The Start of Durga Puja: Uncovering the Mystique of the 6th Day Celebration in West Bengal
The celebration of Durga Puja in West Bengal holds its unique charm, and one of the key aspects of this grand festival is the starting point on the 6th day, known as Shasti. This article delves into the significance and historical context of why the celebration of Durga Puja begins on this day, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices associated with it.
Significance of Day 6: Fierce Devotion
Durga Puja, a monumental festival in the cultural lexicon of West Bengal, begins with the 6th day, or Shasti. It is on this day that the goddess Durga is welcomed with rituals and prayers. This day, known as Maa Katyayani#8217;s day, is a focal point for worship and offerings. We seek her blessings for inner strength, courage in the face of adversity, and the determination to overcome obstacles. The goddess embodies the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened.
Historically, the worship of Durga has its roots in various regions, with records of the first Durga Puja mentioned in Nadia under Maharaja Krishnachandra#8217;s ancestor, Bhavananda, around 1606. However, this is not the only origin story. The true essence of Durga Puja lies in the specific practices and rituals that make it unique, especially in the context of West Bengal.
The Incongruity with Navaratri
It is a common misconception that Durga Puja in East and Northeast India starts on the 6th day of Navaratri. This belief often arises due to the North Indian tendency to view their own practices, language, and culture as the norm. However, it is crucial to understand that Durga Puja and Navaratri, while both celebrating the goddess, have distinct roots and practices.
While Navaratri is a Vrata (a type of vow) held by an Upasaka for his Ishtadevata, including deities like Guru Ganapati, Shiva, Surya, or Vishnu, and is rooted in sectarian Agamas of Shakta, Shaiva, Ganapatya, Vaishnava, and Saura sects, Durga Puja is a Mahotsava organized strictly as per the rules set by Kalika Purana and Devi Purana. The timing and duration are different, with Durga Puja either in the Sharodiya form, held in Ashwin month, or in Basonti form, held in Chaitra month, which are not directly related to Navaratri.
The Concept of Kalparambha in Durga Puja
The celebration of Durga Puja in West Bengal, especially in the Sharodiya form, begins on the 6th day, Shukla Shasti Tithi, of Ashwin month. This is largely due to the Kalparambha provision of Sharodiya Durga Puja. Kalparambha is the most important ritual of Sharodiya Durgotsav, significantly shaping the nine days of worship.
The term Kalparambha itself refers to initiation in time duration for the worship. For Sharodiya Durgotsav, there are seven Kalpas, each initiated on different Tithis and lasting for specific durations, culminating in the 6th day of Ashwin month. These Kalpas are:
Krishnanavamyadi Kalpa: Starting from Krishna Navami Tithi of Bhadra month till Mahanavami. Pratipadadi Kalpa: Starting from Shukla Pratipada Tithi of Ashwin month, a day after Mahalaya Amavasya till Mahanavami. Shashtyadi Kalpa: Starting from Shukla Shashti Tithi of Ashwin month till Mahanavami. Saptamyadi Kalpa: Starting from Shukla Saptami Tithi of Ashwin month till Mahanavami. Mahashtamyadi Kalpa: Starting from Mahashtami till Mahanavami. Mahashtami Kalpa: Extended from Mahashtami till Mahanavami. Mahanavami Kalpa: Extended from Mahashtami till Mahanavami.The most popular among these Kalpas is the Shashtyadi Kalparambha, which is conducted on Shukla Shashti Tithi. Two Ghots (sacred pots) are installed at the base of a Bilvavriksha (Bilva tree), and Akhaledon (invoking the goddess) is done in the evening, followed by Kalparambha in the morning. Prayers and rituals continue till Mahanavami.
The Historical Significance of Durga Puja
The roots of Durga Puja trace back to a historic event involving Sri Ramachandra. According to Kalika Purana, when Lord Rama had to invoke and worship Devi Durga to gain permission to kill Ravana, He performed the Sharodiya Durga Puja with Brahmadeva as the Purohit. The Kalparambha that Sri Rama performed on behalf of Lord Ram was the Krishnanavamyadi Kalparambha. Devi Bhadrakali, being Ravana#8217;s Kuladevi, was persuaded to leave Ravana and was ultimately pleased with Lord Rama, leading to the victory over Ravana.
Thus, the tradition of Sharodiya Durga Puja was popularized on Earth, highlighting the intricate historical and spiritual significance of this 6th day celebration.
Understanding the nuances of Durga Puja, especially the initiation on the 6th day in West Bengal, provides a profound insight into the cultural and spiritual traditions of the region. It underscores the rich heritage and the deep-rooted significance of this festival in Indian culture, distinguishing it from the broader context of Navaratri.