Why Bengali Durga Puja Begins on the 6th Day of Navratri

Every year, millions of devotees in Bengal celebrate the Bengali Durga Puja with fervor and , this grand celebration marks the beginning from the sixth day of Navratri, known as Maha Shashthi. This timing is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in tradition, mythology, and cultural practices.

Mythological Significance

The Bengali Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the festivalrsquo;s narrative centers around the arrival of the goddess to earth, which is celebrated starting from Maha Shashthi. On this day, the goddess is welcomed with rituals and ceremonies. This day is believed to mark the start of Durgas journey to her natal home.

Cultural Practices

Bengalrsquo;s focus on Durga worship as a mother figure is a significant distinguishing feature of the celebration. The six-day festival includes elaborate rituals, artistic decorations, and cultural performances. The climax of the festivities occurs on Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the goddessrsquo;s return to her celestial home after defeating evil. Each day of the festival is associated with a different form of the goddess and carries its own significance.

Distinct Regional Traditions

The Bengali Durga Puja is a unique celebration that aligns specifically with the worship of Goddess Durga. Unlike the broader Navratri celebrations observed in other parts of India, which feature different deities and rituals, Bengali Durga Puja is primarily dedicated to Maa Durga. This regional tradition ensures that the festivities are centered around the worship of the goddess, making Maha Shashthi the starting point of the Bengali tradition.

Ritual Calendar

The rituals and celebrations are meticulously planned to ensure a focused devotion to Goddess Durga. The journey begins with Samkhdana (or Mahalaya), the day that marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. Devotees mark this day with special rituals and prayers to welcome Durga. From Maha Shashthi onwards, the main festivities and rituals are held, culminating in Vijaya Dashami.

Bengal: The Birthplace of Durga Puja

The practice of Durga Puja has deep roots in Bengal, with some of the earliest recorded mentions of the festival. It is believed that the goddess was worshipped by the zamindar of Maldah or Dinajpur, but the first Durga Puja mentioned in recorded history was at Nadia around 1606. This celebration was under the supervision of Maharaja Krishnachandrarsquo;s ancestor Bhavananda. This marks the importance of documented history in the evolution of Durga Puja celebrating practices and rituals.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bengali Durga Puja begins on the sixth day of Navratri, Maha Shashthi, due to its unique mythological, cultural, and ritualistic significance centered around the worship of Goddess Durga. This tradition has lasted for centuries, with each year marking a new celebration and a renewed devotion to the goddess.