The Goddess Durga

According to ancient Hindu tradition, a buffalo demon, Mahishashur, was violently destroying the earth. Since he seemed virtually invincible, the gods assembled and petitioned Vishnu for help. Vishnu gave the gods permission to combine their powers and create a super- woman divinity who could destroy demons. The gods created Durga, "who was empowered with the power of a man, the grace and charm of a woman, as well as, the intellect and versatility that was required of a superpower."

A fierce battle with the buffalo demon finds Durga emerging victorious. "This was the hour of triumph of good over the evil."

Durga now has many names and manifestations. She is a consort, mother, sister and daughter of Gods; she is also the benign protector of her devotees and and the ruthless enemy of demons.

Durga is also mother to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, who bestows blessings on commercial affairs. 

The holiday starts in autumn celebrating new harvest. A week before Durga Puga, thousands gather at the River Ganges and offer prayers for their ancestors and for their families. This observance, Mahalay, begins at dawn– this year on Monday, October 3.

"The four day celebrationsn [of Durga Puja] begins on Shashthi, the sixth day of the moon when the clay image of Durga is brought to life by the recitation of mantras."

During the four-day celebration the city is transformed; streets and sidewalks are cleaned and homes decorated. For months before the event, more than 1,000 elaborately crafted images of Durga have been constructed in the separate locals of the city. These images are housed in brilliantly illuminated bamboo structures called pandals. The displays transform the city. Durga Puga earned Kolkata the title, The City Of Joy. Most of the fourteen million citizens of the city and scores of visitors will spend time day or night during the festival touring the displays.

On the tenth day of the moon, the final day of Durga Puja, the elaborately constructed images of Durga are taken to the River Ganges and submerged. "The goddess is given a rousing send-off as idols atop lorries are accompanied by floats and pageant follows pageant through the jam-packed streets to the strand."

After Indian independence, the Durga Puja shifted from religious to cultural occasion for many in Kolkata. More than 1,000 pandals are created each year – some recreating famous landmarks like Vatican City or the Kremlin.

Some people have tried to compare the holiday to Christmas, or the festival atmosphere to Mardi Gras. But like these celebrations, Durga Puja is unique. It blends history, religion, tradition, art, poetry, music, and the Bengali spirit.

I look forward to the experience!