Dashami - The End of Festivities

For we Bengalis, this is the biggest festival of the year. Today, the last day of the five-day event, is called “Bijoya Dashimi.” Mother Durga, who had come with her children (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Kartik) to visit her parents, departs today. For five days her idols had been worshiped and today the idols will be given back to the earth from which they were made. The origins of this festival are varied. Here’s one. The story goes that there was this guy called Mahishashur who because of his great devotion to Shiva, was granted a boon by Shiva that he could never be killed by any man or god. Shiva does crazy stuff like that. So Mahishashur became a bit of a nuisance, tormenting the gods etc. So then the gods in desperation presented their case to the supreme three — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Yes Shiva, the same guy who gave Mahishashur the power in the first place, is part of the trinity. The three agreed that something had to be done. So the invoked Shakti. Shakti is the ultimate power that underlies the whole of creation. It is also the female principle; Shiva is the male principle. Thus came Goddess Durga the fierce incarnation or avatar of Shakti and she confronted Mahishashur and defeated him. Durga is also referred to as “Mahishashur-mardini,” the slayer of Mahishashur. In Bengali iconography, Durga is depicted with ten arms, each holding a specialized instrument, riding a lion and piercing the heart of the demon Mahishashur with her lance. It is the same old story of good defeating evil.
Happy Bijoy Dashimi to all visitors of this blog and to all Members of Singhi Park.

I will be back with exciting pictures and videos of different events held during this period.

Nabami - The penultimate day

After the Sandhi puja starts the Nabami Puja. Kalparambho, Mahasnan and the main Nabami puja take place on this auspicious day.
Materials needed for Nabami puja:
Dantakashto-1, Clothes for Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu. Clothes for 9 planets ( Nabagraha ), Clothes for peacock, mouse, lion, asur, buffalo, ox, snake, Jaya, Bijoya, Vishnu, Shiv, and Ram . Flowers, Ashonanguriuk (22 finger rings made of kush), Madhupakka(22 bowls), Honey, Sugar, Curd, Ghee, Noibiddos (22), Small noibiddo-4, Chandmala, Plate-1, Ghoti-1, Nosering-1, Iron metal, Conch shell-2, Sindur box, Flower garland, 108 Belpata garland, Beetle leaves, Pan masala, Things for Homn (fire for yagna), Bel leaves, etc.

Sandhi Puja - An Insight

An integral and important part of Durga Puja, Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of the 8th and 9th lunar day. Sandhi puja lasts from the last 24 minutes of Ashtami till the first 24 minutes of Navami. During this juncture (the "Sandhikhan"), Durga is worshipped in her Chamunda form. Devi Durga killed Chando and Mundo, the two asuras at "Sandhikhan" and thus acquired the name of "Chamunda".
Myth behind Durga being worshipped as Chamunda:
While the Goddess and Mahishasura were engaged in a fierce battle, the two generals of Mahisha, Chando and Mundo attacked the Devi from the rear. Durga appeared to them, a brilliantly glowing woman with her hair knotted on her head, a crescent moon above her forehead, a 'tilak' on her forehead and a garland around her neck. With golden earrings and clad in a yellow saree she emitted a golden glow. Her ten hands possessed ten different weapons. Though she appeared beautiful her face turned blue with anger when she faced Chondo and Mundo. From her third eye then emerged a Devi with a large falchion and a shield. She had a large face, bloody tongue and sunken blood shot eyes. She was Chamunda. With a blood curdling shriek she leapt forward and killed them. This moment was the juncture of the 8th and 9th lunar day.
Age old yardsticks for measuring the "Sandhikhan":
Long back devotees, in order to perform the Sandhi Puja at the exact juncture used a number of methods. With the last 24 mins. of the Ashtami puja still left, a bronze bowl with a tiny hole was placed in a bucket full of water. The bowl with the tiny hole was made in such a way that it took exactly 24 minutes for the bowl to submerge in the water. The moment the bowl submerged in the water cannon balls were fired announcing this moment of Sandhi Puja. This yardstick for measuring the "Sandhikhan" was very popular ages ago in many "Rajbaris". Many "Rajbaris", including, the zamindar of Sutanuti of Sobhabajar Rajbari fired cannon balls to announce the "Sandhikhan". People around Sobhabajar waited for this indication to proceed with their puja. King of Krishnanagar, Raja Krishna Chandra, was given the cannon of Plassey as a gift from Robert Clive. In Shikharbhum Rajbari a platter with vermillion (sindur) used to be kept in front of the Devi. It is said the foot prints of the Devi could be seen in the platter. This moment indicated the commencement of Sandhi Puja. Sabarno Raychoudhury of Barisha worshipped the Chamunda Devi by burning 'Layta' and 'Pholui' (types of fishes) fishes.
Things needed to perform Sandhi Puja:
Sandhi Puja requires 108 lotus flowers, a single fruit, dry rice grain for "noibiddo", 108 earthen lamps, clothes, jewelry, hibiscus garlands and wood apple (bel) leaves. The almost non existent rituals which underwent changes with the changes in the society can still be seen in some of the 200-250 year old Pujas.

