Durga Pooja is six day affair, comprising Mahalaya, Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of the pooja celebrations are set according to the Hindu calendar and the fortnight corresponding the festival is called Debi Pokkho. However, due to shifts in the lunar cycle relative to the solar months, it may also be held in the following month, Kartika.

 

It is believed that in the Ramayana, Rama invoked the goddess Durga in his battle against Ravana. Though she was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to possibility of battle, Rama had to invoke her in autumn. From that day, Rama's pooja gained pre-eminence. The poojas are held over a span of five day, which is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga, to her father, Himalaya's home.

 

This pooja is like home coming for all the Bengalis, who come together on this day to celebrate their annual festival. Dance, music and theatre are a part of the celebration. People buy new clothes and exchange gifts. The pooja is traditionally accompanied by age old counch shells and drums. What tops the list is the bhog- the food. After offering Pushpanjali-flowers to the deity, everyone settles for a scrumptious bhog.

 

The markets are flooded with handmade and painted idols of goddess Durga. Each area has its own pandal where the idol is kept. Families go 'pandal' hopping and make the most of it. Even though it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a back seat for these five days. Durga Puja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves .

 

Bengali women adorn themselves with beautiful saris with borders, their favourite being the white sari with a red border and accompanied by jewels and flowers. Alta decorates their palms and feet.

 

In today’s times, there have been some positive as well as negative changes. The coming up of many clubs, associations and societies has given a cosmopolitan feel to the pooja there have also been some modifications in social and ritualistic aspect of the pooja. Some see this festival as an occasion for pageantry and extravaganza. We see a lot of film songs being played at the pandals and Goddesses modelled on popular film personalities. On the other side, animal sacrifices, have been dispensed with at many places and shrines.