals in [[Cuttack]] alone, Odisha were reported to bedeck respective sculpture-idols with silver jewelry for Durga puja celebrations; such club of pandals termed regionally as ''Chandi Medha''. The state capital is famous for the modern themes and creativity In the pandals, while the Western part of the state has a more retro decoration theme to the pandal. In the northern parts of the state particularly [[Balasore]], durga puja is celebrated with much fervor and the Odia diaspora abroad especially in [[Australia]], which originates 95% from the district of Balasore celebrates the puja in the same manner which is done back home in Balasore.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2019/sep/13/three-more-chandi-medha-to-adorn-silver-citys-durga-puja-celebration-2032898.html | title=Three more 'Chandi Medha' to adorn Silver City's Durga Puja celebration | date=13 September 2019 | agency=New Indian Express | access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref> In September 2019, 160 ''pandals'' were reported to be hosting Durga puja in Cuttack.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2019/sep/11/bad-roads-dampen-spirit-of-cuttacks-millennium-city-durga-puja-organisers-2032008.html | title=Bad roads dampen spirit of Cuttack's Millennium City Durga Puja organisers | date=11 September 2019 | agency=New Indian Express | access-date=18 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913212242/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2019/sep/11/bad-roads-dampen-spirit-of-cuttacks-millennium-city-durga-puja-organisers-2032008.html | archive-date=13 September 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= https://odishatv.in/odisha-news/odisha-decks-up-for-navratri-preparations-for-durga-puja-reach-final-stages-486110 | title= Odisha Decks Up For Navratri; Preparations For Durga Puja Reach Final Stages | date= 20 October 2020 | agency= OdishaTV | access-date= 20 October 2020 }}</ref> | ||
While in Tripura there were over 2,500 community Durga puja celebrations in 2013. Durga puja has been started at the Durgabari temple, in [[Agartala]] by King Radha Kishore Manikya Bahadur.<ref>{{cite | While in Tripura there were over 2,500 community Durga puja celebrations in 2013. Durga puja has been started at the Durgabari temple, in [[Agartala]] by King Radha Kishore Manikya Bahadur.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five must-visit Durga Puja pandals of Agartala |url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/five-must-visit-durga-puja-pandals-of-agartala/ |work=The Northeast Today |date=19 October 2015 |access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Puja begins in Tripura with traditional guard of honour to Goddess |url=http://post.jagran.com/durga-puja-begins-in-tripura-with-traditional-guard-of-honour-to-goddess-1381483075 |work=Jagran Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118213128/http://post.jagran.com/durga-puja-begins-in-tripura-with-traditional-guard-of-honour-to-goddess-1381483075 |archive-date=18 November 2018 |access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref> | ||
==Significance== | ==Significance== | ||
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Beyond south Asia, Durga puja is organized by Bengali communities in the United States of America.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ghosh |first=Nirmalya |date=3 November 2016 |title=Durga Puja After Two Decades |url=http://www.indoamerican-news.com/durga-puja-after-two-decades/ |work=Indo American News}}</ref> Durga puja celebrations have also been started in [[Hong Kong]] by the Bengali diaspora.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durga Puja |url=http://www.hkyantoyan.com/news-and-views/durga-puja-the-hong-kong-version/attachment/durgapuja |website=HK Yanto Yan}}</ref> | Beyond south Asia, Durga puja is organized by Bengali communities in the United States of America.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ghosh |first=Nirmalya |date=3 November 2016 |title=Durga Puja After Two Decades |url=http://www.indoamerican-news.com/durga-puja-after-two-decades/ |work=Indo American News}}</ref> Durga puja celebrations have also been started in [[Hong Kong]] by the Bengali diaspora.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durga Puja |url=http://www.hkyantoyan.com/news-and-views/durga-puja-the-hong-kong-version/attachment/durgapuja |website=HK Yanto Yan}}</ref> | ||
In Canada, Bengali Hindu communities both from Bangladesh and West Bengal, India organise several Durga pujas.<ref name=":0">{{Cite | In Canada, Bengali Hindu communities both from Bangladesh and West Bengal, India organise several Durga pujas.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Durga Puja celebrations in Canada |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/new-to-canada/culture-history-sport/durga-puja-celebrations-in-canada/new_canada_show/48451872.cms|access-date=2021-10-19|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Greater Toronto Area has the most number of Durga Puja celebration venues organized by different Bengali cultural groups such as Bangladesh Canada Hindu Cultural Society (BCHCS), Bongo Poribar Sociocultural Association etc.<ref name=":0" /> City of Toronto has a dedicated Durga Temple named Toronto Durgabari where Durga puja is organized along with other Hindu celebrations. Most of the puja venues of Toronto area try to arrange the puja in best possible way to follow the lunar calendar and timings. | ||
