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[Pictures] The Grandeur of Durga Puja 2012

The Navratri began on 16th Oct 2012, and so began days of joy, dance, music, pleasure and above all, devotion. Every state was outperformed by the charm of Gujarati art of celebrating, with the Garba/Dandiya Raas. Soon, 6th day of the Navratri fell on 20th October, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

Like every other year, this year too, there were celebrations at different places in Udaipur. UdaipurBlog.com brings you pictures from the 4 day celebrations of Durga Puja that ended on Vijaya Dashmi. Beginning with the bodhan, to routine rituals, “pushpanjali”, “balidaan”, “sandhi-puja”, and the famous “Dhunichi” dance and Sindur Play, the celebration concluded with immersion of the deity idols into water bodies. For a detailed info on the traditions and how the idols are made ‘Eco Frendly’ as well as fit for immersion into water bodies, I suggest you to read the post below

Link: Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

Photos By: Aniket John, Gaurav Bhattacharya, Prasun Bannerjee

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Festivals

Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

About the Author: Mr. Anand Bhattacharya is an Advocate, and belongs to the successor generation of  late Shri Nripendralal Bhattacharya, who started the Durga Pooja ceremony in Udaipur in the year 1956 , at Bindu Bhawan, 49,Shastri Marg, Udaipur. Since then it is being celebrated there every year at the same place with spirits of great enthusiasm, zeal, and spirituality, and the culture is inherited by generations.

Durga Pooja | UdaipurBlog

Shree Shree Durga Pooja”, which is being celebrated during the Shukla Paksh of Bengali Kartik month every year, known as “Navratri” in the Hindi speaking area of the country, is not just a religious ceremony for the Bengalis. It is a religious-cum-social function and as the festival approaches, the heart of every Bengali is enveloped by the feeling of joy and pleasure. This is a time of the year, when all the new and major purchases are done, new books, new films, new songs, new designs of cloths etc. are released and Bengalis, specially those residing in Kolkata, often plan site seeing trips to various places, specially because the schools also remain closed for around fifteen days during this time. The business, especially for those dealing in consumer goods, is very brisk. Shops are flooded with fresh stock of consumer goods and the market is full of customers.

Normally the Pooja used to be celebrated, initially in Chaitra Month (i.e. around March-April) in the olden days. However, it is said that the Pooja during this time (September-October month) of the year, was started by Shree Raam during his fight with Ravan, when  he was not able to overcome the strength of Ravan. This Pooja is therefore also known as “Akaal Bodhan” [Akaal means – untimely and bodhan means – commencement]. It is also very interesting to note, that as per the belief, this Pooja was performed for Raam, by none other than Ravan himself, who was a Brahmin of the highest order, as there was no other able Brahmin available at the place where such Pooja was performed. This was done by Ravan, knowing fully well that the aim of this Pooja was for vanquishing him. This shows the depth of our culture, where duty is given priority over every other thing – even the life of the person.

Durga Puja Aarti | UdaipurBlog

As against the Navratri pooja, which starts from the first day of Shukla Paksh [ekum], the Durga Pooja as per Bengali system, starts from the sixth day or “Shashti”. There are two Puraans – Devi Puraan and Kalika Puraan – under one of which the Pooja is performed as per Bengali system.

Another very important fact which requires to be taken note of, is that the idol of Shree Shree Durga Mataji is made of completely natural (mostly bio-degradable) commodities. The basic structure or the body of the idols is made by straw being tied to bamboos by jute string (sutli). Over this structure of straw,  the first coat of mud, impregnated with chaff of rice, is applied. Addition of chaff, strengthens the binding quality of the mud. Once this first coat of mud gets dried up, the second and smooth coat of pure and closely sieved mud is applied, which gives the final shape and smoothness to the idols. Once this coat gets dried up, a primary coating of chalk is applied on the mud. After that coat dries up, natural water colors are applied thereon. These water colors are dissolved in the extract obtained by boiling tamarind seeds in water. That makes the colors permanent. After drying up of the colour , the whole idol is coated with a fine solution of sabudana [TROPICANA SEEDS] boiled and dissolved in water. This acts as a laminating film for the colours, and protects it from atmospheric effects like fading out etc.. The hairs are made of finely combed jute, and the black colour to the hairs is imparted by boiling the duly combed jute with Harde, Catechu (Kattha) and certain herbs. Nowadays of course readymade hairs are available. Thus the idol consists mostly of natural inputs. Therefore, this idol is more eco-friendly than the POP idols that are being made in other parts of the country. It may also be noted that except for the faces (which are also made of mud) whole of the idol is made by hand and dies are not used. This is a traditional art, and specialized by some families who are doing this work for generations. Luckily, as the number of poojas and requirement of idol is ever increasing, this art is not a dying art and actually new artists are getting added to this profession every year.

