By T.K Chakraborty

Bangiya Samithi (Bengali Association), Mysuru, is celebrating Sri Durga Puja for the last 38 years. Durga Puja has special significance in Mysuru since Goddess Chamundeshwari, another form of Durga, is the presiding deity of Mysuru. Durga Puja will be celebrated in city this year at Shivamma P.V. Mahadevappa Choultry on KRS Road from Sept. 26 to 30.

Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and celebrates her annual visit to terrestrial home. The central image of Mother Goddess is in iconographic conformity to her description in Devi Mahime, popularly known as Chandipat which is recited during the puja. Flanked by Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Ganesha, Kartikeye, the 10-armed embodiment of Shakti has a weapon in each hand with Lion as mount (Singhavahini) and the spear thrust into the chest of demon in human form, half emerged from the carcass of slain buffalo.

The significance of Durga Puja is well-documented in our scriptures. In Devi Mahime, a part of Markandeyapurana, Sri Chandi recounts how devatas, after a protracted war, were defeated by demon-headed Mahishasura. The devatas approached Brahma, who took them to Vishnu and Shiva for protection. Vishnu the Supreme Lord, through his cosmic energy, created Devi Durga who was Shakti the repository of infinite energy and power. Devi Durga, who undertook the task of ridding the world of oppression, was empowered and armed by all Gods. Lord Shiva gave his Trident, Lord Vishnu his Sudarshan Chakra, Kubera (The God of Wealth) gave his Club. With Lion as her mount, the Divine Mother challenged the demons. In a fierce battle she killed the demons and ultimately faced Mahishasura their chief.

Despite deceptive trick adopted by the buffalo-headed demon, Devi Durga overpowered him by cutting off his head with the sword and thus came to be known as “Mahishasuramardini.” This is the day when Vijay Utsav or Vijayadashami is celebrated. This aspect of Durga Puja is celebrated in Bengal and the whole of Eastern India.

[The programme schedule is as follows: Sept. 26: Shasti puja, Kalaparambha, Amantran and Adhibas, cultural programme. Sept. 27: Sapthami puja Naba Patrika Sthapana, Pushpanjali, Bhog and Prasad, cultural programme. Sept 28: Mahaashtami puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog and Prasad, Sandhi puja, cultural programme. Sept. 29: Mahanavami puja, Pushpanjali, Homa, Bhog and Prasad, cultural programme. Sept. 30: Dashami puja, Sindoor Utsav, Immersion Procession, Shantijal and Mistimukh. Oct. 5: Sri Lakshmi puja. Oct. 19: Sri Kali puja. For details contact T.K. Chakravarthy, former President and Founder-Member of Bangiya Samithi on Mob: 96631-69171.]