DURGA PUJO 2017
Durga Maa Nowka tey aagomon. Ghatak-e
gomon...” Life is a journey. A reminder of our scheduled arrival and departure.
In between is Durga Puja – the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil.
The essence of Durga Puja is
the celebration of this fight and victory of good over evil – not just in
physical terms, but also spiritual. The festival is observed to celebrate
Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahisasura the evil Asura (demon) king.
Interestingly, the arrival of
Goddess to earth each year is on a specific mode of transportation, having
significance amongst the Hindus.
“Nowka tey aagomon means Durga
Maa would arrive on Earth this year on a Wednesday sailing a boat. This mode of
transportation is associated with flood,” the almanac said.
Maa Durga is returning to her
heavenly abode after her four-day sojourn to Earth on the Ghatak or Horse – an animal
associated with War.
The mode of transportation
changes every year according to the almanac. These include Dola, Goj, Ghatak
(horse) and Nawka (boat.) Arrival or departure on Ghatak signifies war and
drought, whereas on Nawka flood and misery. It’s not known how these beliefs
took root amongst, but are taken seriously by many devote Hindus.
Durga or Shakti is also the
primordial cosmic feminine energy responsible for creation and destruction.
