Hello Hindustan with Kapil Krishnaswamy (14) - Durga Puja Festival

Sarvo Mongol Mongolay
Shiva Sorvarto Sadhika
Shoronya Shombhoka
GauriNaraine Namo Stu Ta

Goddess Durga

Durga Puja involves a strange juxtaposition of faith and festivity. The annual Durga Puja festival, which will start from October 9, is one of the most popular festivals for Hindus. In Hindu mythology, Durga is a symbol for power and the triumph of good over evil.

The Durga legend Navratri, falling in the auspicious month of Ashwina, comes alive in different ways across India. In West Bengal, it's Pujo. Even as Sharad ritu sets in, pratimas take shape, the mind drifts towards Durga...

Legend has it that Lord Brahma had granted a boon to demon King Mahisha that no man could kill him. Boasting he had conquered death, he went about plundering till reached Lord Indra's doorsteps.

Indra asked Brahma for help. Enraged at such abuse of power, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar brought to life a female 'being' that combined their Shakti. Thus was born Durga! Strikingly beautiful yet fierce.

Scoffing at the woman challenging him to war, Mahisha, the buffalo-faced demon, nonetheless, fought Durga. For nine days and nights they are locked in a fierce battle. And on the tenth day, she killed him symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Durga is worshipped in various other forms also. She is
Uma, "light"
Gauri , "yellow or brilliant"
Parvati, "the mountaineer"
Jagatmata , "the-mother-of-the-world"
Durga "the inaccessible"
Kali , "the black"
Chandi , "the fierce"
Bhairavi , "the terrible."