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I shared earlier in the forum about this famous festival in Kolkata, India. Durga Puja is the festival where the Goddess of power - Devi Durga is worshipped. It is a five-day-long festival. And yesterday was Day 1 - Maha Sasthi.
As per Hindu mythology, the festival marks Goddess Durga's visit to her maternal home along with her children. Durga Puja is preceded by Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga's journey to her home. The actual puja starts with "Maha Sashthi" where devotees welcome the Goddess with pomp and gusto. On this day, Durga's deity is unveiled in front of the public. Several rituals are performed while the "dhakis" keep the mood and spirit of the puja alive by playing the "dhak"—a kind of drum that's associated with the puja and Bengali culture.
And since, it was a happy day the Indian Office staff were all decked up in ethnic Indian wear - sarees, salwars for ladies & Punjabi for Gents. Here's some images, spot who's who??
As per Hindu mythology, the festival marks Goddess Durga's visit to her maternal home along with her children. Durga Puja is preceded by Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga's journey to her home. The actual puja starts with "Maha Sashthi" where devotees welcome the Goddess with pomp and gusto. On this day, Durga's deity is unveiled in front of the public. Several rituals are performed while the "dhakis" keep the mood and spirit of the puja alive by playing the "dhak"—a kind of drum that's associated with the puja and Bengali culture.
And since, it was a happy day the Indian Office staff were all decked up in ethnic Indian wear - sarees, salwars for ladies & Punjabi for Gents. Here's some images, spot who's who??
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