Ashtami Puja

Most important day of Durga Puja. Devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray for her blessings. Kalparambho, Mahasnan, the main Ashtami puja and the Sandhi Puja is performed.

Ingredients for Ashtami puja:
Dantakashto -1, Saree for Durga -1, Clothes for Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu. Clothes for 9 planets or 1 single planet, Clothes for peacock, mouse, lion, asur, buffalo, ox, snake, Jaya, Bijoya, Vishnu, Shiv, Ram or 1 Saree for main puja. Flowers, Ashonanguriuk (40 or 22 finger rings made of koosh), Madhupakka (40 or 22 bowls ), Honey, Sugar, Curd, Ghee, Noibiddos (40 or 22), Small noibiddo-4, Chandmala-1 Plate-1, Ghoti-1, Nosering-1, Iron metal, Conch shell-2, Sindur box, Flower, Garland, Belpata garland, Fruits, Bhog, Aarati.

Opening Ceremony

Some Pictures from our grand Opening Ceremony held on 23.09.2009

Saptami Puja

Saptami features the first day of Durga puja. Commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of 'Kola Bou' or nabapatrika and the main saptami puja apart from the Kalparambho and Mahasnan are part of this day.

Items needed for Nabapatrika: Kolabou

"Kola Gaach" (Banana plant)-1, "Kochu Gaach" (Colacassia plant)-1, "Halud Gaach" (Turmeric plant)-1, "Jayanti Dal" (Jayanti stem)-1, "Bel Dal" (Wood apple stem)-1, "Daalim Dal" (Pomegranate stem)-1, "Maankochu" (Arum plant)-1, "Dhan Gaach" (Rice plant)-1, "Ashok Dal" (Ashoka stem) -1, ''Aparajita Lata" (Twigs of white aparajita plant), Jute ropes, Red thread, Alta, Banana stems-2.


Main constituents of the Saptami Puja used at Singhi Park:

Baran bastra(clothes) for guru, Baran angorio (finger rings)-4 Yagna pobita -4, Til (Sesame), Horitoki (Myrobalan), Flowers, Ghat (pot) & Kundohari-1 Mirror, Two earthen bowl full of atop chal(a type of rice) and chaff. Tekatha- a triangular frame work of 3 pieces of wood. Green coconut with stalk-1, Belpata(wood apple leaves), One big earthen lamp. Handi. Panchapallab (5 leaves), Pancha ratna (5 gems), Panchashasha (5 grains), Panchaguri, Sindur, Sandalwood, 2 Gamchas -To cover the ghat, Gamcha for arati, White mustard, Mashkolai, Hibiscus flower, Small noibiddo, Ashonanguriuk (22 finger rings made of kush), Madhupakka (22 bowls), Honey, Sugar, Noibiddos (22), Main noibiddo-1, Saree for nabapatrika-1, Sarees for nabapatrika-9, or 1 Saree for main puja, Saree for Durga -1, Clothes for Lakshmi, Saraswati, Chandi, Kartik, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu. Clothes for 9 planets or 1 single planet, Clothes for peacock, mouse, lion, asur, buffalo, ox, snake, Jaya, Bijoya, Vishnu, Shiv, Ram. Offerings Chandmala, Plate -1, Ghoti -1, Nosering -1, Iron metal, Conch shell -2, Sindur box, Flower garland, Belpata garland, Fruits, Bhog, Things for aarati, Things for sacrifice, Khorke (one type of dry grass), Cowdung, Kush, Ghee(1 bottle), Bel leaves-108.

