Durga Puja

Aasche bochor Aabar hobe

 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are often referred to as ‘Mini India’ owing to its multitude of culture, language and religious belief perfectly blending into an entity which complement and strengthen the social fabric of the islands. The harmony eventually draws islanders closer to the point of rejoicing each other’s festivals and festivities. Durga Puja is one such special occasion wherein a large stratum of the society engages itself in the celebration that marks defeat of Mahisashura (evil) at the hands of Goddess Durga.
A view of Durga Puja mandap at Bambooflat Jetty in South Andaman in the Year 2008
According to Hindu mythology ‘Mahisashura’ through extreme austerity and prolonged meditations earned the favour of ‘Lord Brahma’ in the form of a boon that no ‘Man or Deity’ would be able to kill him. Endowed with the divine blessing, Mahisashura (in the form of a giant buffalo) unleashed a reign of terror over Earth and Heaven. The demon even defeated the king of gods, Purandara or (Indra) and secured the throne of heaven.

Seeing imminent threat to the very existence of the universe, all gods on the advice of Lord Shiva fused their shakti into one. Thus the magnificent goddess Durga was born, fully grown with many hands. She was as beautiful as she was deadly. Equipped with heavenly weaponry and a garland of immortal lotuses, she set off seated gracefully upon the lion. Mahisashura who had the boon against Man or Deity was at-last impaled by goddess Durga’s spear. The demon thus sought pardon beneath Goddess Durga’s left foot. This moment of defeat of the Mahisashura (evil force) at the hands of goddess Durga began to be worshipped thereafter.

At its Sarbajanin form, Durga Puja begins with Sashti, next is Saptami, then Ashtami and ends with Navami puja. It brings loads of joy, fun and frolic in our lives. Though actual puja lasts only for three days namely Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, but months preceding those auspicious days are equally joyous and eventful. During this period devotees form committees and put in their best efforts arranging for the successful conduct of the puja. Some contribute in making pandals, others seek donations, some would help by pulling in resources, manpower and loaning materials, others would be keeping a close watch on the scheduled dates and progress thereof. During this preparatory exercise, new faces come together, become friends and foster a lasting relationship.
Though Durga Puja is mainly celebrated by Bengalis in the mainland, however in A&N Islands, every village, ward or colony celebrate Durga Puja in their locality irrespective of the language they speak. Devotee’s turnout at each of the pandals seeking divine blessings of Maa Durga is enormous. Even those who seldom cross the city limits, during Durga Puja would set-out on a trip with family visiting various puja pandals across the city as well as in rural areas. Children dressed up in new clothes enjoy the most.

On the hind side of this joyous occasion, Bengali’s who had been eagerly waiting for the goddess to arrive, somehow feels saddened once puja begins. The auspicious puja days are counted and would eventually pass all too soon! They would thus be left with no choice but to once again wait for Debir agomon (arrival of Goddess) the next year. Therefore while the deity is taken for immersion on Dashami, that everyone in the procession drenched in joy as well as sorrow shouts “Aasche bochor Aabar hobe” (coming year, we will be back).
 

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