Worship of the divine feminine has been prevalent all over the world since prehistoric times. Numerous instances have shown us different forms of the worship of the Mother in places across Europe, Africa and Asia. Within India as well, Devi is a symbol of divine power.
Rama invoked Goddess Durga to seek her blessings in order to win against Ravana. Mythology tells us that the period between Rama’s akaalbodhan and Ravana’s cremation is celebrated as Durga Puja. Goddess Durga - the epitome of female strength, who killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura, is worshipped by her followers during these days. This festival is specific to certain parts of India like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, etc. It is spread over six days: Panchami, Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Vijayadashami, during which the whole of Bengal gears up to explore the aesthetic delight of the various pandals in the area. However, when it comes to the Bengalis living outside West Bengal (often called Probashi Bengalis), Durga Puja has a completely different meaning.
Durga Puja or ‘Pujo’ as it is generally called, stands as a symbol of homecoming and unity with one’s homeland for Probashi Bengalis. Marked by colourful cultural programmes, games, music, food and the memorable ‘addas’ late into the night; Durga Puja has a lot to offer to every Bengali. Amader Pujo offers all these flavours to every Bengali who sets foot in the pandal. Organised by KARBA - Kanakpura Road Bengali Association, Amader Pujo is South Bengaluru’s biggest and most happening Durga Puja.
With the idea of bringing in the fresh essence of Bengali culture and festivals to the Bengalis of Bengaluru, Amader Pujo’s inception began in the year 2012. Within a short span of time, Amader Pujo became one of the major Durga Pujas in South Bengaluru to experience 4000 footfalls each day at the venue.
The celebration begins with Anandamela on Panchami, where the ladies show their culinary skills by preparing scrumptious food that is put on sale for the visitors. The morning of Shashti begins with bodhan (invocation of Goddess Durga) and is followed by Pushpanjali.
The six days of Durga Puja bring happiness, devotion and nostalgia at the same time to the heart of every Probashi Bengali. In order to keep this spirit alive, Amader Puja presents Saptapadi, a cultural team, that performs every year to captivate the audience. Apart from this, there have been performances by bands like Aurko, Teetas, Aikyatan, etc.
Lunch comprises of a sumptuous meal of the typical bhog offered to Ma Durga - Khichdi, Labra, Papad, Chutney and Mishti. Dinner on the other hand can be chosen from an array of cuisines served by the various food stalls. Noibeddo, an annual souvenir, is released during Durga Puja. This is something that everyone looks forward to as it is replete with nostalgic prose, poetry, art, photographs, etc.
Durga Puja is incomplete without the excitement of games and competitions. Various contests specific to kids, couples and ladies are organised by creative individuals.
The fancy dress competition for children has the highest number of viewers, among all.
The last day of Durga Puja, Vijayadashami, begins with the Dashami Puja and moves on to Debi Boron where all the married ladies offer sweets to Ma Durga and perform arati as it is time for the goddess to go back home (Kailash). This is followed by SindurKhela where the married women put vermillion on each other as a mark of celebration and everybody dances to the rhythm of the dhak.
The day ends on a sad note by immersing the idol of the Devi in water. And the wait begins for the next homecoming.