The concept of Maa (Meaning: Mother in Bengali Language) Durga is unique in itself. According to the stories of Mahalaya and in different Vedas and Purans Durga is Energy(Shakti in Sanskrit and Bengali) personified. It is believed that after loosing the war with Mahishashur the Gods went to Brahma (The Creator/ Father), Vishnu (The Protector) and Maheshwar(The Destroyer of all Evil) seeking help.
As the Gods narrated the story of their agony and disgrace caused by Mahishashur all the three Gods grew angry. Their anger resulted in the release of a light from the third-eye on the forehead of the three Gods. At the same time each of the other Gods directed their energy as well to meet this ray of light. All the Energy combined at one point created a goddess with 10 hands- Devi Durga. The Gods adorned and equipped her for the battle with Mahishashur. She killed Mahishashur and restored balance to the earth and promised to come back whenever called in distress.
The Calcuttans or East Indian people worship Devi Durga for five days. They believe in these five days the Goddess takes form in clay and resides among the mortals.
The City of Calcutta is Filled with lights. In every corner a Pandal ( A temporary structure) is raised base on various themes. It is the greatest festivals for the Bengalis and at this time of the year Bengalis will return to their homeland to pay homage to the Goddess.
Durga Puja is not a religious practice for Bengalis it is a part of their culture. It is often said that if there are 10 Bengali families living in a area for more than a year then there will be a Durga puja in that area.
The Festival ends with Vijaya dashami. On that day All the married woman of the house gather to complete the last rituals for ending the Puja with 'Boron' / 'Varan' and Sindur Khela (The Vermillon Game).
Disclaimer: The images have been taken from various other blogs to provide reference of the actual events.
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