Durga Puja 2024: Festival celebrations across India mythology foods to enjoy and fashion to follow

Durga Puja is known to be one of the most vibrant and beautiful festivals, particularly for the Bengali community, showcasing a significantly rich illustration of spirituality, culture, and artistry.It is not only a festival- - it is an emotion, a way of demonstrating immense faith and expressing belief in the higher power.
During this bright festive season, communities are highly enthusiastic, in their festive spirit. Local organizers go head-to-head to craft magnificent pandals- - which are temporary stall-like structures, displaying the revered idols of Maa Durga- - who is the central figure of this festival. Each pandal is unique, communicating its own beautiful story through extravagant designs, and divinely beautiful decorations, attracting locals as well as tourists towards their remarkable craftsmanship.

The air is filled with joy and anticipation as food stalls emerge across neighborhoods, presenting a wide variety of authentic food items, consisting of Bengali cuisine as well as appetizing street foods. Restaurants are known to especially curate special menus for the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere with delightful specialties. Streets are sparkling up with vibrant lighting, creating a highly uplifting and cheerful environment, while people are adorned in traditional attires, visiting pandals and melas.
Durga Puja is not just a mere celebration, rather it is a symbol and a manifestation of reunions of family and friends while also commemorating the divine spirit of Goddess Durga. It fosters a sense of unity makes people surpass their differences and celebrates together the ultimate essence of humanity.
In a wide array of celebrations, leading up to the main celebration, various other activities are contributing to the essence of Durga Puja. Every pandal is a sacred space for rituals and prayers, and rather more often than not, they would replicate the works of famous architectural marvels. The creativity depicted in the structures reflects the artistic spirit of the community.

There are many authentic food stalls, offering traditional snacks to street food items, which makes the festival a culinary pleasure. Many people indulge in purchasing new attire, following the tradition of wearing fresh clothes during the festivities, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
There are several legends connected to Durga Puja from Hindu mythology, but the most important ones are known for battling the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This legend has its first reference in the Devi Mahatmya, a part of the Markandeya Purana.
The Legend of Mahishasura

Mahishasura was an unbeatable demon who started a war against the devas, the gods since he had secured a boon for himself, according to which no male was capable of defeating him. The last three gods combined their strength to regain their powers through Goddess Durga, which means "the invincible." This goddess was provided with weapons to attack Mahishasura at the request of the gods. Mahishasura transformed himself on the battlefield to defeat her in whatever form she took.Lastly, after ten days of heavy battle, she beheaded him in his original buffalo form.
The other significance of Durga Puja is also a moment for the goddess to retreat and rest. According to belief, Maa Durga goes to see her parents in the festive season and leaves the home from Kailash Parvat accompanied by Shiva.
The core of Durga Puja
Pratima and pandal are two notable aspects of the festival. The Pratima is the form of Goddess Durga, and besides her, her children Lord Ganesha, Mata Saraswati, Mata Lakshmi, and Lord Kartikeya, are all made up of clay. They decorate the best-decorated pandals. This festival then turns into an unforgettable event with people from different communities and backgrounds coming together.
Bengali delicacies during Durga Puja

Sondesh
Sondesh is a soft Bengali sweet made from cottage cheese, often flavoured with cardamom or saffron. Its light, creamy texture makes it a must-try during Durga Puja celebrations, where sweets play an important role in the festivities.
GhughniGhughni is a uniquely flavoured chickpea curry cooked with special spices. Often enjoyed with flatbreads, it is a popular dish during Durga Puja, offering a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Bengal.
Payesh
Payesh, a traditional Bengali rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar, is an essential dessert for Durga Puja. Creamy and rich, it is typically served chilled, making it the perfect sweet ending to festive meals.

Mishti Doi
Mishti doi, a sweetened yogurt with a rich, creamy texture, is a refreshing dessert during Durga Puja celebrations. Served in traditional clay pots, it offers a sweet conclusion to any festive meal, balancing the rich and spicy flavors of other dishes.
Daily rituals of Durga PujaMaha Shashti
This day is said to be marked by the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth along with her children. She is worshiped through various rituals like Amontron, Bodhon, and Adhibash when the chhaya idol is first unfolded.
Maha Saptami
On this day, a banana tree symbolizes a bride, who is ritually bathed and adorned in the sari adjacent to the goddess idol. Nine plants representing various incarnations of the goddess are also present.

Maha Ashtami
This is the day when Goddess Durga, seated on her lion, beheads the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Anjali is performed, and Kumari Puja is done with respect and praise to the young girls.
Maha Navami
After performing all the Ashtami rituals, people finish off the day with the ritual of Maha Aarti. The day becomes like a community celebration with different varieties of food and community and cultural activities.
Maha Dashami
The last day consists of immersion of the idol in the Ganges. Colourful ceremonies consisting of music and dance take place wherein married women exchange sinduur with each other, and then visit friends and family.
Durga Puja celebrations across India
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
In regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Durga Puja is celebrated by feeding young girls. This sacred ceremony is called “Kanjak”. Devotees set up altars and recite Durga Saptashati. Key temples include Maa Vindhyavasini in Mirzapur and Ma Annapurna in Varanasi.
West Bengal & AssamBeautifully themed pandals showcase Maa Durga idols. Celebrations last four days, ending with Dashami. Visit Kamakhya Devi in Guwahati and Dakshineshwar Kali in Kolkata.
Gujarat
In Gujrat, the celebration starts with fasting and Garba dance. Young girls are fed and given gifts. Unique evening aarti features earthen pots. Visit Amba Devi Temple in Bhavnagar.
Tamil Nadu
Worship Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Lakshmi. The Gol tradition involves displaying heirloom dolls. Key temples include Muppandhal Devi and Thiruverkadu Devi.
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Durga Puja is known as Bathukamma Panduga, women create flower stacks for worship, immersed in water at the end. Visit Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Simhachalam and Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada.
In a nutshell, Durga Puja is a vibrant festival that brings together spirituality, culture, and community across India, especially within the Bengali community. With its stunning pandals, delicious food, and rich traditions, it not only honors Goddess Durga but also fosters unity among people. The various rituals and celebrations highlight the importance of family and friendship, making it a time of joy and togetherness.From delicious Bengali sweets to the vibrant atmosphere of festivities, Durga Puja truly embodies the spirit of celebration, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of Indian culture.
Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and community. It reminds us of the victory of good over evil, shown through Goddess Durga's defeat of Mahishasura. While it holds deep spiritual meaning, it’s also a lively cultural event where tradition and modernity come together. From beautifully crafted pandals to joyful gatherings and delicious food, Durga Puja brings people together in devotion and celebration.It’s a time that highlights the importance of family, friendship, and unity, making it much more than just a religious occasion.