The Story Behind Durga Puja: Why Is It Celebrated?

It’s festive season, and with Durga Puja just around the corner, excitement is in the air! No longer limited to Bengal or the Bengali community, this vibrant festival has become a pan-Indian celebration. From the grand Puja pandals to indulging in mouth-watering sweets like roshogullas, sandesh, and mishti doi, Durga Puja is a cultural spectacle that we all look forward to.

But amidst the grandeur and celebrations, have you ever wondered about the powerful story behind Durga Puja?We celebrate Durja Puja to commemorate the victory of Ma Durga over a rather powerful demon Mahishasura, who received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invincible to men and gods.

At the heart of Durga Puja is the legendary battle between Goddess Durga and the powerful demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura was granted a boon by Lord Brahma that made him invincible to both men and gods. Emboldened by this, his arrogance grew unchecked, wreaking havoc across heaven, earth, and the underworld.

Something had to be done, and done fast!

Thus the gods created Goddess Durga by combining their powers to defeat Mahishasura. She was the embodiment of feminine strength and power.

The battle between Durga and Mahishasura lasted nine days and nights, and ended on the tenth day, Vijaydashmi.

Each day of Navratri, an incarnation of Durga is worshipped to celebrate her victory over Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. 

The nine avtaars of Goddess Durga are:

Pratipada: Shailaputri, the “Daughter of Mountain”

Dwitiya: Brahmacharini, the “Unmarried One”

Tritiya: Chandraghanta 

Chaturthi: Kushmanda 

Panchami: Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya)

Saptami: Kalaratri, the most ferocious form of Durga

Navami: Siddhidhatri, the “Giver of Perfection”