Durga puja and Dussehra: When the divine rises

India, a land of diverse cultures and religions, celebrates many festivals that are deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition.

- TDG NETWORK

Among these, Durga Puja and Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami) hold immense religious significance, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil. Though celebrated in different ways across India, both festivals honor divine victory, feminine power, and the moral courage required to face inner and outer demons.

Durga Puja, predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and other parts of eastern India, is a grand festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, the fierce and compassionate form of Shakti — the divine feminine power. According to Hindu mythology, Durga was created by the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat the demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by any man or god.

Durga represents the combined power (Shakti) of all the gods. She is shown with ten arms, riding a lion or tiger, carrying divine weapons, and slaying the demon with a trident. This image is not merely symbolic — it reflects the inner strength, courage, and righteousness that every devotee is encouraged to embrace.

The Navratri (nine nights) leading up to Durga Puja are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga — Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Each day signifies the victory of light over darkness, purity over impurity, and wisdom over ignorance.