Durga Puja
Sep 29 2006
This is one of the biggest festivals of West Bengal, where I live. According
to Hindu Mythology, Devi (Goddess) Durga was created when all the powerful Gods
pooled their energy/essence and she was armed with weapons that each gave her
as gift. She was created specifically to overcome Mahishashur (mahish=buffalow;
ashur=demon), a particularly vicious demon who could take any shape, but
preferred to go on rampage in the guise of a huge buffalow! Durga Puja
(puja=prayer/worship) is a time of great festivities in our culture, and the
images here are from one small puja in our locality, taken in the dead of night
when no one was around, with my cam phone. Still, the images that are here
capture Her essence as a Mother Goddess.
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Vishwakarma: the Indian Hephaestus
Sep 23 2007
'Vishwakarma' is the Indian version of Hephaestus: Vishwa / Viswa =
Universe; karma = work / maker - in this case, literally Universe-Maker.
Usually celebrated with some modesty by the working section of the society
meaning specifically people who deal with engines and stuff, like drivers,
factory owners / workers, construction workers etc., this puja (worship cum
festival) has gained popularity of late. Previously the more elaborate rituals
were held inside the premises of individual factories or bus terminus..., and
the occasion used to be popular not just for the puja, but mostly for the kite
flying festival associated with the day. Sadly enough, I did not see too many
kites flying in the sky which remained clear throughout the day. I remember how
we would pray for such blue sky with wind and sunshine on this big day (and be
rewarded with quite the opposite more often than not). Today the art and sport
that was kite flying is almost extinct.
Curiously enough, for as long as anyone can remember, the date for this puja
has always been declared in the almanac as September 17 of a year - any year,
even a leap year. This year was an exception: the date was September 18. I dont
know if the exceptional popularity was part of the exceptions package. Probably
we should consider the social implications here: the so called working class
has both flourished into the mainstream society and segregated itself: they now
choose to celebrate 'their' god in style and make a statement of it whether
conscious or no.
This kind of elaborate design where pandals are constructed after an
historical monument or edifice is found only in the Durga and Kali Pujas, the
biggest festival cum religious occasions in Bengal where it is a happy time for
all irrespective of their religious beliefs. This is the first time I have come
across a design so elaborate complete with a function organized for the
occasion
There were numerous pujas this time: an elaborate one by some bus
association perhaps, and a small one by its side by a couple of tea-stall
owners with less funds, - but everyone, every group tried to put up their own
idol. There were as many as five pujas within an area having maybe a three
hundred feet diameter if you visualized a circle. The festive mood continued
for the next two days. I dont know what happens in rest of India, but for West
Bengal, it seems we have created another big reason for celebration!
Just a Note:
The articles on Durga Puja and Vishwakarma Puja were posted first on Indianceleb Forums.
That was my first forum and still holds a dear place, and probably always will,
even though I hardly ever visit these days. It would be akin to not giving
credit where it is due if I did not mention the original post location
here...
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