Durga Puja- history and significance

The Durga Puja also called "Sorbojonin Durga Utsav" in Bengali, is an annual Hindu festival in the Indian subcontinent that reveres the goddess Mother Durga. The word 'Sorbojonin' means ‘All Inclusive or togetherness ‘ and ‘Utsav’ means ‘Festival’.

Durga Puja is believed to be the greatest festival of the Bengali Hindu people. It is particularly popular in Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and the diaspora from this region, and also in Nepal. This holy occasion is a multi-day festival that features elaborate temple and stage decorations (pandals), scripture recitation, cultural performance, arts, revelry, and processions.

The significance of this holy festival lies in portraying the destruction of the evil and protection of the good and reflects the idea that to become divine, one should restrict one's animal instincts under control. The festival marks the battle of goddess Durga with the shape-shifting, deceptive and powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura, and her emerging victorious. Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil.

The festival is typically organized with funds raised from the public at large through generous donations or subscriptions.

Durga Puja schedule

9:00 am Chandi Path

10:00 am Puja start

12:30 pm Prasad distribution

1:30 pm Lunch

2:30 pm Cultural Program (1st part)

5:30 pm Evening Puja

6:30 pm Dinner

6:45 pm Cultural Program(2nd part)

Please complete registration by Sunday, Oct 7, 2018.

N.B: We have a compact schedule this year and will start our dinner promptly at 6:30 pm (sharp).