Idol Making Process Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The format of the idol which is being worshipped during this Durga Pooja ceremony is known as “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” i.e. the roop or form, which Maa Durga adopted for vanquishing and ultimately killing “Mahishasur”, who was one of the most powerful asur (evil power) of all times. It is said that when “Mahishasur” became so powerful that even the Gods (Devtas] started getting tormented by him, all the Gods contributed their powers and created this “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” and in that form, duly fortified with the strength of various Gods, Maa Durga annihilated “Mahishasur”. This format of Maa Durga therefore is known as “Shakti Roop of Maa Durga” and in this roop, Maa Durga  has ten hands, each wielding a special weapon known as ayudh, which were contributed by various different Gods.

Alongwith the main idol of Maa Durga, riding a lion and seen as killing “Mahishasur”, there are other idols namely “Ganesh”,  “Maha Laxmi”, “Maha Saraswati” and ”Kartik”. Each of these idols are manifestations of certain virtues. Lord Ganesh is manifestation of wisdom, Maha Laxmi Ji is manifestation of wealth, Maha Saraswati Ji is manifestation of learning and Kartik Ji is the manifestation of administration/organization. If the whole idol is perceived with this viewpoint, it would very clearly covey the message that if one wants to overcome evil powers (whether external or internal) one would need to have integrated and concentrated physical power (Maa Durga herself); wisdom (Ganesh ji); financial resources (Maha Laxmi Ji); learning (Maha Saraswati ji) and administration/organization (Kartik Ji). This reasserts the position that this Pooja teaches a method by which any person can overcome the vices by augmenting his physical powers, wisdom, wealth, learning and administrative capacity.

Durga Idols | UdaipurBlog

The Pooja starts from Shashti (sixth day) and continues upto Dussera. It is said that on completion of the Pooja, Raam was able to win over and kill Ravan, and that is the reason why completion of the Shree Shree Durga Pooja coincides with the Ravan-Kumbhkarna-Meghnath effigy burning.

Bindu Bhawan Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The most important Pooja during the whole Durga Pooja ceremony is “Sandhi pooja”. This pooja is to be performed within a time of 48 minutes. These 48 minutes are carved out of “Ashtami tithi” and “Navami tithi” – 24 minutes from the end of Ashtami and 24 minutes from the beginning of Navami – these 48 minutes constitute Sandhi Pooja time. It is said that during this time “Mahishasur” was killed by Maa Durga, because “Mahishasur” had a boon that he will not be killed in any “tithi”. Sandhi Pooja therefore is of immense importance, because the whole purpose of vanquishing “Mahishasur” was achieved during this brief span on 48 minutes when there was no tithi in particular. The sandhi pooja is to be commenced, performed and completed within these 48 minutes, and there is every attempt to ensure that there is no lapse during this pooja.

Balidaan or sacrifice is a part of every days’ pooja. While sacrifice of goat or buffaloes used to be offered very commonly in the past, nowadays normally Balidaan of sugarcane, gourd (petha) and banana [jointly known as ‘bali’] is offered. However, still in some places sacrifice of goat is being offered. There are four balidaans during the Pooja – each after completion of the poojas of Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and of Sandhi Pooja. It is essential that the “Bali” is cut by one stroke of the weapon.

The Durga Pooja ceremony ends with immersion of the idol of Maa Durga in the water – in lakes, rivers, sea etc. . Since the idol is made of mostly bio-degradable items, it does not pollute the water resources. The immersion ceremony is followed by each greeting  the other and touching the feet of elders and obtaining their blessings. Eating of sweets is a part of each such ceremony!

Visarjan | UdaipurBlog

It is also considered by most of the Bengalis, specially ladies, that Maa Durga comes to the earth during this time, as a married daughter comes to visit her parents once in a year, and therefore everyone wants to offer the best offerings that he or she can, to Maa during this pooja. Similarly after immersion (visarjan) , ladies are quite sad and many weep when the idol of Maa Durga is taken away for visarjan. Therefore, it is again reiterated that this is not just a religious ceremony but a social festival in which everyone gets emotionally involved.  This probably is a time in the life of every Bengali, when every one tries to forget his woes and misfortunes and tries to be happy and enjoy the occasion. This festival is therefore an in-built aspect of the life of every Bengali and in whichever part of the world he may be during these days, he would always wish to be in the Pooja atmosphere, with his near and dear ones, at least during these few days. Probably Maa also comes down to the earth during this time – because God is nothing but a manifestation of the devotion that is contained in everyone’s heart !!!

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[Pictures] Farewell to the Goddess with Invitation for the Next Year

Vijaya Dashmi is the tenth day from Navratri Sthapna. It is symbolized as the victory of good over evil, as Dusshera, when Ram won over Ravan and freed Seeta from Lanka. This day is also celebrated for Goddess Durga, who is worshipped during these nine days, is given a grand farewell by the devotees. Every year all the devotees of Goddess Durga become a part of grand procession, and with great enthusiasm, endeavor and devotion, the idols of the Goddess are immersed in water bodies.

Visarjan | Durga Pooja | UdaipurBlog.com

It is believed that during Navratri, Goddess Durga and her kids visit us, at her home, or Maayka from her in-law home place (Sasural), and goes back from our world to her Sasural on the 10th day. Hence on the 10th day, the procession is similar to any farewell celebrations which happen after all marriages. After the deity is immersed, people wish each other with the greetings of Vijaya Dashmi, and return to their homes.

