Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the worship of the goddess Durga. It is especially significant in West Bengal, India, and among Bengali communities worldwide. The Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda and inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, observes Durga Puja with great reverence and spiritual fervor.
Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Mission
Spiritual Significance: At the Ramakrishna Mission, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but also a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding. The celebration emphasizes the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Rituals and Celebrations: The festival typically spans five days: Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
The idols of Durga, along with her children Lakshmi,
Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are beautifully crafted and installed in
elaborately decorated pandals (temporary structures).
Daily rituals include the chanting of hymns, reading of
scriptures, and the performance of arati (a ritual of worship with light).
Kumari Puja is a special ritual where a young girl,
symbolizing the goddess, is worshipped.
Cultural Programs:
- Alongside the religious ceremonies, cultural programs such as devotional songs, classical dances, and dramas are organized.
- These activities aim to foster a sense of community and promote the cultural heritage associated with the festival.
Community Involvement: Devotees and visitors participate in the rituals and cultural events, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The Ramakrishna Mission often organizes charitable
activities during the festival, such as distributing clothes and food to the
needy, aligning with their ethos of "serving God in man."
Immersion Ceremony: On the final day, Dashami, the idols are taken in a grand procession for immersion (visarjan) in a river or other water body.
This marks the end of the festivities, symbolizing the
departure of the goddess to her celestial abode.
Durga Puja at the Ramakrishna Mission is a blend of
devotion, spirituality, and community service. It reflects the mission's
commitment to the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, focusing
on inner spiritual growth and the upliftment of society through selfless
service. The festival is a time for devotees to come together, celebrate their
faith, and engage in acts of kindness and charity.