Celebrations are also organized in Europe. The sculpture-idols are shipped from India and stored in warehouses to be re-used over the years.<ref name ="thames" /> According to BBC News, for community celebrations in London in 2006, these "idols, belonging to a tableau measuring 18ft by 20ft, were made from clay, straw and vegetable dyes". At the end of the puja, the sculpture-idols were immersed in River Thames for the first time in 2006, after "the community was allowed to give a traditional send-off to the deities by London's port authorities".<ref name ="thames">{{cite news |title=BBC Thames immersion for Hindu sculptures |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/5401122.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=2 October 2006 |access-date=4 October 2011}}</ref> In Germany, the puja is celebrated in Cologne,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indische Kultur Verein e.V |url=http://www.durgapuja.de/ |website=www.durgapuja.de}}</ref> and other cities. In Switzerland,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Durga Puja in Switzerland |url=http://www.swisspuja.org/ |website=www.swisspuja.org |access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref> puja in Baden, Aargau has been celebrated since 2003. In Sweden, the puja is celebrated in cities such as Stockholm and Helsingborg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.bcsofss.com/ |website=Bengali Cultural Society - South Sweden}}</ref> In the Netherlands, the puja is celebrated in places such as Amstelveen, Eindhoven, and Voorschoten. In Japan, Durga Puja is celebrated in Tokyo with much fanfare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bengali Community of The Netherlands |url=https://www.hoichoi.nl/ |website=Hoichoi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://anandadhara.nl/ |website=Anandadhara}}</ref> | Celebrations are also organized in Europe. The sculpture-idols are shipped from India and stored in warehouses to be re-used over the years.<ref name ="thames" /> According to BBC News, for community celebrations in London in 2006, these "idols, belonging to a tableau measuring 18ft by 20ft, were made from clay, straw and vegetable dyes". At the end of the puja, the sculpture-idols were immersed in River Thames for the first time in 2006, after "the community was allowed to give a traditional send-off to the deities by London's port authorities".<ref name ="thames">{{cite news |title=BBC Thames immersion for Hindu sculptures |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/5401122.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=2 October 2006 |access-date=4 October 2011}}</ref> In Germany, the puja is celebrated in Cologne,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indische Kultur Verein e.V |url=http://www.durgapuja.de/ |website=www.durgapuja.de}}</ref> and other cities. In Switzerland,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Durga Puja in Switzerland |url=http://www.swisspuja.org/ |website=www.swisspuja.org |access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref> puja in Baden, Aargau has been celebrated since 2003. In Sweden, the puja is celebrated in cities such as Stockholm and Helsingborg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.bcsofss.com/ |website=Bengali Cultural Society - South Sweden}}</ref> In the Netherlands, the puja is celebrated in places such as Amstelveen, Eindhoven, and Voorschoten. In Japan, Durga Puja is celebrated in Tokyo with much fanfare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bengali Community of The Netherlands |url=https://www.hoichoi.nl/ |website=Hoichoi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://anandadhara.nl/ |website=Anandadhara}}</ref> | ||
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{{West Bengal}} | {{West Bengal}} | ||
[[Category:Durga Puja| ]] | [[Category:Durga Puja| ]] | ||
[[Category:Bengali festivals]] | [[Category:Bengali festivals]] | ||
[[Category:Festivals in West Bengal]] | |||
[[Category:Festivals in Odisha]] | [[Category:Festivals in Odisha]] | ||
[[Category:Festivals in Assam]] | [[Category:Festivals in Assam]] | ||
[[Category:Hindu festivals]] | [[Category:Hindu festivals]] | ||
[[Category:Autumn events in India]] | |||
[[Category:Autumn events in Nepal]] | |||
[[Category:September observances]] | [[Category:September observances]] | ||
[[Category:October observances]] | [[Category:October observances]] | ||
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