The autumn season brings with it the flavour of Durga Puja in the air, ushering a lot of positive energy within everyone and especially the Bengalis across the country. The first thing that strikes us is vacation, lip-smacking food, fun, family, music and above all the sound of the traditional instrument, Dhak. The music by Dhak resonates in our mind, evoking a sense of belongingness, passion and emotion.
Durga Puja is widely celebrated across the country including the Indian states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal, where it is observed as a five-day annual holiday. In West Bengal which has a majority of Bengali Hindus, it is the biggest and most significant festival of the year. In major countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Singapore and Kuwait many diaspora Bengali cultural organisations come together to celebrate Durga Puja.
There is a mythological belief that Durga worshiper Lord Rama, invoked the blessings of Goddess Durga before going to a war with Ravana. He is believed to have performed Chandi Homa and gained the secret knowledge to kill Ravana. On the day of Ashvin Shukla Dashami, Rama rescued Sita and defeated Ravana. Since then, this day has been celebrated as Dussehra.
Picture courtesy- journeymart