सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यंबके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते।।
The time has arrived when the whole country douses into the tranquilizing smell of “Dhoops” and dances into the beat of “dhaks”. The morning starts with offering “Anjali” to the all-powerful Goddess “Maa Durga” and concludes with singing Durga Arti. This is the most zestful and phenomenal season of all the seasons. The Durga puja vibes are something that makes us all full of vehemence and devotion. However, this year would be a little contrasting from the previous Pujo and celebration. The reason is not anonymous at all. It is the uninvited guest that is not ready to give a slip from this world “Coronavirus”.
As the puja is just a month away, it feels like this gruesome virus is no less than the devil “Mahishasura” whom Maa Durga defeated and saved mankind. Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Maa Rudrani over Demon “Mahishasur”.
This year is apparently difficult for all of us and, hence, it has run-down the usual approach of our celebrations. Perhaps, we may not dote on the way we have been doing. Yet, we aren’t going to dim the charm of this vivid Navratri festival. In spite of everything, let’s find out some unique and grand methods to honor the “Jagat Janani”. But before this, let’s gaze into the importance of this propitious festival.
The Nationwide Durga Puja Celebration and its Significance
Durga Puja is solemnized all over the nation but different states have different rituals of celebrating this virtuous occasion. It reveres the victory of goodness and morality over evil that Maa Durga attained after killing the demon. However, it also coincides with Navratri where people unveil Kalash Sthapna for 9 days, and Dussehra is celebrated for the victory that lord Rama achieved over Ravana. Henceforth, in the northern part of the country like Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh it is concluded by organizing Ram-Leela and burning of the Ravan’s dummy on the day of Vijaya Dashami.
Durga Puja Celebration Across India
In the state of Gujarat and some parts of Maharashtra, it is celebrated by playing Dandiyas and Garbas”. While in the cities like Kolkata, Cuttack, Siliguri, and in the other parts of Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand Durga Puja is venerated by creating palatial and beautiful Durga Puja Pandals where people visit and worship with all their love and respect. The pandals are composed in an aesthetic manner signifying some enormous refinement and message with various themes.
Upon this, people zestfully prepare Maa Durga’s murti with auspicious clay collected from the pious grounds. In addition to the Goddess Durga, Murtis of Lord Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kartika are also a part of the pandal decor. Thus, altogether they are thronged in the pandals and worshipped with the utmost affection.
During this course, the ambiance is lauded with peaceful Mantras, aromatic dhoops, the mesmerizing sound of dhaks, and dhols. The awe-inspiring scenario of people celebrating this grand festival is truly a sight to behold. It is 9 days idolized festival but the 3 last days are celebrated with more excitement and devotion. Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami hold major significance followed by the Vijaya Dashami where Mata’s and other God’s idols/ “Murtis” are immersed in the water bidding her farewell.
The Magnific Mahalaya
Mahalaya is revered at the end of the Pitra Paksha or Shradh, wherein Hindus pay gratitude to their ancestors. It is when the festive season begins. Especially, Bengalis around the nation celebrate Mahalaya. According to the beliefs, devotees call upon Mata to her paternal home from Kailash Parvat during Mahalaya. Here, the earth signifies as the Goddess’s paternal home and Kailash is where she resides after marriage. Thus, the preparation commences from the spiritual Mahalaya i.e. seven days before Navratri.
In the time of Mahalaya, Bengalis wake up early at 4’0 clock and listen to the chants of Maa Durga “Mahishasur Mardini”. After this, people meet up with relatives, friends, and perform other customs significant to welcome the deity. However, this year Mahalaya shall have a different view looking at the Pandemic. But, it can’t stop the enthusiastic people from performing all the traditions and rituals. Further, I will be sharing how you can enjoy the Puja with the same zeal as before amid the widespread of Covid-19.
DIY‘s to make your Durga Puja Vibrant
Coronavirus has hindered our way of sanctifying the most anticipated festival. Therefore, let’s treasure trove some fine ideas to decorate our homes. You can take some colourful scratch papers creating into flowers that you might have done in your do and learn projects and paste it to your walls giving some true Puja feels. You can find the link below and generate some perfect ideas of your own.
Here are some crazy DIY ideas for Navaratri 2020 Decorations.
Secondly, if you want to avoid the crowd during Ravan Dahan in Dussehra then do not worry you can form your craft at home and continue the rituals without any barricades. Take some colorful chart paper, newspapers, and glues and unfold your hidden talent by designing and making Ravana at home. Follow the video shared below and your Ravana is all set to be on fire.
Simplest ways to make your Pujo splashy and lively
Rangoli
Rangoli is the primary thought among all of us that comes when we think of decorating in the festive seasons. Generally, rangolis are made in Diwali but why not fabricate these aesthetic designs in Durga Puja. Take some beautiful colours, you can also add turmeric powder, rice flour to it and procreate the floors of your home with some pretty Rangolis.
Scented Candles
Get some gorgeous candles that would light up Maa Durga’s surrounding in a more artful approach. Though Puja area is already encircled with traditional diyas yet this fragmented candles will endow some graceful environment. You can also take decorative pots filled with water and make these candles float into the same.
Flowers and banana/mango leaves
In Hindu tradition, it is noticeably seen that banana leaves and mango leaves are used for the puja rituals. Hence, with these leaves, you can decorate your doors and entrance composed with colourful flowers. It will give you some refreshing and soothing vibes. Additionally, you can take broad-mouth vessels, spread some flowers and decorate it according to your craft.
Apart from these, you can make your home flashy and colourful having some basic things in your collection, like:
- Multicoloured chart papers
- Plain papers
- Newspapers
- Tilted ribbons
- Glues
- Glitters
- Term cols
- Glitter tapes
- Scissors
With these general pieces of stuff, you can create some beautiful crafts and give your home a glowing ambience.
Click Here to Learn Some Delicious Home-made sweets to pour some sugar in your happiness
Deliver Maa Durga’s Grand idol at your doorstep
Needless to say now that Covid-19 has spoiled all the moods this year. It cannot pause us from following our hearts. After all, Indian festivals add love, joy, and positivity in the atmosphere. If the condition would have been the same as earlier years, people would have surely gone to artists or potters that prepare deity’s glorified Durga Puja Murti and welcomed in their locality or respective places with huge exhilaration.
But wait, if you can’t resist yourself from celebrating Durga Puja (of course, we aren’t in the favor of ceasing your happiness) then stress not; because you can get the Mata’s idol at your home without walking miles away from home. You can just be at your safe zone and bring home the magnificent sculpture of Maa Durga in your budget. You can look into this link given below and order according to your choice.
Folks so these were articulated things that might make your Puja amazing and safe. Stay at home but don’t let the spark of Maa Durga gloomy. Celebrate it with all your energy, admiration, and love. Keep the Pujo vibe on.
Durga Puja 2020 Start Date
Durga Puja 2020 in India will begin on Thursday, 22 October and conclude on Monday, 26 October
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Persistent with dreams and passionate about inscriptions. Gayetri is hysterically involved in writing, She treasures life and seeks to find beauty in whatever she is surrounded with. Celebrates Cinema, family, friends, and traveling!
Durga Maa ki Jay