Patna. An atmosphere of reverence and enthusiasm is being seen across the country regarding Shardiya Navratri and Durga Puja. Preparations are being made by the puja committees to welcome Maa Durga. From cities to villages, preparations are going on to give an attractive look to Durga Puja pandals. At some places, replicas of grand temples are being made, while at some places there is a plan to present a glimpse of Indian culture and religious faith through traditional decoration. Durga Puja is one of the major festivals of Hindu religion. This festival is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil and religion over unrighteousness. It is believed that Mother Durga killed Mahishasura and freed the world from his atrocities. In memory of this victory, devotees worship Goddess Durga.
Pandals and statues are being given an attractive look
During Durga Puja, the grand statues of Maa Durga remain the center of attraction for the devotees. Sculptors are busy giving final touches to the idols of Maa Durga. Puja committees make preparations keeping in mind the decoration, lighting of the pandals and the convenience of the devotees. At many places, pandals based on social messages and Indian heritage are also made. Durga Puja has special significance in various cities of the state including the capital Patna of Bihar. Every year a large number of devotees visit puja pandals in Patna to have darshan of Maa Durga. The markets also become brighter during the puja. Crowds of people are seen at shops selling clothes, jewellery, sweets and puja items.
Goddess Durga is worshiped for nine days
During Shardiya Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga for nine days. During this period, religious events like installation of Kalash, recitation of Durga Saptashati, bhajan-kirtan and aarti are organized in homes and temples. Many devotees observe a fast and pray to the mother for happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being of the family. Ashtami and Navami have special significance in the last days of Navratri. On this occasion, Kanya Puja is performed in many homes. Little girls are worshiped as the form of Maa Durga, fed and given gifts. After this, Dussehra is celebrated on the day of Vijayadashami, which gives the message of victory of truth over falsehood and good over evil.
Festival of social unity with faith
Durga Puja is not limited to just religious rituals, but it is also a symbol of social unity and cultural traditions. Members of puja committees together make preparations for the event. Arrangements for darshan are made for the devotees in pandals. Cultural programs, bhajan-kirtan and other religious activities are also organized at many places. During the festival, the administration needs to pay special attention to crowd management, traffic management, cleanliness and security. It is important to take care of fire safety, safe electricity system and emergency routes in puja pandals. Devotees are also appealed to follow the rules at the venues and take care of the convenience of others.
Business gets momentum due to increasing brightness in the markets
Local markets and small traders also benefit on the occasion of Durga Puja. The festival brings employment opportunities for sculptors, decorating artisans, flower sellers, shopkeepers and other workers. From decoration of puja pandals to sale of prasad and puja material, activities in various types of businesses increase. Overall, Durga Puja is an important festival of Indian culture, faith and tradition. Along with worshiping Goddess Durga, this festival inspires people to have courage, strength and stand against injustice. Devotees wait for the arrival of Maa Durga and the entire atmosphere gets colored in the colors of devotion, joy and celebration.