Kolabou

Popularly known as Lord Ganesh's wife, Kolabou in reality has no relationship with Ganesh. Our scriptures call her Nabapatrika. Interestingly enough, Nabapatrika was actually a popular ritual performed by the peasant folks for prosperous harvest. As idol worship was not common then, people worshipped Mother nature. It was during the autumn (Sharat), the time for reaping crops ("Amondhan"), peasants worshipped Goddess Nabapatrika for good harvest. Later when Durga Puja became a popular festival of "Sharat", all the nine holy rituals of the Nabapatrika, were added to the ceremonies of Durga Puja. Infact Nabapatrika represented the primitive form of Durga Puja. This primitive form of worship is still prevalent in some places.
Nabapatrika:
The nine plants comprising Nabapatrika are: Banana plant " Kola Gaach " Colacassia plant " Kochu Gaach " Turmeric plant " Halud Gaach " Jayanti tree, Wood apple tree " Bel Ghaach " Pomegranate tree " Daalim Gaach" Arum plant " Maankochu " Rice plant, and Ashoka tree.
Nabapatrika being an important part of Durga Puja, is worshipped during Bodhon. The nine plants of Nabapatrika represent the nine Goddesses. The Banana plant or the "Kola Gaach" represents Goddess Brahmani, Colacassia plant represents Goddess Kalika, Turmeric plant symbolises Devi Durga, Jayanti denotes Kartiki, Bel or wood apple Goddess Shiva, Pomegranate (Dalim Gaach) Raktadantika, Ashoka tree symbolises Sokrahita and Arum plant ("Maankochu") represents Chamunda and the Rice plant Goddess Lakshmi. These Goddesses are the nine forms of Devi Durga.
Bathing Ritual:
In the early hours of Saptami, the twigs of white "aparajita" plant along with nine bunches of yellow threads were used by the priests of Singhi Park to tie the Nabapatrika. It was then bathed. In our scriptures the elaborate bathing ritual of nabapatrika is compared with the coronation of a King. Just like the King is bathed with waters from holy places and oceans, bathing nabapatrika too requires the same. All the nine Goddesses representing nabapatrika are required to be bathed with waters from 8 different holy places. This bathing ritual was accompanied with varied mantras and diverse musical instruments (dhak – dhol) for different goddesses.

Our Idol

As earlier years, this year too our Pratima has the blessed touch of renownend artist Sri Mohon Banshi Rudra Pal. A very colourful and vibrant addition to the Singhi Park Archive.

Our Pandal

This Year Singhi Park presents a decent replica of The Badrinath Temple.

Our gift to Kolkatans this year: Badrinath @ Singhi Park

See you there!

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of our puja was held through a grand and successful programme yesterday evening. The Hon'ble Union Railway Minister was our chief guest. Other distingiushed guests included actress Debasree Roy, Singer Indranil Sen, Local MLA Sri. Sovandeb Chattopadhay.

A cultural bonanza followed with excellent performance by the Satabdi Ballet Troupe.

We Thank honourable minister of Railways, Kolkata Police, Satabdi ballet troupe and all members and localites for their time, co-operation and involvement in making the ceremony a success.

Pictures will follow soon!!!

Maha Sasthi

Sasthi, the sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with much fanfare and gusto. The 'Bodhon' rituals include the unveiling of the face of the idol. Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas are the important rituals of Sasthi apart from Kalparambho. (Beginning of the pujas):

The Process of Bodhon:

A stem of wood apple with 2 Bel (wood apples), Ghat (pot)/ Kundohari - An earthen bowl full of atop (a type of rice). 4 arrows, Green coconut with stalk, Gamcha-To cover the ghat a piece of cloth, A Dhoti for the wood apple tree. Many worship the wood apple tree itself, but we at Singhi Park perform this puja with 10 rituals which is also known as Dashopochar:
A Sari for bodhon. 2 Ashonanguriuk (a finger ring made of kush), 3 bowls of madhupakka (a mixture of honey, curd, ghee, sugar for oblation) Panchapallab (5 leaves), Pancha ratna (5 gems), Panchashasha (5 grains), Panchagobbo (5 extracts of the cow), Tekatha- a triangular frame work of 3 pieces of wood. Til (Sesame), Horitoki (myrobalan), Flowers, Chandmala (dangler with circular paper decorations), Curd, Honey, Ghee, Sugar, 3 big noibiddos, 1 small noibiddo, Bhoger drobbadi (materials for the feast), Aaratir drobbadi.

