| Ujjal Lohar | Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrating the divine feminine and the victory of good over evil based on mythology. This festival is celebrated all over the world, and devotees worship the goddess Durga for nine consecutive days. Navaratri is known as Durga Puja, which is celebrated in the various parts of the country. It is one of the main festivals of West Bengal and in the Bengali community. The Durga Puja celebration in west Bengal was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
This year the festival began on October 3. Two of the most significant days of this festival are Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. But this year these two days are going to be celebrated in one day. The Ashtami will start on October 11 at 6:48 am and continue till the next day at 5:44 am, and the Mahanavmi will start on October 12 at 5:44 am. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Durga trumps the demon Mahisasura.
Navaratri is celebrated separately in different parts of the country and community. Some celebrate with religious reflection of fasting, and others celebrate with feasting, dancing, and enjoying the auspicious festival of Maa Durga.
This festival celebrates the homecoming of Maa Durga to his/her maternal home. A large-scale idol installation, lighting on the streets, and cultural programs are being held during this time. It ends with the celebration of Dussehra on the 10th day of this festival, which is also known as Vijayadashami. People from all the communities celebrate this festival wholeheartedly.