This year, I became a part of the Vijaya Dashmi celebration at Bengali Kalibadi Society, Hiran Magri Sec. 4. I could see crowd gathering and everyone preparing for the farewell to the Goddess.Women were beautifully dressed in traditional white Sarees with red borders.  The ceremony was started by a ritual called Darpan Visarjan, followed by Sindur Khela, a ceremony only for women where they worship Goddess Durga, and then play with Sindoor. After that, the idols were loaded onto a truck, and the entire procession followed shouting slogans, with Dhols, Nagaadas, and huge amount of fireworks. Slowly and slowly the procession reached Swaroop Sagar, where keeping in mind the eco-friendly tradition,  the non-biodegradable/plastic items were stripped off the idols, and with full devotion the deity was immersed into water, with an invitation to shower the blessings on us and come again in the next year.

Check out the pictures of the event, captured by (in alphabetical order) Aniket John, Gaurav Bhattacharya, Mujtaba RG, Prasun Bannerjee, and Sanjay Das.

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Photos

Dusshera: Victory over the Evil symbolized at Gandhi Ground

The victory of good over evil was again symbolized at Gandhi Ground yesterday, where a huge crowd gathered in the evening to celebrate the moment. There were processions and events from the afternoon, which concluded with the entry of Ram, played by Mr. Vijay Kasturi, Lakshman played by Amit Khathuria, and Hanuman played by Kishor Lalwani entered the ground.

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The structures were standing tall at about 60 feet. There was a lot of effort done on the preparations. After the Tilak of Ram, the scene came into action with fireworks, and Hanuman set the Golden Lanka on Fire. Following this moment, Ram set the structures of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran on fire, with his fiery arrow. The awesome fireworks wowed the entire crowd present at the moment. The Chief guests present at the ceremony were Mrs. Rajni Dangi, Mr. Gulabchand Kataria, Dr. Girija Vyas, Mr. Raghuveer Meena, Mrs. Kiran Maheshwari, etc.

Ravan was burnt, but we all still have many evils around us, such as crime, illiteracy, poverty, etc, most prominent among them being corruption. With the burning Ravan, which symbolizes the evil, we just hope that the “trending” Ravans among us burn away from our society.

Check out the pictures below shot by Mujtaba RG

 

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Photos

[Pictures] Nine days of Navratri Finally Concluded with Zeal

Navratri means nine days of full fun, frolic, devotion, as well as enthusiasm. This year during Navratri, one had many options for enjoying the same with friends, family, or even alone. First of all, the rocking environment of Garba, or Dandiya shall not be forgotten. Huge populations have poured in huge amount of money for arranging passes and getting inside for enjoying the Garba. Here are few photographs of the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011 event by Mujtaba RG

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Other than the Garba, there was also the Durga Puja Celebration held by Bengali communities over different places in Udaipur. Devotees of Goddess Durga celebrated the Durga-ashtami on the 8th day of Navratri, majority of devotees observed fasts. The Bengalis worshipped the Goddess Durga at the Sandhi Puja with 108 lotus flowers and 108 lamps at late night, which is the Sandhi, or the joining period of the going 8th day, and the coming 9th day. The photos below show few of the rituals such as Sandhi Puja, Dhunuchi dance, etc. The Dhunuchi is a clay pot filled with burning incense; devotees of the Goddess Durga dance with these – hop across to the nearest Durga Puja pandal this evening, it’s breathtaking, and too much of fun as well. Photos are shot by Gaurav Bhattacharya, Mujtaba RG, and Prasun Bannerjee 😀

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Decoration and arrangement at Sutharwada

 

 

Cultural events being held at the pooja communities
Scene from Arti in the evening from Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar
Devotees performing the Dhunuchi Dance

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Festivals Photos

[Pictures] Durga Puja 2011: Celebration by the Bengali Community began today

Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Navratri! Today is the 6th day of the Navratri, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival, Durga Pooja from today. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

I, being a Bengali, remain too excited for the arrival of the season throughout the year. And now when the season has arrived, the adrenaline rush is to the extreme, and so is the enthusiasm and happiness of all the Bengalis. The celebration will continue till the 9th day of Navratri, followed by Visarjan on the day of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashmi.

For the first day, I bring you few clicks from the prime locations of celebration of Durga Pooja in Udaipur by the Bengali community. Every idol carved magnificently, every decoration was just spectacular. Do not miss to witness the culture and see the holy idols in the season of Navratri.  There’s still a lot more coming from your very own UdaipurBlog.com on the occasion of Navratri, so stay tuned.

I would also like to wish you on behalf of Team UdaipurBlog.com a very  ‘Happy Navratri‘ and may Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all of us 🙂

Pictures From Bang Samaj, Bhupalpura

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Pictures From Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar

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Pictures From Swarnkar Samiti, Town Hall

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Pictures From Hiran Magri Sec. 4

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