Durgapuja – the worship of mother Goddess is one of the most famous festivals of Hindus and is celebrated all over India, especially in Bengal. It is an occasion of reunion and rejuvenation irrespective of culture and religion. Though traditionally the fiesta is celebrated for ten days, the main part is restricted to four days starting in the evening of Sasthhi. On the auspicious day of Mahalaya (1st day), the eyes of the idol are drawn. It is called “chokkhu daan”, creation of the eyes. On this day, Ma Durga is invited to home i.e. on the earth. On sasthhi she arrives on the earth from her heavenly abode with her children and is welcomed by the rhythms of Dhak. On Saptami ”Pran Pratistha” of the idol is done by a special puja. Different pujas and aartis are performed on the days of Astami and Navami. Finally on Dashami, the tenth day, the idol is immersed in the water. This festival is about worship of power of good which always wins over the evil.
