Mysore/Mysuru: Bangiya Samithi (Bengali Association) Mysore, is celebrating Sri Durga Puja for the last 42  years. Durga Puja has special significance in Mysore since Goddess Chamundeswari, another form of Durga, is the presiding deity of Mysore.

This year Durga Puja will be celebrated by the Association at Smt. Leela Channaiah Kalyan  Mantap on Valmiki Road, next to Maharani’s Commerce College, from Oct.20 to 24.

The programmes comprise  puja, anjali, arathi and prasad distribution. Evenings are earmarked for cultural programmes, showcasing culture and tradition of Bengal.

The festival of 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 Ganesh, 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. Devi Mahima, a part of Markandeyapurana, Sri Chandi recounts how devatas, after protracted war, were defeated by demon-headed    Mahisasura.   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 undertook the task of ridding the world of oppression.  Devi Durga 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 over-powered him cutting off his head with the sword and thus came to be known as “Mahishasuramardini.” This is the day when Vijay Utsav or Vijayadashami (victory) is celebrated. This aspect of Durga Puja is celebrated in Bengal and the whole of Eastern India.

The other aspect of Durga Puja is based on “Ramayan,” victory of supreme Lord Rama over demon Ravana in Lanka. Rama prayed and worshipped the Divine Mother Durga for nine days for blessings to fight Ravana. On the ninth day, Durga appeared and handed over  the empowered weapon to kill Ravana and blessed him success. Rama killed Ravana and liberated the earth from the demon. Thus, Vijaydashami or Dushera is celebrated on tenth day. This celebration is primarily held in entire North India as Ramleela.

The citizens of Mysuru are  invited to grace the occasion and obtain the blessings of Divine Mother. The programme is as follows:

Oct.20: Shasti Puja Kalaparambha, Amantran and Adhibas Cultural Programme.

Oct. 21:  Sapthami Puja Naba Patrika Sthapana, Pushpanjali, Bhog and Prasad, Cultural Programme.

Oct.22: Mahaashtami Puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog and Prasad, Sandhi Puja, Cultural Programme.

Oct.23:    Mahanavami Puja, Pushpanjali, Homa, Bhog and Prasad, Cultural Programme.

Oct.24: Dashami Puja, Sindoor Utsav, Immersion Procession, Shantijal and Mistimukh.

—Dr. Sharmishta  Chakraborty