The materials of Amontron:

Sari for amontron-1, 1 Ashonanguriuk (a finger ring made of kush), 1 bowl of Madhupakka (a mixture of honey, curd, ghee, sugar for oblation), Flowers, Big noibiddos-1, Small noibiddo-1, Til (Sesame), Horitoki (Myrobalan)-1

The constituents of Adibas:

Oil, Turmeric, River soil from the Ganges, Perfume, Stone, Grain, Durba (a typical 3 leaved grass required), Flowers, Fruits, 1 dozen bananas in one stem, Curd, Ghee, Sindur, Swastik Pituli, Conch Shell, Kajol (corrilium), Gorachana (cow urine), White mustard seeds, Gold, Silver, Copper, Mirror, Alta, Yellow thread, Iron metal, Chamor (a kind of fan, a fly-whisk made of yak's tail used for fanning), Prodips (Earthen Lamps), Arrows, Pancha pradip (for aarati).

Ma Durga's 108 names

NAME - MEANING

Devi - The Diety
Tribhuvaneshwari - Goddess of The Three Worlds
Yashodagarba Sambhoota - Emerging From Yashoda's Womb
Narayanavarapriya - Fond of Narayana's Boons
Nandagopakulajata - Daughter Of The Nandagopa Race
Mangalya - Auspicious
Kulavardhini - Developer Of The Race
Kamsavidravanakari - Threatened Kamsa
Asurakshayamkari - Reducer Of The Number Of Demons
Shilathata Vinikshibda - At Birth,Slammed By Kamsa
Akashagamini - Flew In The Sky
Vasudevabhagini - Sister Of Vasudeva
Divamalya Vibhooshita - Adorned With Beautiful Garlands
Divyambaradhara - Beautifully Robed
Khadgaketaka Dharini - Holder Of Sword And Shield
Shiva - Auspicious
Papadharini - Bearer Of Others' Sins
Varada - Granter Of Boons
Krishnakoli - Sister Of Krishna
Kumari - Young Girl
Brahmacharini - Seeker Of Brahman
Balarkasadrushakara - Like The Rising Sun
Purnachandra Nibhanana - Beautiful Like The Full Moon
Chaturbhuja - Four-Armed
Chaturvakttra - Four-Faced
Peenashroni Payodhara - Large Bosomed
Mayoora Pichhavalaya - Wearer Of Peacock-Feathered Bangles
Keyurangadadharini - Bejewelled With Armlets And Bracelets
Krishnachhavisama - Like Krishna's Radiance
Krishna Dark - Complexioned
Sankarshanasamanana - Equal To Sankarshana
Indradhwaja Samabahudharini - With Shoulders Like Indra's Flag
Patradharini - Vessel-Holder
Pankajadharini - Lotus-Holder
Kanttadhara - Holder of Shiva's Neck
Pashadharini - Holder Of Rope
Dhanurdharini - Holder Of Bow
Mahachakradharini - Holder Of Chakra
Vividayudhadhara - Bearer Of Various Weapons
Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita - Wearer Of Earrings Covering The Ears
Chandravispardimukha - Beautiful Like The Moon
Mukutavirajita - Shining With Crown Adorned
Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita - Having Peacock-Feathered Flag
Kaumaravratadhara - Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do
Tridivabhavayirtri - Goddess Of The Three Worlds
Tridashapujita - The Goddess Of The Celestials
Trailokyarakshini - Protector Of The Three Worlds
Mahishasuranashini - Destroyer Of Mahishasur
Prasanna - Cheerful
Surashreshtta - Supreme Among The Celestials
Shiva - Shiva's Half
Jaya - Victorious
Vijaya - Conqueror
Sangramajayaprada - Granter Of Victory In The War
Varada - Bestower
Vindhyavasini` - Resident Of The Vindhyas
Kali Dark - Complexioned
Kali - Goddess Of Death
Mahakali - Wife Of Mahakaal
Seedupriya - Fond Of Drinks
Mamsapriya - Fond Of Flesh
Pashupriya - Fond Of All Beings
Bhootanushruta - Well Wisher Of Bhootaganas
Kamacharini - Acting On One's Own Accord
Papaharini - Destroyer Of Sins
Kirti - Famed
Shree - Auspicious
Dhruti - Valiant
Siddhi - Successful
Hri - Holy Chant Of Hymns
Vidhya - Wisdom
Santati - Granter Of Issues
Mati - Wise
Sandhya - Twilight
Ratri - Night
Prabha - Dawn
Nitya - Eternal
Jyotsana - Radiant Like Flames
Kantha - Radiant
Khama - Embodiment Of Forgiveness
Daya - Compassionate
Bandhananashini - Detacher Of Attachments
Mohanashini - Destroyer Of Desires
Putrapamrityunashini - Sustainer Of Son's Untimely Death
Dhanakshayanashini - Controller Of Wealth Decrease
Vyadhinashini - Vanquisher Of Ailments
Mruthyunashini - Destroyer Of Death
Bhayanashini - Remover Of Fear
Padmapatrakshi - Eyes Like The Lotus Leaf
Durga - Remover Of Distress
Sharanya - Granter Of Refuge
Bhaktavatsala - Lover Of Devotees
Saukhyada - Bestower Of Well-Being
Arogyada - Granter Of Good Health
Rajyada - Bestower Of Kingdom
Ayurda - Granter Of Longevity
Vapurda - Granter Of Beautiful Appearance
Sutada - Granter Of Issues
Pravasarakshika - Protector Of Travellers
Nagararakshika - Protector Of Land
Sangramarakshika - Protector Of Wars
Shatrusankata Rakshika - Protector From Distress Caused By Foes
Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika - Protector From Ignorance And Distress
Sagaragirirakshika - Protector Of Seas And Hills
Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika - Granter Of Success In All Attempts

