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Hinduism: Practices That Shape Religious Identity

Durga Puja, Navaratri and the Goddess

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Central story of Durgā Pūjā and main days of Durgā Pūjā.

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Key term

How is Durgā depicted, why was she created, and where is her festival greatest?

Key term

Who is Durgā?

Key term

What is the central story of Durgā Pūjā?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Who is Durgā?

    Model answer

    Durgā is the warrior form of the Goddess, riding a lion and bearing many weapons. Hindus worship her as divine mother and as supreme power.

  2. 2

    What is the central story of Durgā Pūjā?

    Model answer

    Durgā was created by the gods to destroy the buffalo demon Mahiṣāsura, whom no man or god could kill. The Devī Māhātmya tells how she defeated him.

  3. 3

    Where is Durgā Pūjā most strongly celebrated?

    Model answer

    Bengal, Assam and Odisha keep Durgā Pūjā as the greatest festival of the year. Kolkata's celebration entered the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2021.

  4. 4

    What is a pandal?

    Model answer

    A pandal is a temporary structure built to house the Durgā image for the festival. Neighbourhood committees compete over its design and decoration.

  5. 5

    Which deities stand beside Durgā in the pandal?

    Model answer

    Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya are shown with her as her children. The group presents the Goddess surrounded by prosperity, learning and protection.

  6. 6

    Describe the main days of Durgā Pūjā.

    Model answer

    Worship begins on the sixth day with bodhan, the awakening of the Goddess. The eighth and ninth days carry the greatest rites, and the tenth ends in immersion.

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