Mahalaya

The traditional six day countdown to Mahasaptami starts from Mahalaya. Goddess Durga visits the earth for only four days but seven days prior to the Pujas, starts the Mahalaya. The enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra fill up the predawn hours of the day thus marking the beginning of " devipaksha " and the beginning of the count-down of Durga Puja. Sarat in its bloom, mingled with the festive spirit of Durga Puja reaches its pitch on the day of Mahalaya. From this day starts 'Devipaksha' and marks the end of 'Pitri-paksha'.

It is the day when many throng to the banks of river Ganga, clad in dhotis to offer prayers to their dead relatives and forefathers.People in the pre-dawn hours pray for their demised relatives and take holy dips in the Ganges. This ritual is known as 'Torpon'. This day bears immense significance for the Bengalis. It is according to the myths that Sree Rama hastily performed Durga Puja just before he set for Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana.



According to Purans, King Suratha, used to worship goddess Durga in spring. Thus Durga Puja was also known as Basanti Puja. But Rama preponed the Puja and worshiped Durga in autumn and that is why it is known as 'Akal Bodhon' or untimely worship. It was considered untimely as it is in the myths that puja was performed when the Gods and Goddesses were awake i.e. "Uttarayan" and was not held when the Gods and Goddesses rested ie."Dakshinayan".


It was on the day of Mahalaya,the beginning of "devipaksha",the Gods and Goddesses woke up to prepare themselves for Durga Puja. Akashvani Mahalaya: In the year 1930, Mahalaya was first broadcasted over the radio in Akashvani. The programme was organised by Premankur Aatorthi, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Nripendra Krishna Mukhopadhya and Raichand Boral. It was broadcasted live then. Later it was recorded and played. Bengal's cine star, Uttam Kumar had once recited Mahalaya while Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhya was the music director. But it was not popular among the mass and from then it has always been the voice of Birendra Kishna Bhadra enthralling the listeners in the pre-dawn hours of Mahalaya. The script was written by Bani Kumar, music was directed by Pankaj Kumar Mallik while Dijen Mukhopadhya, Manobendra Mukhopadhya (Tabo Achinta....), Sandhya Mukhopadhya, Arati Mukhopadhya, Utpala Sen, Shyamal Mitra and Supriti Ghosh (Bajlo tomar alor benu....) sang in their melodious voices.

Akalbodhan

The worship of Debi Durga in the month of Ashwin ( English – September to October ) is called 'Akalbodhan'- an uncustomary time for commencement of the worship. It is so called since the period of this worship differs from the conventional period (during the spring - 'Basanta').

Ramayan says that when Ram was engaged in the fierce battle with Ravan, he wanted to secure the blessings of victory from Debi Durga. He held the puja to evoke the goddess during autumn to his dire plight, thereby worshiping Durga untimely (in Akal). Hence this puja is called Akalbodhon.

It was customary to worship Durga with 108 neel kamals (blue lotuses). Rama could gather only 107 of them; he offered one of his eyes as a substitute of the 108th lotus. Pleased with his devotion Durga blessed him. The battle started on Shaptami and Ravana was killed at the in between (Shandhikshan) Ashtami and Navami; he was cremated on Dashami. Therefore the four days of the puja that we celebrate ends in the triumph of the good over evil.

Sharad Subheccha

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